Collins International Primary Maths supports best practice in primary maths teaching, whilst encouraging teacher professionalism and autonomy. A wealth of supporting digital assets are provided for every lesson, including slideshows, animations, tools and games to ensure they are rich, lively and engaging. Each Workbook page has three levels of challenge which allow learners to practise and consolidate their newly acquired knowledge, skills and understanding of the mathematics they are learning. Provides support as part of a set of resources for the Cambridge Primary curriculum framework from 2011. This title is endorsed by Cambridge Assessment International Education.

Discover how to help PreK students develop pre-reading competencies that build capacity for future reading phonological awareness, print concepts, and alphabetics. Research-based and accessible, this essential guidebook helps readers sidestep common errors and create engaging, child-appropriate curriculum that lays a strong foundation for future reading skills. Filled with effective resources, activities, and a simple scope and sequence to guide instruction, this critical toolkit equips educators to set emerging learners up for success.

This is the second of a two-volume publication which provides an international perspective on how children learn to read. Research studies and classroom experiences from around the world are reported, highlighting implications for the design implementation and evaluation of classroom reading programmes. Contributions are included from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Jamaica and Israel with evidence drawn from over 18 countries. Despite the contexted differences, there are many common concerns and controversies. From these, three areas are identified: the first is developing an improved understanding of the nature of children's early reading development; the second is the consideration of the ways in which children's reading can be encouraged. This volume addresses the issues of curriculum and assessment in the context of accountability.

The learning of mathematics can go beyond the acquisition of facts and rules; it is a subject which is constantly being developed, from community to community, and from one generation to the next. This text presents a philosophical yet classroom approach to mathematics teaching, and examines how mathematics is taught across the curriculum and age range in primary schools. The book explores the role of play, story, drama, pattern, sound, and children's drawings and games. It discusses how these themes can be used by the teacher, and the various interactions with pupils. The use of the teacher's own mathematics in order to facilitate children's understanding of mathematics is covered and the resultant volume contains many ideas for the teaching of maths.

How do young children bridge the gap between "writing" a story with pictures and writing with words? How children learn to use written words to tell a story is a topic important to both cognitive development and early literacy instruction. Using the theoretical framework developed by Vygotsky, the behavior of a group of prekindergarten children as they author two consecutive pieces of writing is analyzed. The children tell their stories at first with spoken words and pictures. As they discuss their work-in-progress in public conferences, they discover how to build on and combine existing skills to produce a new skill -- telling stories with written words.
Current descriptive and theoretical perspectives on beginning writing are presented in this volume, with a particular focus on Vygotsky's concept of the "zone of proximal development," a period of sensitivity in which learning advances. The proposed mechanism of change is "verbal mediation" -- talk among peers and teachers as they discuss work-in-progress -- which moves the children through the zone of proximal development.
An open, whole-language approach to literacy instruction makes the classroom in this book an ideal arena in which to observe verbal mediation in operation. Children are free to question, criticize and argue; and in the process they collectively advance their developing ability to use written language.
The work is unique in that the rich and comprehensive data record is reproduced in its entirety. More than 400 illustrations of the children's products -- two "books" apiece, pictured before and after the children's revisions -- are included, along with transcripts of the conferences about each of the pages, permitting direct observation of the effects of verbal mediation. This dynamic study documents change during a period of time when specific learning is occurring, and provides strong support for the value and power of Vygotsky's theoretical framework.

This account of teacher research is a study of four first grade classrooms, and the interaction between the teachers and their students. The accounts give examples of "good teaching" and show, through case studies, how the students can better learn and teachers better teach. The author demonstrates examples of good teaching by means of dialogues between teachers and students, and she sees the "ethnography of empowerment" as bringing university staff closer to the empowering practice, in the same way that teacher-research work has brought teachers closer to empowering university practice.

The first part of this book charts and analyzes the working days of 326 primary school teachers. It shows how they spent their working lives, the nature of the curriculum they taught, and analyzes their work into five main categories: Teaching, Preparation, Administration, Professional Development and Other Activities. The second part comments on the findings by relating them to issues of school management and curriculum manageability and looks at how the idea of conscientiousness' among primary school teachers may have led to their exploitation.

As one of the core areas of the curriculum, science provides particular challenges, especially to teachers working at the top end of the elementary school range. "Science 7-11" invites science teachers working with preteens to examine their practice in the light of current research findings. Clive Carre and Carrie Ovens, both experienced primary teachers themselves, ask what teachers really need to know both about their subject and about their students in order to teach science effectively. The authors give practical guidance on curriculum planning, on balancing enquiry approaches to learning with more formal "telling" and on the difficult area of collecting and interpreting evidence of children's progress for assessment.

