This text provides a comprehensive understanding of the foundational literacy knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary to guide emerging readers and writers in early childhood. Centered on the critical question of why some children learn to read easily, while others do not, this text walks readers through developmentally appropriate goal setting based on the foundational literacy skills that are critical for preschool and kindergarten children to develop. Written in an authoritative yet accessible style, chapters offer instructional strategies, insights, and scenarios from educators, self-reflection, and a variety of methods for implementation. Each chapter also includes differentiation for children with language and learning challenges as well as dual language learners, exploring methods for valuing the home language while building critical literacy skills in the classroom. Providing critical skills for guiding all emerging readers to an independent reading level, this is an essential resource for both students in early childhood, literacy, and special education courses and educators in early childhood public education, non-profit preschool settings such as Head Start, home and daycare settings, and private and corporate care and education centers.

* Cross-curricular teaching tool covering, literacy, oracy, maths and science, well-being and mental health, dance, drama and art * Unleash the power of poetry in your classroom * Contains activities, lesson plans and classroom resources

This book offers cutting-edge expertise and knowledge in new and developing play therapy, therapeutic play, and expressive arts for families and children in crisis and challenging situations. The book focuses on the use of play therapies in complex and dynamic situations such as pandemics, post-disaster conditions, crisis, migration, poverty, and deprivation. Evidence in the book is rooted in theory and contains examples of direct clinical experiences of play therapy approaches by the authors from across six continents, offering innovative methods to apply expressive arts modalities across different situations. It highlights the need to understand the context and needs of the children and families in their particular situations and provides examples of application of therapeutic principles and techniques in individual and group settings and within schools and communities. With reflections and guidance on how to support children in reaching their potential in a variety of difficult contexts, the book will be key reading for scholars and researchers in the fields of play therapy, expressive arts therapies, and creative psychotherapy, as well as professionals in these areas.

Evolved through conversations with key early childhood education experts, Schemas in the Early Years focuses on the value of 'repeated patterns' of action or 'schemas' in young children's play. It stimulates readers to ask questions of themselves, to watch children closely, and to create a dialogue with parents and other educators as well. Contributors to this fascinating book discuss their observation of children in naturalistic situations when they are deeply involved in play and identify topics or themes that can be linked to and inspire professional development opportunities. This book provides an antidote to beginning with the curriculum rather than the child and really considers children as learners. Each chapter focuses on young children and schemas, considering a wide age range from babies to children attending statutory schooling. Schemas in the Early Years is an accessible and inspiring text and serves as essential reading for educators wanting to think further and in more depth about schemas. Newcomers to schema theory or anyone currently using schema theory to understand children will also find these enquiries useful. All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to Shelter - the housing and homelessness charity.

This concise guide offers an accessible introduction to cognitive development in childhood and adolescence. It integrates insights from typical and atypical development to reveal fundamental aspects of human growth and development, and common developmental disorders. The topic books in this series draw on international research in the field and are informed by biological, social and cultural perspectives, offering explanations of developmental phenomena with a focus on how children and adolescents at different ages actually think, feel and act. In this volume, Stephen von Tetzchner explains key topics including: theories of cognitive development; attention, memory and executive function; conceptual development and reasoning, theory of mind; intelligence; and learning and instruction. Together with a companion website that offers topic-based quizzes, lecturer PowerPoint slides and sample essay questions, Typical and Atypical Child and Adolescent Development 4: Cognition, Intelligence and Learning is an essential text for all students of developmental psychology, as well as those working in the fields of child development, developmental disabilities and special education. The content of this topic book is taken from Stephen von Tetzchner's core textbook Child and Adolescent Psychology: Typical and Atypical Development. The comprehensive volume offers a complete overview of child and adolescent development - for more information visit www.routledge.com/9781138823396

Learn how to effectively lead and make an impact in early childhood and primary school settings. The New Leader's Guide to Early Childhood Settings explores how to empower educators and caregivers, advocate for early intervention, promote culturally responsive teaching, and confront common fears and hurdles. Packed with helpful resources and strategies, chapters feature key tips about effective communication, leveraging technology, and questions for reflection. Practical and accessible, this engaging guidebook delivers quick, effective advice whether you're just starting out or are an experienced leader newly jumping into the early years.

