Teaching Primary English by
Teaching Primary English is a comprehensive, evidence-informed introduction designed to support and inspire teaching and learning in the primary school. Written in a clear and accessible way, it draws on the very latest research and theory to describe and exemplify a full and rich English curriculum. It offers those on teacher training courses, as well as qualified teachers who are looking to develop their practice, subject knowledge and guidance for effective, enjoyable classroom practice. Advice and ideas are supported by explicit examples of good teaching linked to video clips filmed in real schools, reflective activities, observational tasks and online resources. Each chapter includes suggestions for great children's literature, considers assessment throughout and offers support planning for diversity and special educational needs. Key topics covered include: spoken language for teaching and learning storytelling, drama and role play reading for pleasure early reading, including phonics poetry writing composition spelling and handwriting grammar and punctuation responding to and assessing writing multimodal, multimedia and digital texts. With a focus on connecting all modes of English, the global and the local, and home and school experience, this detailed, uplifting book will support you in developing a curious, critical approach to teaching and learning English. Additional content can be found on the fantastic supporting website. Features include: video clips from within the classroom to demonstrate English teaching techniques audio resources, including an interactive quiz, to check understanding and provide real-life examples and case studies downloadable resources to support teaching and incorporate into lesson plans.
Language Development by
An accessible introduction to language development aimed at a wide audience of students from different disciplines such as psychology, behavioural science, linguistics, cognitive science, and speech pathology. It requires only minimal knowledge of psychology, and is intended for undergraduates from the second year of studies onwards. The wide accessibility to undergraduates is achieved by avoiding technical terminology when possible and explaining all crucial concepts in the text. From the first moment of life, language development occurs in the context of social activities. This book emphasises how language development interacts with social and cognitive development, and shows how these abilities work together to turn children into sophisticated language users?a process that continues well beyond the early years. Covering the breadth of contemporary research on language development, Brooks and Kempe illustrate the methodological variety and multi-disciplinary character of the field, presenting recent findings with reference to major theoretical discussions. Through their clear and accessible style, readers are given an authentic flavour of the complexities of language development research. With such research advancing at a rapid pace, Language Development uncovers new insights into a variety of areas such as the neurophysiological underpinnings of language, the language processing capabilities of newborns, and the role of genes in regulating this amazing human ability.
Reading Development and Difficulties by 
Teaching English Creatively by
What does it mean to teach English creatively to primary school children? Teaching English Creatively encourages and enables teachers to adopt a more creative approach to the teaching of English in the primary school. Fully updated to reflect the changing UK curricula, the second edition of this popular text explores research-informed practices and offers new ideas to develop imaginatively engaged readers, writers, speakers and listeners. Underpinned by theory and research, and illustrated throughout with examples of children¿s work, it examines the core elements of creative practice and how to explore powerful literary, non-fiction, visual and digital texts creatively. Key themes addressed include: Developing creativity in and through talk and drama¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Creatively engaging readers and writers Teaching grammar and comprehension imaginatively and in context¿¿¿¿¿¿ Profiling meaning and purpose, autonomy, collaboration and play Planning, reviewing and celebrating literacy learning Ensuring the creative involvement of the teacher¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ Inspiring and accessible, Teaching English Creatively puts contemporary and cutting-edge practice at the forefront and includes a wealth of innovative ideas to enrich English teaching. Written by an experienced author with extensive experience of initial teacher education and English teaching in the primary school, it¿s an invaluable resource for any teacher who wishes to embed creative approaches to teaching in their classroom.
