This book provides a revitalised account of the study of children's drawing by outlining a departure from existing approaches privileging developmentalist accounts and presenting drawing as a specialised human endeavour separated from other material entanglements constituting children's everyday experiences. The book takes on current developments in the fields of early childhood arts and early childhood literacies to advocate for process-oriented, new materialist and decolonial approaches that re-conceptualise the study of children's drawing. It proposes a future-oriented approach, centred on thinking experimentally with a focus on nonrepresentational elements, such as movement, sensation, intensity, rhythm, story and place, which singularly assemble in drawing events. Thus, the book discusses drawing as a process of sense-making that is not enclosed in the individualised body of the child and that unfolds corporeally in time and space. It revises the relation of drawing with symbolisation by suggesting that the use of language and signs in drawing form in entanglement with matter and sensation in processes of creative speculation connected with the movement of thought. Presenting a series of contributions by internationally recognised scholars and artists, the book aims to create synergies between theory and practice that speak of everyday realities interconnecting children, learning and sense-making.

From the best-selling author of How Are You Feeling Today?, this thoughtful picture book teaches children how to find new ways of expressing themselves. 'Why am I losing my temper?' 'Why am I being grumpy?' This important book prompts children to question certain behaviours and why they happen. Addressing common situations in a sympathetic and humorous way, What Makes Me Do The Things I Do? answers key behavioural concerns and encourages children to self-reflect, consider how their actions affect others and manage their emotions. This book is ideal for sharing with young children, or to give to older children to read independently. Written in child-friendly language, this picture book explores 12 typical behaviours that children engage in - such as temper tantrums, telling lies or cheating - and offers 12 constructive behaviours to consider instead, like staying calm, being honest or playing fairly. There are fun, colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings throughout and helpful notes for parents and carers at the back of the book, with tips for encouraging positive behaviour early on.

This book explores the shifting geographies and contexts of children's play and learning. The author examines both free and guided play through the lenses of class, gender and disability, drawing links between face-to-face and online interactions. As young people increasingly spend time in virtual environments it is important to adjust understandings of how, and when, they engage with learning. The book examines play as a continuum of activities and peer interactions, interrogating what it takes to bridge the gap between academic and wellbeing goals for children with disabilities and disadvantage, as well as those at the intersection with other markers of difference (e.g. gender and race). It will be of interest and value to scholars of play and education, as well as those working with disabled or disadvantaged children.

All children require nurturing and stimulating learning environments, but typical early childhood classrooms should be modified for children with special needs. "The Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom" is written to help teachers look at classroom design in a new way and suggests different ways of approaching activities to help children with special needs become successful. By modifying the classroom and activities, all children will be actively engaged. Each chapter focuses on either a learning center, such as art or science, or a time of the day, such as snack time or dismissal, with particular attention to the needs of children who are developmentally delayed, orthopedically impaired, have autism/Pervasive Development Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, behavioral issues, motor planning problems, or visual impairments.

Early Childhood Leadership: Motivation, Inspiration, Empowerment is a must-have book for anyone (e.g., administrator, director, coordinator, team leader, manager, lead teacher) who currently occupies a leadership position or anticipates doing so in the future. It addresses one of the most challenging workplace issues facing employers today - the ability to encourage employees' creativity, productivity, and long-term commitment to an organization. Studies consistently show that low employee morale and high turnover rates are common in early childhood programs and, in turn, affect the quality of services provided for children and families. Unfortunately, strategies used by many supervisors to guide and manage employee behavior often contribute to employee dissatisfaction and attrition. A sound understanding of motivational theory and skills (e.g., communication, leadership, team-building, decision-making) enables effective leaders to create positive work environments, boost employee morale, and encourage positive performance. When employees believe their efforts are being acknowledged and valued, they are less likely to leave their jobs - an additional and important benefit, especially in the field of early childhood education.

Language Acquisition: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the must-know issues in child language development. Covering key topics drawn from contemporary psychology, linguistics and neuroscience, readers are introduced to fundamental concepts, methods, controversies, and discoveries. It follows the remarkable journey children take; from becoming sensitive to language before birth, to the time they string their first words together; from when they use language playfully, to when they tell stories, hold conversations, and share complex ideas. Using examples from 73 different languages, Ibbotson sets this development in a diverse cross-cultural context, as well as describing the universal psychological foundations that allow language to happen. This book, which includes further reading suggestions in each chapter and a glossary of key terms, is the perfect easy-to-understand introductory text for students, teachers, clinicians or anyone with an interest in language development. Drawing together the latest research on typical, atypical and multilingual development, it is the concise beginner's guide to the field.

