Sandra Smidt takes the reader on a journey through the key concepts of Jerome Bruner, a significant figure in the field of early education whose work has spanned almost a century. His wide-ranging and innovative principles of early learning and teaching are unpicked here using everyday language and the links between his ideas and those of other key thinkers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries are revealed.

Introducing Bruner is the companion volume to Introducing Vygotsky and is an invaluable work for anyone involved with children in the early years. The introduction of Bruner's key concepts is followed by discussion of the implications of these for teaching and learning. This accessible text is illustrated throughout with examples drawn from real-life early years settings and the concepts discussed include:

• how children acquire language
• how children come to make sense of their world through narrative
• the significance of play to learning
• the importance of culture and context
• the role of memory
• what should children be taught: the spiral curriculum
• how should children be taught: scaffolding and interaction.

The book also looks, crucially, at what those working or involved with young children can learn from Bruner, and includes a helpful glossary of terminology. This fascinating insight in to the life and work of a key figure in early years education is essential reading for anyone concerned with the learning and development of young children.

Parallel Learning of Reading and Writing in Early Childhood explores why it's important to provide a balanced language learning environment for young children and offers approaches for children to practice and explore language. Writing - a different but parallel process - can open the door to reading, and an effective writing approach in the home and early childhood classrooms leads to the development of phonemic awareness, understanding of phonetic principles, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Effective early childhood teachers are those that extend the knowledge children have amassed at home and use the knowledge of how children learn naturally in the world to inform their practice. This book offers the purpose, context, and outcomes of including writing right from the start in young children's literacy learning. Through analysis of writing samples, research, and principles of best practices, Shea outlines the essential ingredients for early language learning and provides a developmentally appropriate approach to language learning. Throughout the chapters, Shea integrates discussion of assessment, classroom environment, instructional/teacher scaffolding, and differentiating instruction across developmental levels along with the supporting theory. Special features: vignettes and descriptions of Pre-K, K, and Grade 1 classrooms that incorporate writing across the day artifacts of children's writing that demonstrate an evolution of knowledge related to both message and word construction concept labeling words and topic specific terms defined throughout the book to support the reader's understanding of professional terminology discussion of seminal and current research as well as best practices Companion Website with lesson ideas and abundant writing samples from a wide range of demographic, cultural, and language contexts for readers to view, analyze, and discuss. This text offers pre- and in-service early childhood education teachers the content and resources to develop a deeper understanding of language learning, to prompt an examination of current practice, and to stimulate curricular re-designs that foster meaningful, joyful, and motivated learning.

Portfolios have often been used as a way for teachers to monitor and assess their students' progress, but this book picks up on the current trend of using portfolios to assess teachers themselves as part of their degree requirements. As a professional development tool, portfolios are also useful for classroom teachers in evaluating their practice, and in showcasing their skills and accomplishments for use in interviews. Veteran teacher educators Marianne Jones and Marilyn Shelton provide practical and comprehensive guidance specific to the needs of pre- and in-service teachers of young children. This thoroughly revised and updated new edition features: A flexible and friendly approach that guides students at varying levels of experience through the portfolio process. New material on the portfolio planning stage and additional coverage on the importance of developing a personal philosophy. A companion website with additional instructor materials such as printable templates, exercises for improving portfolio skills, and more. Both theoretical and practical, the book addresses issues and mechanics related to process and product, instruction and guidance techniques, the role of reflection, and assessment strategies. With concrete examples, rubrics, tips, and exercises, this book will provide a step-by-step guide to creating a professional teaching portfolio.

This book, first published in 1969, is a detailed consideration of Rousseau's ideas on education, and an examination of how they grew out of his own experiences in childhood. With particular reference to the Confessions and Emile, this book emphasises the practical application of Rousseau's theories and traces them through each stage of education. Professor Dobinson clearly analyses Rousseau's views on the general upbringing of children from early infancy to late adolescence, and on the teaching of such subjects as science, history and religion. This book demonstrates throughout the relevance of Rousseau's thought to the fundamental issues in contemporary education.

