This book presents the most recent theory, research, and practice on service learning as it relates to early childhood education. It describes several service learning programs, many of which were developed to better prepare pre-service teachers for the challenges they face in today's early childhood classrooms, including class size, ever-changing technology, diversity, high-stakes testing, parental involvement (or the lack thereof), and shrinking budgets. The book shares stories of positive outcomes from pre-service teachers who, having participated in service-learning programs, report a shift in their attitudes and beliefs including an increased empathy for others, a heightened sensitivity to student differences, more democratic values, and a greater commitment to teaching. In addition, the book examines the effects of service learning and positive outcomes for children and teacher educators as well. Schools today face an increasing number of language learners, the mainstreaming of special population students, and working with a standards-driven curriculum. All of these present new challenges for teachers as they attempt to meet their students' educational needs. As a result of this new classroom environment, and the educational needs they present, teacher educators must now seek different approaches to prepare prospective teachers to meet these needs because the traditional approaches to teacher preparation, such as coursework independent of fieldwork, are no longer effective in equipping teachers to address these issues. This book examines in detail the new approach of service learning.

In We Can Do This! writing expert and Stella Writes author Janiel Wagstaff pairs examples of student writing with writing lessons. Student writing samples are extremely powerful tools for boosting the growth of young writers and the student samples provided in this book serve as mentor texts and the basis for each lesson. The samples are mentors that are "doable" for students: they highlight skills, strategies, craft moves, and traits within the reach of their intended audience. As teachers and students study the examples, they will think, "I can do that!" Additionally, samples that reflect the most common errors or trouble spots are included, enabling teachers to explicitly teach to these points.

Emergent curriculum encourages early childhood educators to use creativity and flexibility as they respond to classroom challenges and children's interests. Filled with case studies and stories from toddler and preschool teachers about their experiences responding to events in their own classrooms, "The Unscripted Classroom" provides inspiration for educators to step out of their usual scripts and try something new. A review of the emergent curriculum philosophy and an examination of the many ways creativity in teaching benefits children are included. This resource complements "Emergent Curriculum in Early Childhood Settings: From Theory to Practice" by the same author.

Early Childhood Education for Muslim Children foregrounds the marginalised perspective of Muslim children aged three to five and examines how they are cared for and educated in centre-based provision in two provinces in post-apartheid South Africa. Both theological and social science perspectives are carefully interwoven to make sense of the construction of service provision for Muslims as a minority group in a secular democracy.

This book uses a qualitative, reflexive approach to amplify the voices of mothers, managers and teachers as the community of agents who shape priorities for young children in the context of a rapidly transforming society. The research demonstrates that the quest to establish an appropriate care network and a sound educative environment for Muslim children is riddled with complexities, struggles and tensions. In the light of changes in the home-based network for early education, centre-based provision has become an important infrastructure for Muslim communities seeking one-stop academic and Islamic education. The internal struggles encountered in this form of provision include inequities in access, struggles to package an appropriate curriculum, and dealing with nurturance specific to the faith and for cultural formations supportive of citizenship.

This book calls for critical engagement with issues of religious education in early childhood, social cohesion, formal systematic teacher education for Muslim teachers, curriculum development and parental support. It will contribute not only to the development of early education from an Islamic perspective, but will also demonstrate how to expand discourses and practices to deal with diversity and faith development in early years. As such, it will appeal to academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of early childhood education, religious studies, race and ethnic studies, and childhood studies

Table of Contents

1. Contextualising early childhood education in South Africa 2. An Islamic perspective of (early childhood) education 3. Contemporary models of early childhood education for Muslim children 4. Qualitative research in centre-based early childhood education for Muslim children 5. Muslim mothers framing early childhood education 6.The social construction of centre-based early childhood education 7. The making of Muslim children in early childhood centres 8. Conclusion

"Historical anthropology" is a revision of the German philosophical anthropology under the influences of the French historical school of Annales and the Anglo-Saxon cultural anthropology. "Cultural-historical psychology" is a school of thought which emerged in the context of the Soviet revolution and deeply affected the disciplines of psychology and education in the 20th century. This book draws on these two schools to advance current scholarship in child and youth development and education. It also enters in dialogue with other relational approaches and suggests alternatives to mainstream western developmental theories and educational practices.

This book emphasizes communication and semiotic processes as well as the use of artifacts, pictures and technologies in education and childhood development, placing a special focus on active subjectivity, historicity and performativity. Within this theoretical framework, contributors from Europe and the U.S. highlight the dynamic and creative aspects of school, family and community practices and the dramatic aspects of child development in our changing educational institutions. They also use a series of original empirical studies to introduce different research methodologies and complement theoretical analyses in an attempt to find innovative ways to translate cultural-historical and historical anthropological theory and research into a thorough understanding of emerging phenomena in school and after-school education of ethnic minorities, gender-sensitive education, and educational and family policy. Divided into two main parts, "Culture, History and Child Development," and "Gender, Performativity and Educational Practice," this book is useful for anyone in the fields of cultural-historical research, educational science, educational and developmental psychology, psychological anthropology, and childhood and youth studies.

Everyone needs a little help from time to time, so it's important that children learn how to care for others. This charming book demonstrates to children how they can show they care, such as by helping out at home and saying please and thank you. It explains that all living things need caring for, including plants and animals.

Through simple-to-read text and delightful full-colour illustrations, Time to Care explores situations when caring for others is really important, such as when another person is hurt or upset. Sometimes, caring for someone might just mean watching and listening. This book will help children develop empathy and recognise a whole range of emotions.