An Integrated Play-Based Curriculum for Young Children, Second Edition explores how to integrate play across the curriculum, helping teachers develop their early childhood curriculum using developmentally and culturally appropriate practice. Distinguished author Olivia N. Saracho offers a theoretical framework for understanding the origins of an early childhood play-based curriculum and illuminates how young children learn and understand concepts in a social and physical environment. This second edition has been fully updated throughout and its comprehensive coverage has been expanded with entirely new sections on technology and social media, cultural differences in play, and teaching English language learners and students with disabilities. Packed with vignettes, activities, and practical examples, this text is essential reading for pre-service teachers seeking appropriate theoretical practices for designing and implementing a play-based curriculum.

This book examines the ways in which well-being affects educational outcomes. Using an ecological approach, the book defines what we mean by well-being and resilience in education and how this relates to policy and children and young people's rights. The book considers strategies utilised by the education, health, voluntary and private sectors which promote well-being and resilience for children and young people from the early years to adulthood. This book also explores societal factors such as poverty and family well-being. Childhood Well-being and Resilience goes on to provide examples of practice interventions inside and outside the classroom. It represents a sea change in professional approaches to well-being and resilience as protective factors against poor mental health. It includes chapters on key topics such as: The concept of child well-being, resilience and the rights of the child Peer interaction and well-being Social media and mental health Well-being and outdoor learning Mindfulness for young children International policy and child well-being This book supports professionals to increase their knowledge, establish a skill set and build their confidence which can enable children and young people to develop good levels of well-being and to improve their resilience. Including reflective questions and case studies, Childhood Well-being and Resilience is essential reading for undergraduate students studying Early Childhood Studies, Education Studies, Teaching Awards and Family and Community Studies.

This book brings together a unique collection of chapters to facilitate a broad discussion on food education that will stimulate readers to think about key policies, recent research, curriculum positions and how to engage with key stakeholders about the future of food. Food education has gained much attention because the challenges that influence food availability and eating in schools also extend beyond the school gate. Accordingly, this book establishes evidence-based arguments that recognise the many facets of food education, and reveal how learning through a futures' lens and joined-up thinking is critical for shaping intergenerational fairness concerning food futures in education and society. This book is distinctive through its multidisciplinary collection of chapters on food education with a particular focus on the Global North, with case studies from England, Australia, the Republic of Ireland, the United States of America, Canada and Germany. With a focus on three key themes and a rigorous food futures framework, the book is structured into three sections: (i) food education, pedagogy and curriculum (ii) knowledge and skill diversity associated with food and health learning (iii) food education inclusivity, culture and agency. Overall, this volume extends and challenges current research and theory in the area of food education and food pedagogy and offers insight and tangible benefits for the future development of food education policies and curricula. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars, policymakers and education leaders working on food education and pedagogy, food policy, health and diet and the sociology of food.

This book provides a vital and original investigation into, and critique of, the situation facing the realisation of the child's right to play. The right to play has been referred to as a forgotten right - forgotten by States implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in monitoring and providing guidance on the Convention, and by human rights academics. Through multidisciplinary, original archival, novel doctrinal and primary empirical research, the work provides a thorough investigation of the right to play. It offers an innovative insight into its value, the challenges facing the realisation of the right, its raison d'etre and its scope, content and obligations. It also critiques the Committee's engagement with the right to play and shares lived experiences of efforts to support its implementation in the United Kingdom and Tanzania. The book highlights elements of best practice, challenges and weaknesses, and makes recommendations for its continued and improved realisation. The book will be a valuable resource for researchers, academics, advocates and policy-makers working in the areas of Children's Rights, International Human Rights Law, Public International Law, Child Welfare and Education.

This book provides a reconstruction of Aristotelian character education, shedding new light on what moral character really is, and how it can be highlighted, measured, nurtured and taught in current schooling. Arguing that many recent approaches to character education understand character in exclusively amoral, instrumentalist terms, Kristjansson proposes a coherent, plausible and up-to-date concept, retaining the overall structure of Aristotelian character education. After discussing and debunking popular myths about Aristotelian character education, subsequent chapters focus on the practical ramifications and methodologies of character education. These include measuring virtue and morality, asking whether Aristotelian character education can salvage the effects of bad upbringing, and considering implications for teacher training and classroom practice. The book rejuvenates time-honoured principles of the development of virtues in young people, at a time when 'character' features prominently in educational agendas and parental concerns over school education systems. Offering an interdisciplinary perspective which draws from the disciplines of education, psychology, philosophy and sociology, this book will appeal to researchers, academics and students wanting a greater insight into character education.