Men Teaching Children 3-11 provides a comprehensive exploration of work experiences of men who teach young children. The authors draw on their own research as well as international studies to provide realistic strategies to help to remove barriers in order to develop a more gender-balanced teacher workforce. Burn and Pratt-Adams, former primary school teachers who have both experienced these unfair gender practices, also trace the historical roots of the gender barriers that have now become embedded within the occupational culture. Throughout Men Teaching Children 3-11, the authors argue that primary school teachers should be judged by their teaching talents, rather than by the application of biased gender stereotypes; and that male and female teachers need to work together to remove these stereotypes from the occupation.

* unique formatting per study, with a graphic page highlighting the research findings, and an adjacent page with accompanying research and implications * themed and chronological arrangement of studies will allow readers to access particular studies with ease * covers areas which are of great interest to parents, such as memory and revision, the impact of sleep and mobile devices on learning, parental attitudes and expectations and children's behaviour. * will enable parents to increase their understanding of crucial psychological research so that they can help their children improve how they think, feel and behave in school.

The final volume of four, the authors, all specialists in the areas of the curriculum, consider how the concerns of ethnic groups may be addressed within the framework of the National Curriculum. Despite the indecision surrounding the structure, content, pedagogy and assessment of many components of the primary school curriculum, it remains that the multicultural nature of the population and of schools will develop. These developments and their educational implications must be considered if the educational system is to respond adequately.

This highly accessible guide to the varied aspects of Vygotsky's psychology emphasises his abiding interest in education. Vygotsky was a teacher, a researcher and educational psychologist who worked in special needs education, and his interest in pedagogy was fundamental to all his work. Vygotsky the Teacher analyses and discusses the full range of his ideas and their far-reaching educational implications. Drawing on new work, research and fresh translations, this unique text foregrounds key Vygotskian perspectives on play, imagination and creativity, poetry, literature and drama, the emotions, and the role of language in the development of thought. It explains the textual issues surrounding Vygotsky's publications that have, until recently, obscured some of the theoretical links between his ideas. It underlines Vygotsky's determination to create a psychology that is capable of explaining all aspects of the development of mind. Vygotsky the Teacher is essential reading for students on education and psychology courses at all levels, and for all practitioners wanting to know more about Vygotsky's theories and their roots in research and practice. It offers a unique road map of his work, connecting its different aspects, and placing them in the context of his life and the times in which he lived.

Primary education is in a period of transition. The whole question of what constitutes 'good practice' is being vigorously debated. This reader looks at primary practice in the light of this debate, examining it in the context of continuing efforts to understand and improve the learning opportunities offered to children in school. It offers a range of research into how classrooms work and the development of specific curriculum areas: science, technology, mathematics, the arts, humanities and language. The final section takes a closer look at life in the primary classroom from the perspectives of the children and their teachers.

Over the last 25 years, reading processes have been the focus of an enormous amount of research in experimental psychology as well as in other disciplines. The theories and models emerging from this research have greatly advanced understanding of both normal acquisition and of reading disabilities. Although great progress has been made, there are certain aspects that have been relatively neglected in the current understanding. Specifically, the role of visual factors has received less attention than that of other component processes. This is particularly surprising since reading and writing are distinct from the other language processes of speaking and listening in large part by virtue of the fact that a visual dimension is involved. Relevant research is broadly scattered both geographically and in terms of disciplines, and there have been no major reviews or books concerned with the visual dimension of reading and reading disabilities.
The purpose of this book is to bring together a broad range of evidence that concerns the role of visual information in reading and reading disabilities. Because reading processes are of central interest to cognitive scientists, neuropsychologists, psycholinguists, clinicians, and educators, this book should draw a very broad readership.