The Development of Language by
Note: This is the bound book only and does not include access to the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with a bound book, use ISBN 013441201X. Featuring a multi-disciplinary approach-and chapters written by outstanding scholars known for their expertise in the areas they discuss-The Development of Language focuses on language acquisition throughout the lifespan, with new coverage of linguistic achievements in the first year of life and through the middle school years. It examines what we know about language development using biological, social, and cultural contexts, while also investigating individual differences, atypical development, literacy, and language development in adults. Each chapter is written by world-renowned scholars and cutting-edge researchers, and each chapter provides a helpful summary, list of key words, a comprehensive text glossary explaining each term, and extensive links to video resources that help bring the concepts to clarity, through examples of child communication behaviors, insights into how research into child language is conducted, and first person interviews with influential researchers in the field. The new edition emphasizes language development in children who are learning languages other than English or are bilingual and includes new information about children with risk factors for language delay or disorder. Within each topical area, such as speech production, vocabulary, syntax, pragmatics, and literacy, the authors integrate discussion of potential problems or differences in how children learn the various aspects of language. Cultural influences that lead to group and individual variation in children's language environments and profiles of language development are addressed throughout. The Enhanced Pearson eText features embedded videos. Improve mastery and retention with the Enhanced Pearson eText* The Enhanced Pearson eText provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content. The Enhanced Pearson eText is: Engaging. The new interactive, multimedia learning features were developed by the authors and other subject-matter experts to deepen and enrich the learning experience. Convenient. Enjoy instant online access from your computer or download the Pearson eText App to read on or offline on your iPad#65533; and Android#65533; tablet.* Affordable. The Enhanced Pearson eText may be purchased stand-alone for 50-60% less than a print bound book. * The Enhanced eText features are only available in the Pearson eText format. They are not available in third-party eTexts or downloads. *The Pearson eText App is available on Google Play and in the App Store. It requires Android OS 3.1-4, a 7" or 10" tablet, or iPad iOS 5.0 or later.
Teaching Language and Literacy in the Early Years by
The early years are increasingly recognized as a priority time for the education of children and language and literacy are key elements of any early childhood program. This second edition provides an accessible text on the current research and thinking surrounding these areas and demonstrates clearly how this theory can work in practice. The authors provide guidance on planning, assessment and recording; suggest appropriate activities, resources and play ideas to help those who work with or are planning to work within the foundation stage. The second edition includes specific reference to both the curriculum guidance for the Foundation Curriculum and the framework of teaching objectives for the National Literacy Strategy and puts these within a framework which acknowledges the centrality of play and talk in the early years. The book is firmly grounded in the requirements of the Foundation curriculum and is a suitable textbook for undergraduate early childhood courses, all those following routes into early years teaching, and existing practitioners in all types of early years settings. The book will also be appropriate reading for LEA advisers and those who inspect early years settings. textbook for undergraduate early childhood courses, all those following routes into early years teaching, and existing practitioners in all types of early years settings. The book will also be appropriate reading for LEA advisers and those who inspect early years settings.
Language, Literacy and Communication in the Early Years by
This book guides students and practitioners through the wealth of information on cognition and language development by breaking the area down into manageable chunks and drawing these together into a full understanding of the holistic nature of child development. Children with communication difficulties are at risk of poor outcomes educationally, socially and in employability. Whilst there may be a range of interventions which can help children, it is the practice of those working with them that is the key to success. Therefore a firm understanding of communication development and the ability to adapt teaching to support children's individual needs are vital. The text offers a balanced approach to the theories and research into the development and acquisition of language and literacy in the early years. It examines how practice can be improved and the impact that language and literacy development has on learning outcomes. It also, importantly, addresses the particular pedagogy related to bilingual and multilingual learners. Carefully structured activities are provided and the text clearly relates theory to practice. Pedagogical features encourage a questioning, challenging and reflective approach, promoting critical thinking throughout.. *** Librarians: ebook available (Series: Early Years) [Subject: Early Childhood Education, Language, Communication]
Primary English: Knowledge and Understanding by
Now with online resources to support subject knowledge!Secure subject knowledge and understanding is the foundation of confident, creative and effective teaching. To help your students master this, the 8th edition of this established text now comes with a range of online resources available on the brand new companion website including: Interactive English subject knowledge audit: to assess your students subject knowledge in primary English. Save valuable teaching time at the start of the year by setting is as a pre-course audit and ensure students have an accurate picture of their ability before they begin. Grading your students′ overall performance, results can be shared with you immediately and include further reading suggestions so students can revisit areas where they require improvement. Reflective self-assessment questions: more than 70 'check your learning' questions help consolidate students' understanding of each chapter topic and monitor their learning as they work through the book. Irregular verbs: a handy reference of all the irregular verbs so trainees can teach English confidently. Glossary: building students′ knowledge, the full online glossary of terms for English helps them know their 'digraph' from your 'soliloquy'. This 8th edition, covering the whole primary curriculum, also includes new chapters on handwriting and the nature of learning. Updated interactive activities throughout the book engage students in their learning and enable discussion. Using this book in conjunction with the free online resources really makes this the complete package for developing English subject knowledge.