This concise guide offers an accessible introduction to the key theoretical perspectives and methodologies in developmental psychology. It integrates insights from typical and atypical development to reveal fundamental aspects of human growth and development, and common developmental disorders. The topic books in this series draw on international research in the field and are informed by biological, social and cultural perspectives, offering explanations of developmental phenomena with a focus on how children and adolescents at different ages actually think, feel and act. In this succinct volume, Stephen von Tetzchner outlines the main theoretical perspectives including psychodynamic psychology, behaviorism, logical constructivism, social constructivism, evolutionary psychology, ethological psychology, ecological psychology, information processing and critical developmental psychology. He provides a guide to methods of gaining knowledge about children and introduces child and adolescent disorders. Together with a companion website that offers topic-based quizzes, lecturer PowerPoint slides and sample essay questions, Typical and Atypical Child and Adolescent Development 1: Theory and Methodology is an essential text for all students of developmental psychology, as well as those working in the fields of child development, developmental disabilities and special education. The content of this topic book is taken from Stephen von Tetzchner's core textbook Child and Adolescent Psychology: Typical and Atypical Development. The comprehensive volume offers a complete overview of child and adolescent development. For more information visit www.routledge.com/9781138823396

* Based on an ethnographic-oriented qualitative study conducted in both the public school and the private migrant school in Beijing, China for more than eight months * Draws researchers' attention to going beyond the rural-urban divide discourse currently overly used in the studies of rural migrant children, and brings the class perspective into the field. * Re-examines the applicability of Freirean theoretical framework in understanding the oppressed group's consciousness construction in the Chinese context * Offers an alternative perspective to reason the difficulties in class consciousness or critical consciousness construction among migrant workers or other oppressed groups through drawing attention to the constructive process in the childhood and influential contexts of family, school and community

Infancy: The Basics offers an introduction to the developmental science behind the fascinating world of infant development. This book takes the reader from before birth through the moment infants come into the world seemingly unable to do much but eat, eliminate, and sleep, and across the few short, incredible years, to when infants are walking, talking, thinking humans with clear preferences, wishes, and dreams, having already forged strong long-lasting relationships. Dispelling common myths and misconceptions about how infants' perception, cognition, language, and personalities develop, this accessible evidence-based book takes a novel whole-child approach and provides insight into the joint roles of nature (biology) and nurture (experiences) in infant development, how to care for babies to give them the best start in life, and what it means for infants to become thinking communicating social partners. Topics in this book are covered with an eye firmly fixed on how infants' first years set the stage for the rest of their lives. By helping us understand infants, experts Marc H. Bornstein and Martha E. Arterberry give us the opportunity to learn about the resiliency of our species and the many different contexts in which families rear infants. They cover key topics, including how babies are studied scientifically, prenatal development and the newborn period, how infants explore and understand the world around them, how infants begin to communicate, how infants develop an emotional life, personality, and temperament, how infants build relationships, and how parents succeed in bringing up babies in challenging circumstances. This concise clear guide to the years from before birth to 3 is for students of developmental psychology, pediatric medicine and nursing, education, and social work. It also for all parents and professionals caring for infants, who want to understand the secret world of infancy.

* Features specific lessons, strategies, and hands-on, minds-on activities to foster key skills and thinking strategies needed to excel in literacy. * Lessons are easy to implement, inexpensive, and aligned to core components of literacy skills. * Each of topics includes a ready to go student choice board and a list of engaging family-school connection activities.

How do we begin to understand diversity in early childhood in order to combat biases? There are many layers of diversity within families that are important to examine. We must consider ethnic diversity first and foremost as we engage in a conversation regarding diversity, as we know (or should know) the history of people of color in the US and the challenges and adversities that we have experienced. In the context of this book, understanding diversity begins with positioning a definition that encompasses the realities of many families particularly across the US such as immigration status, gender, family structure, sexual identity, class, and spiritual beliefs. We also see the importance to talking about race within the context of early childhood.

* First rate author team that provides a truly international perspective on the issues covered within the text * Offers rich case-studies and reflections on a portfolio of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies * Includes cross-disciplinary perspectives, including education, health and social work

This text critically examines changes in Ghanaian language and literacy policy following independence in 1957 to consider its impacts on early literacy teaching. By adopting a postcolonial theoretical perspective, the text interrogates the logic behind policy changes which have prioritised English, local language, or biliteracy. It draws on data from interviews with teachers and researcher observation to demonstrate how policies have influenced teaching and learning. Dr Osseo-Asare's findings inform the development of a conceptual framework which highlights the socio-cultural factors that impact the literacy and biliteracy of young children in Ghana, offering solutions to help teachers combat the challenges of frequent policy changes. This timely monograph will prove to be an essential resource not only for researchers working on education policies, teacher education, and English-language learning in postcolonial Ghana but also for those looking to identify the thematic and methodological nuances of studying literacy and education in postcolonial contexts.