From leading Early Years expert Penny Tassoni MBE, Time To... picture books use simple words and colourful illustrations to help young children understand all-important everyday skills. Featuring practical advice and tips for practitioners, carers and parents, these books will help you explore positive behaviour with children in a fun and friendly way.

From armadillos, flamingos and umbrella birds to quokkas and iguanas, Elli Woollard presents a lovely collection of poems for younger children about pets which are just a little bit peculiar... Filled with fun rhymes, quirky black-and-white illustrations and exotic animals, this book is perfect for reading aloud. Some poems are hilarious, some are gruesome and some will make you want to wash your hair, but there's sure to be a pet poem here for every child and adult alike.

Valuable tools and tips for the professional welcoming new employees to their organization. The companion to the Early Childhood Staff Orientation Guide. Along with orientation on topics vital to early childhood professionals, this guide includes information just for mentors. Find valuable tools and tips to maximize mentoring skills and respond to frequently asked questions about the orientation process. Use this book to ensure you make the most of each new employee's potential.

A comprehensive orientation system for learning your new role in early childhood education. Working with children is fun but also complex and requires knowledge of health and safety practices, child development, guidance strategies, and much more. This guide will serve as a long-term resource for you as you grow into the profession. Full of research and best practices.

Developed especially for the TVET student at N5 level, Succeed In Daycare Personnel Development N4 provides students with the necessary theoretical knowledge to write their exams and the practical application to enter the workplace confidently.

Features

• Focus on plain language with difficult words defined where they are used and a glossary at the back on the textbook.
• Learning outcomes are listed at the start of each chapter and reviewed again in summary form at the end of the chapter for students to use when studying.
• Cartoons, illustrations, diagrams and photos present information visually.
• Local Examples and Case Studies link theory to industry and bring the content to life.
• Power Break activities allow for class discussion and revision.
• Assessment questions at the end of each chapter provides test and exam practice.

'The book provides a comprehensive, yet practical discussion of guidance strategies that can be implemented in a variety of situations. These strategies promote a respect for children and their rights, enhance children's self-esteem, and help to foster pro-social skills. This book is a must-read for both students and practitioners who work with children and families.' - Dr Laura McFarland, School of Education, Charles Sturt UniversityDrawing on the latest research evidence, Young Children's Behaviour outlines the beliefs and values that underpin the guidance approach to managing the behaviours of children from birth to eight years of age. In contrast with rewards-and-punishment systems, guidance believes that children do not need incentives to behave well, but instead need skills. Rather than punishing them for lacking skills, guidance teaches young children self-regulation skills so that they can behave considerately.The author provides practical strategies that both meet children's needs and safeguard the rights of surrounding adults and children. These methods include listening, being assertive, giving positive instructions, solving problems collaboratively, and coaching children to self-regulate their emotions and impulses. The text also offers advice on responding to many common challenges including separation distress, meltdowns, aggression, and social withdrawal. Finally, the book suggests how educators can provide educational and behavioural support for children with atypical development and describes how to foster effective relationships with parents whose children display challenging behaviours.Dr Louise Porter powerfully argues that behaviour guidance is the most effective approach to working with young children and reflects the deepest values of early childhood education and care.

This book explains the differences between European countries in the supply and forms of public child care and preschool provisions by reference to the historical context in which these forms originated and to the institutional constraints underlying their development.

Since 1994, there have been few attempts to address the theoretical and practical foundations of effective management in early childhood education (ECE) and the Foundation Phase in South African schools, yet the survival and success of ECE centres and schools depends on the ability of education managers to meet the needs of the children/learners, educators, parents and the community. Management in early childhood education provides a comprehensive overview of the management of ECE centres for children from birth to nine years old. This book is a resource and reference guide which includes amongst others Internet sources and templates such as inventories, financial planning, parents' newsletters and agendas of staff meetings. It focuses especially on the South African context by referring to appropriate examples and scenarios of real-life situations in this country as well as the newly introduced Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). It also offers practical applications for the many theoretical frameworks in South African schools. All the chapters in this third edition have been updated, and each one begins with learning outcomes and key terms. Management in early childhood education is aimed at student teachers, educators, administrators and child caregivers.

This text looks at how the study of play has gained attention and concerns about play in young children have emerged. Ten chapters examine the understanding of play and its theories, play in school, pre-school and theories of pretence, mental representation and humour development.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to get young children to share with others and we need strategies to help them understand why it's important - this book will help! Penny Tassoni, leading Early Years education consultant, author and trainer, presents a picture book with simple words and delightful full-colour illustrations by Mel Four that encourages children to share in a positive way. There is lots to talk about in Time to Share which makes this book ideal for starting conversations with children about why and how we share. It also includes a page of practical advice and tips for practitioners, parents and carers making it the perfect resource for supporting this essential life skill.

This is the ninth volume in an annual series designed to provide an academic forum for the publication of original research, critical reviews and conceptual analyses of theoretical and substantive issues related to the education, care and development of young children.

This series is aimed particularly at early years practitioners, trainers and researchers, with the intention of providing discussions of some of the most recent and relevant research findings, in order to foster evidence-based practice in the rapidly expanding field of early childhood education and care. The contributions to the texts come from internationally renowned writers with experience and expertise in practical as well as academic settings, who are able to offer critical analyses of the research findings they present. The series focuses mainly on the years from birth to six and the research themes reviewed range from those with policy level and macro-issues foci to 'intra-child' questions. Overall, the series explores different perspectives, viewing research issues concerning within-child differences in their contexts, and acknowledging the impact of cultural expectations and constructions of childhood in our complex and diverse global society.