The entirely revised third edition of Research with Children forms a unique resource book on the methodology of childhood research with a core emphasis on theory driven practices. As in the previous two editions, this edition presents particular standpoints in the field, whilst also reflecting the latest developments in the now well-established interdisciplinary field of childhood studies. A rich collection of contributions from leading researchers across a range of disciplinary backgrounds, research practices and theoretical perspectives discuss central questions of epistemology and methodology, demonstrating the links between theory and practice. This edition includes exciting new chapters on: Internet-based research and contemporary technology, Family based research, Children as researchers, Participatory research in the global context, New directions for childhood research. Both theoretical and practical questions are set out in a well-argued fashion that enables easier navigation through the various complexities of the epistemological and methodological questions arising in contemporary research practices with children. As such, this text will appeal to both the newcomer to childhood studies and to experienced researchers in the field. With fully updated chapters, new material and a revised, clearer structure, this new edition will be a valuable resource for researchers working with children.

This book discusses the issues of equity-based education in India and advocates for providing fair and inclusive system of education. It focuses on the practice of democratic education to promote critical thinking and develop problem-solving attitudes among learners in learner-centric classrooms. Offering insightful comments on the contemporary issues related to Education in India, the book underlines the need for teachers to draw from the reforms suggested in the New Education Policy 2020 to ensure equitable learning. It aims to develop teachers’ capacity to identify students’ needs and ensure community participation. The book discusses a range of topics such as holistic assessment, reflexive pedagogy, ICT, innovations in education, and inclusiveness among others. While providing theoretical as well as empirical insights on the approaches needed in classrooms for better learning, it also provides anecdotal evidence and case studies to support equity-based education. The book will be of interest to teachers and researchers of education, vocational education, and teacher education. It will also be useful for educators, educationists, education administrators, Special educators, academicians, policymakers, in-service teachers, teacher educators and teacher trainees.

Rulers of Literary Playgrounds: Politics of Intergenerational Play in Children's Literature offers multifaceted reflection on interdependences between children and adults as they engage in play in literary texts and in real life. This volume brings together international children's literature scholars who each look at children's texts as key vehicles of intergenerational play reflecting ideologies of childhood and as objects with which children and adults interact physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Each chapter applies a distinct theoretical approach to selected children's texts, including individual and social play, constructive play, or play deprivation. This collection of essays constitutes a timely voice in the current discussion about the importance of children's play and adults' contribution to it vis-a-vis the increasing limitations of opportunities for children's playful time in contemporary societies.

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.

A unique manual to the discipline, Reflective Practice in Child and Youth Care addresses the need for distinct models of reflective practice across all Child and Youth Care (CYC) sectors. This seminal work contextualizes the history of reflective practice and provides readers with the necessary tools to develop their own approach to reflective practice. Special topics and key concepts include reflective practice theory, the mindfulness-reflection connection, and transformative learning techniques. Aligned with the CYC Code of Ethics and the CYC Competencies of Professionalism, this book promotes selfawareness and critical self-reflection through case studies, end-of chapter discussion questions, reflective writing templates, and selfassessment exercises. Fostering reflective methods and self-care strategies that can be used in practicums and professional settings, this unique workbook is an essential resource for students at any stage of a college or university program in child and youth care. Features allows instructor flexibility with chapters that can be taught in any preferred order connects to concepts that are covered across child and youth care program courses, strengthening student comprehension provides exercises that range in content and depth to ensure student engagement throughout the completion of the textbook

Art therapy with infants, toddlers and their families is an exciting and developing area of practice. With contributions from Australia, the United Kingdom and Spain, Art Therapy in the Early Years has an international flavour. The authors describe clinical art psychotherapy practice with children under five and their families in settings that include children in care, mental health clinics, paediatric wards, pre-schools, and early intervention programs. Divided into three sections, Art Therapy in the Early Years presents different clinical environments in which art psychotherapy with this client group is found: * individual art therapy; * group art therapy; * parent-child dyad and family art therapy. The book proposes that within these different contexts, the adaptive possibilities inherent in art psychotherapy provide opportunities for therapeutic growth for young children and their families. Art Therapy in the Early Years will be of interest to art therapists working with children; students and practitioners from creative arts therapies; psychologists and psychotherapists; social workers; pre-school teachers; child psychiatrists, clinical supervisors, and other professionals working in the early years settings.

The Toxic Classroom offers a wide-ranging look at education today and explores in detail the pressures children experience as a result of constant change, digital technology and political interference. Beginning with what it is like to be a child in the classroom, the book goes on to provide a detailed analysis of the curriculum, assessment and accountability, school structures, educating for global citizenship and the plethora of social issues schools are now expected to solve. Written from the perspective of a successful headteacher with over 30 years' teaching experience, the book considers what needs to be done to put things right and outlines a more equitable and effective school system. Each chapter outlines the steps schools can implement immediately and the longer-term policy changes that are needed de-toxify the classroom and facilitate a genuine love of learning. Offering a challenging yet compelling argument for putting education back into the hands of teachers, this book will be of great interest both to the general reader and to those working within education such as teachers and professionals who wish to improve the ways in which children learn and develop.