Language and Literacy for the Early Years by 
Rediscoveries in Children's Literature by
First Published in 1995. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Social Literacies by
Social Literacies develops new and critical approaches to the understanding of literacy in an international perspective. It represents part of the current trend towards a broader consideration of literacy as social practices, and as its title suggests, it focuses on the social nature of reading and writing and the multiple character of literacy practices.
Primary English for Trainee Teachers by
What do I need know about English to teach it effectively in primary schools? How do children learn English? How do I teach it? What does a good primary English lesson look like? This is the ultimate guide for primary trainee teachers grappling with these questions. A comprehensive guide to teaching the National Curriculum for primary English, it covers both subject knowledge and teaching theory and practice. This new edition now includes new chapters on the teaching of phonics and the barriers to learning English in primary schools, making it the complete course textbook.
Primary English: Teaching Theory and Practice by
The Sixth Edition of this popular core text provides the essential teaching theory and practice for primary English. It promotes effective teaching through secure pedagogical knowledge, covering the key skills of planning, monitoring and assessment and class management, and relating these specifically to primary English. This Sixth Edition is linked to the 2012 Teachers′ Standards. With full coverage of the theory and practice required for effective and creative English teaching, this text is an essential guide for all trainees working towards QTS. Throuhgout, practical guidance and features support trainees to translate this learning to the classroom, embed ICT in their lessons and to understand the wider context of their teaching. Trainees will find it helpful to use this book alongside Primary English Knowledge and Understanding. About the Achieving QTS series All the books in this successful series support trainees through their initial teacher training and guide them in the acquisition of their subject knowledge, understanding and classroom practice. All new titles within the series link to the 2012 Teachers′ Standards and take into accont recent changes in Initial Teacher Training. Jane Medwell is an Associate Professor of Education at the Institute of Education, University of Warwick. David Wray is Professor of Literacy Education at the Institute of Education, University of Warwick. Hilary Minns co-ordinates primary English courses in the Institute of Education, University of Warwick. Elizabeth Coates works in the Institute of Education, University of Warwick, where she co-ordinate Early Years courses. Vivienne Griffiths is Professor of Education at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Introduction to Education Studies by
In this fully updated fifth edition of this much-loved textbook, students will be introduced to different ways of looking at education, supported by links to classic and contemporary research. Built around the essential themes of psychology, history, policy and sociology that underpin Education Studies courses, key updates include: · New 'Applying Critical Evaluation' tasks to help develop your analytical skills · Analysis of recent curriculum developments including EY assessment, Ebacc and T-levels · Examination of education policy up to, and including, 2019 · Enhanced discussion of educational neuroscience and the science of learning
Teaching with Tablets by
The presence of handheld technologies in the classroom isn′t enough - you need to know how to use them to enhance teaching and transform learning. As more and more primary schools acquire devices such as iPads and tablets, it is becoming clear that adding them as a classroom resource is not enough. Teachers and trainees need strategies to integrate these into existing learning contexts in a meaningful way. Without this, these fantastic resources lose their value.This book helps teachers to make the most of these devices in the primary classroom. It offers guidance on: how to use tablets to devise meaningful learning activities embed them in genuine curriculum contexts, drawing upon case studies from existing practice It is written for non-specialists and explains technical terms in an accessible, practical way. Each chapter begins with a case study contributed by a teacher using tablets in schools. Real life examples and comments like this give the text a truly practical focus. Check out the book′s Pinterest board which includes the apps mentioned in the book as well as a handy infographic for a snapshot guide on starting off your tablet teaching journey. A note from the authorsThe use of technology in schools continues to evolve rapidly as new devices and tools become available, and the adoption of mobile devices such as iPads and tablets has been a particularly exciting development in recent years. The benefits offered by these technologies, such as their portability, connectivity, accessibility and range of media, present new challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning. As the take up of tablets gathers pace in our schools there is a need for advice on the best approaches and apps to help achieve successful learning outcomes. Teachers need to find meaningful ways to integrate the devices into their own practice and to evaluate which of the many thousands of educational apps might be appropriate for their pupils.This book considers how iPads and tablets can be used to enhance teaching and learning in primary schools. It is especially relevant in the light of the computing curriculum, which puts a new emphasis on children as makers and creators of digital content. Across other curriculum subjects too, the introduction of mobile devices that can be quickly and reliably accessed has precipitated a shift in practice. For example, they have enabled teachers and children to spontaneously pursue lines of inquiry, to connect, collaborate and publish in many different ways, and to use their digital skills to enhance their exploration of the physical world outside the classroom.With these opportunities in mind, we offer anecdotes from the classroom and examples of how tablets might be embedded within current pedagogy and practice as a natural learning tool. Each chapter combines a practical case study with discussion of related pedagogy, and recommends apps to support a personalised, inclusive and active approach to teaching and learning.