Using Video Games to Level Up Collaboration for Students provides a research-informed, systematic approach for using cooperative multiplayer video games as tools for teaching collaborative social skills and building social connections. Video games have become an ingrained part of our culture, and many teachers, school leaders and allied health professionals are exploring ways to harness digital games-based learning in their schools and settings. At the same time, collaborative skills and social inclusion have never been more important for our children and young adults. Taking a practical approach to supporting a range of learners, this book provides a three-stage system that guides professionals with all levels of gaming experience through skill instruction, supported play and guided reflection. A range of scaffolds and resources support the implementation of this program in primary and secondary classrooms and private clinics. Complementing this intervention design are a set of principles of game design that assist in the selection of games for use with this program, which assists with the selection of existing games or the design of future games for use with this program. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gamer, Level Up Collaboration provides educators with an innovative approach to ensuring that children and young adults can develop the collaborative social skills essential for thriving in their communities. By using an area of interest and strength for many individuals experiencing challenges with developing friendships and collaborative social skills, this intervention program will help your school or setting to level up social outcomes for all participants.

Using Video Games to Level Up Collaboration for Students provides a research-informed, systematic approach for using cooperative multiplayer video games as tools for teaching collaborative social skills and building social connections. Video games have become an ingrained part of our culture, and many teachers, school leaders and allied health professionals are exploring ways to harness digital games-based learning in their schools and settings. At the same time, collaborative skills and social inclusion have never been more important for our children and young adults. Taking a practical approach to supporting a range of learners, this book provides a three-stage system that guides professionals with all levels of gaming experience through skill instruction, supported play and guided reflection. A range of scaffolds and resources support the implementation of this program in primary and secondary classrooms and private clinics. Complementing this intervention design are a set of principles of game design that assist in the selection of games for use with this program, which assists with the selection of existing games or the design of future games for use with this program. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gamer, Level Up Collaboration provides educators with an innovative approach to ensuring that children and young adults can develop the collaborative social skills essential for thriving in their communities. By using an area of interest and strength for many individuals experiencing challenges with developing friendships and collaborative social skills, this intervention program will help your school or setting to level up social outcomes for all participants.

* integrates theory and practice, drawing on real-world vignettes to generate critique and commentary; * draws on a range of international research and practice; * while focused on praxis, the writing style is both academic and rigorous * the chapters are underpinned by a sound theoretical approach

* integrates theory and practice, drawing on real-world vignettes to generate critique and commentary; * draws on a range of international research and practice; * while focused on praxis, the writing style is both academic and rigorous * the chapters are underpinned by a sound theoretical approach

This sequel to the bestselling Princesses, Dragons and Helicopter Stories reveals the positive impact the storytelling and story acting curriculum of Vivian Gussin Paley has on young children's literacy, communication and confidence. Telling the story of three years of classroom-based research with children aged two to seven, it shows the Helicopter Stories approach in action, capturing the children's development as storytellers and their delight at having their stories listened to, scribed and acted out. In each chapter Trisha Lee's passion for children's unique voices shines through as she shares and reflects on the children's stories, paying each of them the same respect as would normally be bestowed on adult writers. Exploring the importance of story in children's lives, the book: Examines the cognitive and developmental impact of implementing a Helicopter Stories approach over an extended time period Analyses the stories told by children using the story structure of the Hero's Journey, and the seven basic plot types Explores how and why stories connect with us including children's innate ability to empathise with the hero from a very young age Includes rich case studies of children at different ages and developmental stages including those with additional needs Offering a fascinating insight into how Helicopter Stories work in practice and addressing the frequently asked questions about the benefits of using this approach, The Growth of a Storyteller is valuable reading for anyone interested in storytelling and story acting with their children.

Infancy: The Basics offers an introduction to the developmental science behind the fascinating world of infant development. This book takes the reader from before birth through the moment infants come into the world seemingly unable to do much but eat, eliminate, and sleep, and across the few short, incredible years, to when infants are walking, talking, thinking humans with clear preferences, wishes, and dreams, having already forged strong long-lasting relationships. Dispelling common myths and misconceptions about how infants' perception, cognition, language, and personalities develop, this accessible evidence-based book takes a novel whole-child approach and provides insight into the joint roles of nature (biology) and nurture (experiences) in infant development, how to care for babies to give them the best start in life, and what it means for infants to become thinking communicating social partners. Topics in this book are covered with an eye firmly fixed on how infants' first years set the stage for the rest of their lives. By helping us understand infants, experts Marc H. Bornstein and Martha E. Arterberry give us the opportunity to learn about the resiliency of our species and the many different contexts in which families rear infants. They cover key topics, including how babies are studied scientifically, prenatal development and the newborn period, how infants explore and understand the world around them, how infants begin to communicate, how infants develop an emotional life, personality, and temperament, how infants build relationships, and how parents succeed in bringing up babies in challenging circumstances. This concise clear guide to the years from before birth to 3 is for students of developmental psychology, pediatric medicine and nursing, education, and social work. It also for all parents and professionals caring for infants, who want to understand the secret world of infancy.