What ethical dilemmas face researchers who work with young children?

Researching Young Children's Perspectives critically examines the challenges and complexities of rights based, participatory research with children. Rather than approaching these dilemmas as problematic issues, this book positions them as important topics for discussion and reflection.

Drawing from their own rich experiences as research collaborators with young children in internationally diverse settings, the authors consider the ethical, methodological and theoretical frameworks that guide best-practice in research with young children. Each chapter poses points for consideration that will inform and challenge both the novice and experienced researcher, such as:

• How 'participatory' can research be with infants under eighteen months?
• When should listening through observation stand alone?
• What is the distinction between methodologies and methods?
• How can all young children be assured of a voice in research?

The authors also present seven separate case studies which demonstrate exemplary research with young children. Each study is accompanied by insightful commentary from the authors, who highlight the issues or difficulties faced and propose potential solutions.

If you are a student at undergraduate level and above, this book will give you all the confidence you need to conduct your own high quality research with children.

This new edition of a classic text is the go-to reference for anyone concerned with the developmental progress of pre-school children. It provides the knowledge required for understanding children's developmental progress with age and within each developmental domain. Including new sections on atypical development for each of the core domains of development and additional material on the development of attention and self-regulation, this fifth edition integrates findings from the latest research throughout. An updated companion website is available at www.routledge.com/cw/sharma, which includes the following additional learning material: an interactive timeline of the key developmental domains; introductions to theory with links to further reading; research summaries; video clips demonstrating practical assessment skills; downloadable resources including pictures to support examination of verbal and non-verbal development, and tips to facilitate and promote development. Fully aligned with current child development philosophies and practices, Mary Sheridan's From Birth to Five Years: Children's Developmental Progress is designed to support the wider group of practitioners - including those from health professions, social work and early years - that are now required to take steps for promoting children's development as part of their assessment and management plans.

This fully updated new edition of From Birth to Five Years: Practical Developmental Examination is a step-by-step 'how to' guide to the developmental examination of pre-school children. Based on up-to-date research into current child development philosophies and practices, this text supports the wider group of professionals who are required to assess children's developmental progress as part of their day-to-day working practices. It begins with a practical framework for developmental examination, then progresses through each of the key developmental domains, offering guidance on enquiry and observation, and on how to chart typical and atypical patterns, with red flags for recognising significant delay or disordered development. Advice is also given on how to make sense of the findings and how best to communicate this information to parents. To consolidate and expand on the practical and theoretical information across this book and its companion, Mary Sheridan's From Birth to Five Years, an updated companion website is available at www.routledge.com/cw/sharma, which includes the following additional learning material: An interactive timeline of the key developmental domains; Introductions to theory with links to further reading; Research summaries; Video clips demonstrating practical assessment skills; Downloadable resources including pictures to support examination of verbal and non-verbal development, and tips to facilitate and promote development. Developed alongside the original Mary Sheridan's From Birth to Five Years: Children's Developmental Progress, this unique guide expands on its normative developmental stages by offering practical guidance for health, education and social care professionals, or anyone concerned with monitoring children's developmental progress.

Sandra Smidt takes the reader on a journey through the key concepts of Jerome Bruner, a significant figure in the field of early education whose work has spanned almost a century. His wide-ranging and innovative principles of early learning and teaching are unpicked here using everyday language and the links between his ideas and those of other key thinkers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries are revealed.

Introducing Bruner is the companion volume to Introducing Vygotsky and is an invaluable work for anyone involved with children in the early years. The introduction of Bruner's key concepts is followed by discussion of the implications of these for teaching and learning. This accessible text is illustrated throughout with examples drawn from real-life early years settings and the concepts discussed include:

• how children acquire language
• how children come to make sense of their world through narrative
• the significance of play to learning
• the importance of culture and context
• the role of memory
• what should children be taught: the spiral curriculum
• how should children be taught: scaffolding and interaction.

The book also looks, crucially, at what those working or involved with young children can learn from Bruner, and includes a helpful glossary of terminology. This fascinating insight in to the life and work of a key figure in early years education is essential reading for anyone concerned with the learning and development of young children.