Teaching Fiction in the Primary School by
First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
Teaching Poetry in the Primary School by
First Published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
The Hundred Languages of Children by
The city-run early childhood program of Reggio Emilia, Italy, has become recognized and acclaimed as one of the best systems of education in the world. Over the past forty years, educators there have evolved a distinctive innovative approach that supports children's well-being and fosters their intellectual development through a systematic focus on symbolic representation. Young children (from birth to age six) are encouraged to explore their environment and express themselves through many languages, or modes of expression, including words, movement, drawing, painting, sculpture, shadow play, collage, and music. Leading children to surprising levels of symbolic skill and creativity, the system is not private and elite but rather involves full-day child care open to all, including children with disabilities. This new Second Edition reflects the growing interest and deepening reflection upon the Reggio approach, as well as increasing sophistication in adaptation to the American context. Included are many entirely new chapters and an updated list of resources, along with original chapters revised and extended. The book represents a dialogue between Italian educators who founded and developed the system and North Americans who have considered its implications for their own settings and issues. The book is a comprehensive introduction covering history and philosophy, the parent perspective, curriculum and methods of teaching, school and system organization, the use of space and physical environments, and adult professional roles including special education. The final section describes implications for American policy and professional development and adaptations in United States primary, preschool, and child care classrooms.
Language and Learning in the Digital Age by
In Language and Learning in the Digital Age, linguist James Paul Gee and educator Elisabeth Hayes deal with the forces unleashed by today s digital media, forces that are transforming language and learning for good and ill. They argue that the role of oral language is almost always entirely misunderstood in debates about digital media. Like the earlier inventions of writing and print, digital media actually power up or enhance the powers of oral language. Gee and Hayes deal, as well, with current digital transformations of language and literacy in the context of a growing crisis in traditional schooling in developed countries. With the advent of new forms of digital media, children are increasingly drawn towards video games, social media, and alternative ways of learning. Gee and Hayes explore the way in which these alternative methods of learning can be a force for a paradigm change in schooling. This is an engaging, accessible read both for undergraduate and graduate students and for scholars in language, linguistics, education, media and communication studies."
Developing as a Reflective Early Years Professional by
This revised and up-to-date second edition of Developing as a Reflective Early Years Professional takes an accessible yet critical approach to key themes within the early years, with a focus throughout on reflective practice. An examination is made of theories and research into the nature of reflection, how it can be used and how it can improve practice to produce a more responsive and thoughtful, research-based workforce for young children and their families. A range of themes, including global childhood poverty, observation and assessment, leadership, and multi-professional working are then explored, highlighting the importance and application of reflection throughout these areas of research and practice. This new edition includes two new chapters on reflecting on work-based learning and reflecting on children's play and creativity. Information on mentoring and on the position of men in early years higher education has also been added. Greater depth and challenge is provided through extended thinking questions and extended reflections at the end of each chapter. (Series: Early Years) [Subject: Education]
Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning by
This book represents a major statement of the current research being conducted on the learning of second languages from a sociocultural perspective. The book is divided into a theoretical and an empirical part. Specific topics covered include: learning and teaching languages in the zone ofproximal development; L1 mediation in the acquisition of L2 grammar; sociocultural theory as a theory of second language learning; gestural mediation in a second language; and constructing a self through a second language.
Characteristics of effective early learning : helping young children become learners for life by
The key argument of The Characteristics of Effective Early Learning is that how children learn is as important as what they learn. This book helps you understand how to support the learning and development of young children through promoting the characteristics of effective early learning: play and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically.