In the book, the author is focusing the importance of play for children from 0 years up to 8-12 years of age, e.g. in ECE centers and elementary schools. In particular, the importance of play for learning, through motivation as related to self-competence, inspiration and engagement. In this second edition, the author is emphasizing more thoroughly the importance of play as a challenge of learning, with implications for children, as well as for teachers. Further, the author is referring to how meaning making in children's production of multi-module narrative products can contribute to their digital personal formation. The selection of theories presented in the second edition is somewhat expanded, and in the end the author is presenting a few important educational challenges of the field of children's play.

Hands-on lessons can be fun and compelling, but when it comes to life science, they aren't always possible, practical, effective, or safe. Children can't follow wolves as they hunt elk, visit a prehistoric swamp, or shrink down to the size of a molecule and observe photosynthesis firsthand. But they can explore a whole world of animals, plants, and ecosystems through the pages of beautifully illustrated, science-themed picture books. Perfect Pairs, which marries fiction and nonfiction picture books focused on life science, helps educators think about and teach life science in a whole new way. Each of the twenty lessons in this book is built around a pair of books that introduces a critical life science concept and guides students through an inquiry-based investigative process to explore that idea-from life cycles and animal-environment interactions to the inheritance of traits and the critical role of energy in our world. Each lesson starts with a ""Wonder Statement"" and comprises three stages. ""Engaging Students"" features a hands-on activity that captures student interest, uncovers current thinking, and generates vocabulary. The heart of the investigative process, ""Exploring with Students,"" spotlights the paired books as the teacher reads aloud and helps students find and organize information into data tables. ""Encouraging Students to Draw Conclusions"" shows students how to review and analyze the information they have collected. Bringing high-quality science-themed picture books into the classroom engages a broad range of students, addresses the Performance Expectations outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards, and supports the goals of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. Even if you are science shy, Perfect Pairs can help you become a more confident teacher whose classroom buzzes with curious students eager to explore their natural world.

This accessible guide supports school and education settings in co-producing SMART targets for education health and care plans, SEN support plans and Personal Education Plans. The book encourages educators to collaborate with children, young people and their caregivers to gain an in-depth understanding of their views, aspirations, strengths and areas of challenge, and to write purposeful, specific, measurable and achievable targets. Each chapter offers successful approaches to capture authentic voice, with a variety of contributors sharing their journey to improve child and family leadership by developing child-centred approaches in their contexts. The book includes case studies and reflective activities to further support the reader with creative and innovative approaches to SMART targets that are underpinned by the child's perspective. With contributions from a range of schools, and across age phases, this book encourages and enables collaboration with children, young people and their caregivers, and will be essential reading for SENCOs, designated leads for safeguarding, teachers and senior leaders in both mainstream and specialist settings.

Providing readers with a robust, practical understanding of how young children build knowledge, this book offers a critical examination of the ways traditional homework fails young children, and how alternatives can better build collaborative engagement with families while supporting learning across all content areas. Grounded in culturally sustaining practices, the first section breaks down the pedagogies that support deep learning, while later chapters emphasize the role of critical and creative thinking, project-based learning, and student choice in the development of engaging, personally relevant home learning experiences. Embracing Alternatives to Homework in Early Childhood is a critical text for anyone seeking to reimagine homework practices as both equitable and agency-building in PreK-3.

Designed to assist educators of young children in building awareness of their roles as members of a global community in an increasingly divided world, this essential guide is an illuminating resource which answers the question: "Is it possible to teach global citizenship in the first five years of life?" Global Citizenship Education for Young Children takes a close look at the practice of two preschools with vastly different histories, curricula and demographics and introduces readers to the range of possibilities that exist within early childhood global citizenship education. Snapshots of practice, strategies to employ and opportunities for self-reflection provide readers with concrete guidance for how to build learning environments that encourage global citizenship in the first years of life.