This one-of-a-kind, comprehensive resource provides all the information necessary both to avoid and to prepare for special education disputes. This book ensures that all parties receive the necessary information prior to proceeding to complaints, mediations, or hearings. While incorrect or inadequate information can lead to an inappropriate education for students with disabilities, correct information can enhance the education of students with disabilities and help to ensure the legal mandates guaranteed by the federal law. To avoid dispute resolution, it is critically important that education personnel understand how to ensure compliance with significant aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Administrators and teachers must know (a) how to prepare for a state complaint investigation, mediations, and due process hearings, (b) what is involved and what is expected in each, and (c) what happens at the conclusion of the complaint investigation, mediation, or due process hearing. Written for all parties-special education administrators, principals, building administrators, teachers, and parents-this resource provides information about the dispute resolution systems: what is involved, how to prepare, the conduct of the complaint investigations, mediations, and due process hearings. Notably, the authors discuss how disputes can be avoided, but also when they occur, how school staff can to continue to work with productively with parents after the complaint or hearing.

Seeing young children as competent and capable social actors, The Theory and Practice of Voice in Early Childhood looks at how we can better understand young children's perspectives. Drawing on the 'Look Who's Talking' project, it focuses on the eight talking point posters: voice, democracy, culture, listen with purpose, space and place, skills and tools, enable and build capacity to help readers critically reflect on what voice means to them and for the children with whom they work. Combining the work of scholars and academics with front line workers and practitioners, each section groups two of the posters and provides an overview of the key theory followed by international case studies to illustrate how this thinking might be translated into practice. The book looks at all aspects of children's voice and how to ensure that all children, including those traditionally viewed as too young, with special needs or too disengaged, have a voice. Including reflections and suggesting points for exploration and dialogue between practitioners, families and children, this will be valuable reading for those who wish to make the ideological principles of children's voice a practical reality.

Bringing together a collection of chapters from international experts in the field of early childhood education, Rethinking Play and Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education seeks to explore how play in the Early Years is valued as a means of learning. The book discusses how play is presented, transformed by institutional and pedagogical discourses and ultimately experienced by children. Adopting cultural, conceptual and contextual approaches to play and pedagogy across its chapters, this book addresses contemporary emerging issues surrounding play and pedagogy including:

• the application of critical and socio-cultural analyses to play in early childhood
• renewed interest in the aesthetic, creative and affective dimensions of play in early childhood education
• competing discourses of 'performativity', market forces, social reconstruction and child-centredness
• children's voice and participation within educational settings
• globalization, migration and cultural pluralism
• the role of digital technology in early childhood education
• diversity, identity and social justice within early childhood settings.

With international appeal and relevance, this book will be of interest to students taking undergraduate, Masters and doctoral courses in early childhood education, childhood and education studies as well as academic teachers and researchers, policy-makers and international agencies working with young children.

First published in 1956, The Education of Young Children is focused on presenting the psychological needs of children within education, following several talks given by the author at conferences for teachers of young children. The book highlights the importance of meeting all aspects of a child's needs. It demonstrates that physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs are all intrinsically connected and fundamental to education and development. It also puts forward the significance of Nursery Schools and the training given to Nursery School teachers, as well as the influence of Nursery Schools on Infant Schools. The Education of Young Children will appeal to those with an interest in the history and psychology of education.

First published in 1956, The Education of Young Children is focused on presenting the psychological needs of children within education, following several talks given by the author at conferences for teachers of young children. The book highlights the importance of meeting all aspects of a child's needs. It demonstrates that physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs are all intrinsically connected and fundamental to education and development. It also puts forward the significance of Nursery Schools and the training given to Nursery School teachers, as well as the influence of Nursery Schools on Infant Schools. The Education of Young Children will appeal to those with an interest in the history and psychology of education.