Special Educational Needs by
This guide to inclusive practice covers contemporary policy issues, perspectives from practice and specialist guidance from across a wide range of common syndromes. Bringing together the important combination of theory, knowledge and practice, each chapter is written by experts from fields within Special and Additional Educational Needs. This third edition includes new chapters on: - The current context of SEN current context: in research and practice - Speech, language and communication - The role and use of technology in supporting learners with SEND - Pathological/Extreme Demand Avoidance (PDA/EDA) - Working together - Children and Young People's Perspectives Providing a solid foundation for understanding and supporting learners with additional needs, this comprehensive text is ideal for students, teachers or practitioners. Lindsay Peer CBE is an educational and chartered psychologist, international speaker and author. Gavin Reid is an international consultant and psychologist, with consultancies in Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.
Influencing Early Childhood Education by
Thinking about early childhood education will offer an academic and critical approach to the wealth of theories that underpin elements of current practice in early childhood care and education. It will focus on analyzing the rise and interconnectedness of theories of learning and development. It will range from key nineteenth century movements to progressive ideas of the twentieth century, encompassing psychoanalytic theories, deconstructing theories and constructivism and behaviourism.
Vygotsky and Literacy Research by
Winner of the 2013 David H Russell award for Outstanding Research in English, the premier research award presented by the National Council of Teachers of English. (About the 2013 award) Winner of the 2014 Steve Witte Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Writing and Literacies SIG In this book Peter Smagorinsky reconsiders his many publications employing Vygotsky's theory of culturally-mediated human development and applies them, through a unified and coherent series of chapters, to literacy research. This exploration takes previously-published work and incorporates it into a new and sustained argument regarding the application of Vygotsky's ideas to current questions regarding the nature of literacy and how to investigate it as a cultural phenomenon that contributes to human growth in social context. To conduct this inquiry, Smagorinsky first provides an overview that contextualizes Vygotsky both in his own time and in efforts to extrapolate from his Soviet origins to the 21st Century world. This consideration includes attention to the current context for literacy studies. He then reviews current conceptions of literacy in the realms of reading, writing, and additional tool use, grounding each in a Vygotskian perspective. The book's final chapters take a critical look at both research method and the writing of research reports, taking into account both research and research reports as social constructions based in disciplinary practices. On the whole, this volume makes an important contribution to Vygotskian studies and literacy research through the author's careful alignment between theory and practice.
The Essential Guide to SPaG in the Primary Classroom by
Are your students struggling to know their ′determiners′ from their ′prepositions′? Are they struggling with word classes, phrases and clauses? This book is here to help by: Giving them what they need to know to teach all areas of primary grammar Explaining what′s good to know to support more able children Outlining what good teaching of each part of grammar looks like in the classroom Suggesting classroom activities for all areas of the SPaG curriculum Also included is a section on the new SPaG test.
EPPE (Effective Provision of Pre-School Education Project)
British Association of Early Childhood Education
Birth to Five - Lincolnshire Award Winning Website Service
Department for Education (and teaching information)
Foundation Years - Specifically Early Years
Office for Standards in Education - OFSTED
Information on Education and EY in Suffolk
Foundation Years - Latest and useful information on many areas e.g phonics
The Social Psychology of the Classroom by
Teachers often find that their training has not provided them with sufficient knowledge and understanding about underlying social forces and processes in their classrooms. This new book addresses this gap by focusing on the social psychology of the classroom, providing the relevant social psychological knowledge and facilitating the application of that knowledge in the practice of the teacher in the classroom. Elisha Babad discusses "the state of the art" of classroom management theory, research and practice and explores a full range of teacher and classroom experiences (such as teachers' differential behavior in the classroom and its psychological price, students' roles and relationships, and distinguishing between "educating" students and "changing" students). This exceptional book will be of interest to students and scholars of educational studies and educational psychology as well as for teachers-in-training, experienced teachers, and "educators-at-large."
‘I can't read it; I don't know’: young children's participation in the pedagogical documentation of English early childhood education and care settings by
International Journal of Early Years Education, 20(2), 190-201
The New Early Years Foundation Stage by 
Handbook of the Study of Play by
The Handbook of the Study of Play brings together in two volumes thinkers whose diverse interests at the leading edge of scholarship and practice define the current field. Because play is an activity that humans have shared across time, place, and culture and in their personal developmental timelines and because this behavior stretches deep into the evolutionary past no single discipline can lay claim to exclusive rights to study the subject. Thus this handbook features the thinking of evolutionary psychologists; ethologists and biologists; neuroscientists; developmental psychologists; psychotherapists and play therapists; historians; sociologists and anthropologists; cultural psychologists; philosophers; theorists of music, performance, and dance; specialists in learning and language acquisition; and playground designers. Together, but out of their varied understandings, the incisive contributions to The Handbook take on vital questions of educational policy, of literacy, of fitness, of the role of play in brain development, of spontaneity and pleasure, of well-being and happiness, of fairness, and of the fuller realization of the self. These volumes also comprise an intellectual history, retrospective looks at the great thinkers who have made possible the modern study of play."