Starting Strong shows teachers how to use four proven instructional approaches-standards based, evidenced based, assessment based, and student based-to improve their teaching practice in all areas of early literacy. Authors Katrin Blamey and Katherine Beauchat draw on their years of experience and early literacy expertise to guide you in figuring out what to teach and how to find the most instructionally sound method to teach it. They help you determine the instructional needs of your classroom and take full advantage of what you know about your students so you can engage them in learning. With chapters on oral language, vocabulary, phonological awareness, word recognition, comprehension, and writing skills, this comprehensive book explains each skill and provides research-based strategies for targeting each area. Supported by evidence-based research and aligned to key tenets of the Common Core, the book also includes classroom-tested activities and children's literature suggestions for each area of literacy. Starting Strong is an essential resource that any early literacy teacher or coach using a balanced literacy approach can use to build a solid foundation for their students. Grades Pre-K-3

This new and updated edition of Characteristics of Effective Early Learning focuses on how children learn which is just as important as what they learn. The book helps practitioners understand their key role in supporting children's self-regulation skills and learning power through playing and exploring, active learning and thinking creatively and critically. It includes new chapters on affirmative parenting practices and the crucial role of adult communication partners in supporting children's learning. The book: * Explains how emotional and cognitive self-regulation in the early years underpins lifelong learning * Investigates how children engage in learning through playing and exploring and are motivated through active learning * Explores how children become creative and critical thinkers, excited by their own learning power and able to review their own learning and thinking * Outlines how to approach observation, assessment and planning appropriately * Suggests how to continue the characteristics of effective learning into work with older children and staff teams Written by leaders in the field, based on research and rich in practical examples and case studies, this is an essential read for early years students and practitioners. The book will support those who want to find out more about how to encourage children in becoming self-regulated, playful, active learners who think deeply and creatively about their own learning and the world around them. "Whatever kind of early years setting you work in, this book is sure to inform, inspire and enthuse you and your staff." Sue Cowley, Early Years Teacher, Author, Presenter and Trainer "The publication provides academic evidence, practical guidance and support for undergraduates and the general reader." Michael Freeston, Director of Quality Improvement, Early Years Alliance "Such a wonderful range of chapter contributors ensures that this book remains essential reading for students and professionals at all levels." Dr Karen Boardman, Head of Early Years Education, Edge Hill University, UK Helen Moylett is an independent early years consultant and writer. She has been an early years teacher, a local authority adviser and a university lecturer as well as head of a nursery school and children's centre. Helen was centrally involved in developing the Early Years Foundation Stage and has received a Nursery World Lifetime Achievement Award.

'A fantastic addition to every bookshelf' - Kathy Brodie, Host and founder of Early Years TV, @kathybrodie The Muddy Puddle Teacher gives you everything you need to create an engaging, active and inclusive outdoor curriculum for your Early Years setting. Based on the well-loved Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach and following the Three Muddy M's - mother nature, mental health and getting more kids moving - this handbook is jam-packed with simple outdoor activities for every season. There are step-by-step instructions and full-colour photographs to demonstrate the activities. Whether you're a forest school enthusiast or just getting started in taking your teaching outside, there are plenty of inspiring ideas to benefit children and save you hours of preparation time. Using natural and upcycled materials, the activities in this book span key EYFS topics as well as PSHE themes, from muddy maths and literacy to muddy meditation and yoga. From making rhyming word strings with leaves to creating witches' kitchens and small world eco-villages, every activity is ideal for delivering a fun and effective session while inspiring a love of nature and raising environmental awareness. Perfectly adaptable to all outdoor spaces, this book will transform your Early Years practice in an affordable, sustainable way.

In this book, Sue Cowley looks at the way that behaviour develops during the earliest years of a child's life, exploring how babies and young children learn behaviours and move from co-regulation to self-regulation. She gives practical advice about how to support children in learning all aspects of positive behaviour while they are in your early years setting. She explores the different behaviours that children need to learn and develop in order to be happy and successful learners in their future school careers and beyond. From learning how to share, to learning how to pay attention; from learning how to be responsible, to learning how to be kind. This book covers all these learning behaviours and much, much more. Learning Behaviours is a book full of practical strategies, realistic suggestions and down to earth advice. Sue offers a step by step guide to getting behaviour right, and a range of case studies to help you understand how the approaches work in practice. Sue Cowley is a qualified early years teacher, the author of over 30 books for teachers and an internationally renowned teacher trainer. She has helped to run her local early years setting for the last ten years.