As parents, we are the earth from which our children grow. How we prepare and fertilise the soil will define their relationship with the world. It will determine the nature of their lifelong conversation with the universe. Pre-school Parenting Secrets: Talking with the Sky is every parent's guide to preparing pre-schoolers for life in the 21st Century. Best-selling authors and educators Brian Caswell, David Chiem and Kylie Bell have spent their lives in education, research and the arts. In Pre-school Parenting Secrets: Talking with the Sky, they have combined their prodigious talents to create the decade's essential guide to pre-schooler parenting, turning years of pains-taking research into simple and practical strategies, and fun activities. And the best part is that the process is FUN -- for both child and parent

In this accessible and thought-provoking text, Dr Maria Robinson examines the behaviour of babies and young children in a developmental context, and takes into account the shifts and changes over time as young children grow and mature. Understanding Behaviour and Development in Early Childhood reveals, for example, how behaviour perceived as 'difficult' in a young child may be the manifestation of a response to emotional, sensory and cognitive experiences. Throughout the book, readers will find a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and the need to place our understanding of behaviour within a developmental time frame. Based on wide ranging professional experience the topics examined and discussed in this insightful book include: What we understand by 'behaviour' How the brain and senses work and mature during early childhood Behaviour as a reflection of the child's internal state What emotions are, and how we learn what feelings mean to us as individuals How emotions affect our ability to learn How we develop a sense of self.The book provides suggestions for how adults may think about and respond to changes in children's behaviour, and how we may support children in learning how to manage their own behaviour as they grow older and encounter wider and more complex situations. Understanding the meaning of behaviour is a constant challenge for anyone working with children. This developmental approach promotes a helpful reflective stance for practitioners and students working in early childhood education and care.

This essential resource is designed to help busy early years practitioners to support the mental health of young children through outdoor play. Promoting social and emotional wellbeing in childhood has never been more important, and outdoor play is a crucial tool to build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and boost self-esteem. Using relatable case studies that demonstrate achievable change, the book is full of practical advice and strategies for exploring nature in both natural and man-made landscapes, and includes guidance on how to co-create inviting play spheres with children. Each chapter provides: Adaptable and cost-effective activities designed to help children feel more confident and connected to the world around them. Case studies and reflective opportunities to prompt practitioners to consider and develop their own practice. An accessible and engaging format with links to theorists, risk assessment, and individual schemas. Outdoor play allows young children to explore who they are and what they can do. It supports them as they learn to think critically, take risks, and form a true sense of belonging with their peers and with the wider community. This is an indispensable resource for practising and trainee early years practitioners, Reception teachers, and childminders as they facilitate outdoor play in their early years setting.

First published in 1942, Testing Results in the Infant School describes an attempt to measure objectively the results of education in Infant schools where children are free to move and speak and play, as compared with schools of a more formal and traditional type. The book explains in detail the variety of tests used, the reasons behind them, and the children's reactions to them. It concludes with an evaluation of the results and suggestions for their bearing on educational practice. It will appeal to those with an interest in the history, theory, and psychology of education.

Designed to be a one-stop-shop to meet the needs of local communities, Children's Centres represent a revolutionary shift in the way children's services are delivered to families. Integrated Children's Centres looks at the way in which Children's Centre development has built upon the research and experiences of initiatives such as the HeadStart programme in America and the SureStart programme. Exploring the component elements of truly integrative services and the key players in ensuring positive outcomes: families, the local authority, PCT, private and voluntary sectors, and faith groups, this book covers: * the challenges faced by children's centres * how to tackle social issues through the medium of children's centres * achieving effective multi-agency working and true collaboration * the essentials of leading and managing children's centres * the benefits of early intervention * how to effectively deliver health care, education and children's services. Providing a wealth of case studies, this highly topical book will be of interest to nursery and children's centres managers and early years practitioners enrolled on the NPQICL or EYPS programmes, as well as students working towards a degree in Early Childhood Studies or MA in Early Years.