Reading, Language, and Literacy by
The impetus for this book emerged from a conference that brought together publishers, and reading researchers and educators for the purpose of examining the best available research evidence about what we know -- and what we have yet to learn -- about the teaching of reading and about how children learn to read. The goal of the conference was to contribute to a sound research base upon which to develop classroom practices that will ensure that every American child will become fully literate. Because the field is still so deeply divided over the best ways to translate belief into classroom practice, the editors decided to highlight rather than gloss over these divisions. It is hoped that the papers in this volume will promote thought and discussion that will lead to action in improving reading instruction for children, now and into the new century.
The Pre-K Debates by
Targeted or universal pre-K? Direct instruction or learning through play? These and other debates are heating up as more and more young children across the country gain access to pre-K programs. Now there's a single volume that spotlights today's most urgent pre-K debates, explores each one from all sides, and paves the way for sound, educated decision-making. Edited by a founder of Head Start and two other highly respected experts, this forward-thinking book gathers a who's who of more than 40 leading thinkers in early childhood education for a rigorous examination of the most-debated pre-K issues. In a clear and compelling point-counterpoint format, this book gives current and future decision-makers multifaceted perspectives on critical questions; Should pre-K be targeted or universal; what kind of teacher preparation should be required? When should pre-K services be provided and for how long? Whee should pre-K be provided? What should the primary focus of instruction be? Should pre-K be structured around direct instruction or learning through play? How can we ensure quality and accountability in pre-K programs? Readers will also get a helpful synthesis of the major themes of the pre-k debate, investigate lesson learned from model programs in 2 states, and identify ke issues for future research and debate, including polices for English Lanaguage learners and children with special needs.
A Mandate for Playful Learning in Preschool by
We are robbing young children of play time at home and school in an effort to give them a head start on academic skills like reading and mathematics. Yet the scientific evidence suggests that eliminating play from the lives of children is taking preschool education in the wrong direction. Thisbrief but compelling book provides a strong counterargument to the rising tide of didactic instruction on preschool classrooms. The authors present scientific evidence in support of three points: 1) children need both unstructured free time and playful learning under the gentle guidance of adults to best prepare for entrance into formal school; 2) academic and social development are inextricably intertwined, so academiclearning must not trump attention to social development; and 3) learning and play are not incompatible. Rather, playful learning captivates children's minds in ways that support better academic and social outcomes as well as strategies for lifelong learning.Written in clear and expressive language, this book offers a comprehensive review of research supporting playful learning along with succinct policy and practice recommendations that derive from this research. A Mandate for Playful Learning in Preschool is a must read for teachers, policy makers,and parents interested in educating a generation of life-long learners who are ready for school and ready to compete in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century.
Good Practice in the Early Years by 
The Routledge International Handbook of Young Children's Thinking and Understanding by
This ground-breaking handbook provides a much-needed, contemporary and authoritative reference text on young children¿s thinking. The different perspectives represented in the thirty-nine chapters contribute to a vibrant picture of young children, their ways of thinking and their efforts at understanding, constructing and navigating the world. The Routledge International Handbook of Young Children¿s Thinking and Understanding brings together commissioned pieces by a range of hand-picked influential, international authors from a variety of disciplines who share a high public profile for their specific developments in the theories of children¿s thinking, learning and understanding. The handbook is organised into four complementary parts: ¿ How can we think about young children¿s thinking?: Concepts and contexts ¿ Knowing about the brain and knowing about the mind ¿ Making sense of the world ¿ Documenting and developing children¿s thinking Supported throughout with relevant research and case studies, this handbook is an international insight into the many ways there are to understand children and childhood paired with the knowledge that young children have a strong, vital, and creative ability to think and to understand, and to create and contend with the world around them.