Designed to be a one-stop-shop to meet the needs of local communities, Children's Centres represent a revolutionary shift in the way children's services are delivered to families. Integrated Children's Centres looks at the way in which Children's Centre development has built upon the research and experiences of initiatives such as the HeadStart programme in America and the SureStart programme. Exploring the component elements of truly integrative services and the key players in ensuring positive outcomes: families, the local authority, PCT, private and voluntary sectors, and faith groups, this book covers: * the challenges faced by children's centres * how to tackle social issues through the medium of children's centres * achieving effective multi-agency working and true collaboration * the essentials of leading and managing children's centres * the benefits of early intervention * how to effectively deliver health care, education and children's services. Providing a wealth of case studies, this highly topical book will be of interest to nursery and children's centres managers and early years practitioners enrolled on the NPQICL or EYPS programmes, as well as students working towards a degree in Early Childhood Studies or MA in Early Years.

First published in 1937, The Children's Play Centre is an account of Gardner's Play Centre and her work in assessing its value in the education of children and the training of teachers. The book puts forward the value of play in the development of children and provides a detailed report of Gardner's experiment. It also explores the significance of the Play Centre to the technique of training students. It will have lasting relevance for those interested in the history of education and the psychology of education.

First published in 1950, Long Term Results of Infant School Methods was written to explain and summarise the results of Gardner's experiment to test the extent to which the effect of different styles of Infant school education, "experimental" or "control", would also be apparent at a later stage. The book details how the tests and the schools involved were chosen; the different types of tests conducted and their respective aims; and a summary of Gardner's conclusions. It will appeal to those with an interest in the history and theory of education.

Sandra Smidt sets out to explain what play is and why it is so important as one of the key ways of learning, particularly - but not solely - for young children. She argues that all play is purposeful, and can only truly considered to be play when the child has chosen what to do, where and how to do it.

Using case studies drawn from all over the world, Smidt challenges some of the prevailing myths relating to play and pays close attention to what it is that early years professionals need to do to interpet the play, understand its purpose for the child and sometimes extend it.

Attention is paid to the close links that play has with creativity, and the author also highlights the importance of being able to explain to colleagues, parents and even those in government, why play matters so much in terms of learning and development.

This book will be of interest to anyone involved in early yearsa (TM) education.

Young People, Place and Identity offers a series of rich insights into young people's everyday lives. What places do young people engage with on a daily basis? How do they use these places? How do their identities influence these contexts? By working through common-sense understandings of young people's behaviours and the places they occupy, the author seeks to answer these and other questions. In doing so the book challenges and re-shapes understandings of young people's relationships with different places and identities.

The textbook is one of the first books to map out the scales, themes and sites engaged with by young people on a daily basis as they construct their multiple identities. The scales explored here include the body, neighbourhood and community, mobilities and transitions and urban-rural settings and how these all shape and are shaped by young people's identities. Each chapter explores how social identities (such as race, gender, sexuality, class, disability and religion) are constructed within particular contexts and influenced by multiple processes of inclusion and exclusion. These discussions are supported by details of the research methods and ethical issues involved in researching young people's lives. Drawing upon research from a range of contexts, including Europe, North America and Australasia, this book demonstrates the complex ways in which young people creatively shape, contest and resist their engagements with different places and identities. The range of issues, topics and case studies explored include: ethical and methodological issues in youth research; youth subcultures; experiences of home; territorialism; youth and crime; political engagement and participation; responses to global issues; engagements with different institutional contexts; negotiating public space; the transition to adulthood; drinking cultures. The author explores these issues through blending together original empirical research, theory and policy.

Individual chapters are supported by key themes, project ideas and suggested further reading. Details of key authors, journals and research centres and organisations are also included at the end of the book. This textbook will be pertinent for undergraduate and postgraduate students and academic researchers interested in better understanding the relationships between young people, places and identities.

In this book are gathered together Jerome Bruner's major papers on the "psychology of knowing". Spanning virtually the entire range of knowledge acquired from infancy onwards, they present the complete spectrum of his research, theories, and ideas concerning perception, thought, skills ( of the eye, hand, ear, tongue and mind) developed in childhood, mental representation and cognition, the process of discovery and the nature and techniques of education. This will be invaluable not only for students of psychology, but also for a wider readership including teachers, doctors, biologists, sociologists and all who are interested in child development.