Teaching Geography Creatively was Winner of the Geographical Association Gold Award 2014 and Winner of the Geographical Association Silver Award 2017. This fully updated second edition of Teaching Geography Creatively is a stimulating source of guidance for busy trainee and experienced teachers. Packed full of practical approaches for bringing the teaching of geography to life, it offers a range of innovative ideas for exploring physical geography, human geography and environmental issues. Underpinned by the very latest research and theory, expert authors from schools and universities explore the inter-relationship between creativity and learning, and consider how creativity can enhance pupils' motivation, self-image and well-being. Two brand new chapters focus on creative approaches to learning about the physical world, as well as the value of alternative learning settings. Further imaginative ideas include: games and starter activities as entry points for creative learning how to keep geography messy the outdoors and learning beyond the classroom how to teach geography using your local area the links between geography and other areas of the curriculum looking at geography, creativity and the future fun and games in geography engaging with the world through picture-books teaching about sustainability. With contemporary, cutting-edge practice at the forefront, Teaching Geography Creatively is an essential read for all trainee and practicing teachers, offering a variety of practical strategies to create a fun and stimulating learning environment. In the process it offers a pedagogy that respects the integrity of children as joyful and imaginative learners and which offers a vision of how geography can contribute to constructing a better and more equitable world.

The new National Curriculum emphasises the importance of composition but also 'transcription' i.e. spelling and 'fluent, legible and, eventually, speedy handwriting.' Our exciting new 'Let's Do Handwriting' titles provide all the help that children need to write fluently and legibly. Through guided practice in letter structure and the correct formation of joins, the children are encouraged to develop a clear, attractive style to use with fluency and speed in their everyday writing. The extensive handwritten practice of a wide range of words also helps to broaden vocabulary and spelling skills. As with every title in the Andrew Brodie Basics range, parents can ensure that their children's efforts are well rewarded. Each book features regular progress checks as well as a wide variety of attractive reward stickers. To help the children along, Marjorie the Meercat gives lots of useful tips!

Primary teachers have always been required to master a wealth of knowledge and professional skills and recent debate has led to pressure for ever higher levels of competence. Ted Wragg's book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the skills needed by today's primary teachers. Separate chapters cover such central demands of the job as explaining new topics, asking stimulating questions and settling down with a new class, and one chapter is devoted to the particular problems of supply teachers. Based on extensive research in classrooms over a number of years, "Primary Teaching Skills" is designed for both student and novice teachers, as well as their more experienced colleagues at any stage of their professional development.

The new National Curriculum emphasises the importance of composition but also 'transcription' i.e. spelling and 'fluent, legible and, eventually, speedy handwriting.' Our exciting new 'Let's Do Handwriting' titles provide all the help that children need to write fluently and legibly. Through guided practice in letter structure and the correct formation of joins, the children are encouraged to develop a clear, attractive style to use with fluency and speed in their everyday writing. The extensive handwritten practice of a wide range of words also helps to broaden vocabulary and spelling skills. As with every title in the Andrew Brodie Basics range, parents can ensure that their children's efforts are well rewarded. Each book features regular progress checks as well as a wide variety of attractive reward stickers. To help the children along, Marjorie the Meercat gives lots of useful tips!

This book offers a creative and practical guide for K-6 teachers on how to effectively integrate creative movement and the performing arts into the curriculum to increase student engagement, deepen learning, improve retention, and get kids moving during the school day. Chapters offer concrete ideas for integrating creative movement and theater into subjects such as math, science, literacy, and social studies. Drawing on two decades of experience, Dr. Becker outlines key skills, offers rich examples, and provides adaptable and flexible classroom tested lesson plans that align with Common Core Standards, the NGSS, C3 Social Studies Standards, and the National Core Arts Standards. Activities are grounded in arts integration, which is steadily gaining interest in school reform as an effective teaching strategy that increases student outcomes academically and socially; particularly effective for students who have traditionally been marginalized. This book will benefit practicing educators who want to invigorate their practice, pre-service teachers who want to expand their toolkit, as well as school leaders looking to employ policies that support movement and arts during the school day. Jump in and get your kids Moving Through the School Day and see how active and engaging learning can be!

The inclusion of technology in subjects taught to primary school students presents teachers with an exciting and somewhat daunting challenge. "Design and Technology in the Primary School" aims to provide teachers with a definition and exploration of design and technology activities through a project approach. The book includes case studies which illustrate how teachers with little or no previous experience can draw on their existing knowledge of materials, processes, and local authority support, to develop successful projects linking areas of the curriculum with design and technology.
Guidance is also offered on topic planning with design and technology activities either central to the topic being studies, or as a development of a topic from another curriculum area.
This book offers a strong practical approach to embarking on design and technology activities through projects, topic designs, and case studies. It will encourage not only student teachers but their more experienced colleagues in developing existing skills and talents in teaching technology and design through the use of familiar topics.

This volume centers on the words and experiences of teachers and students who used QUILL -- a software package developed by the authors to aid in writing instruction. It looks in detail at the stories of these early users and considers questions relevant for other teachers, students, researchers, and developers of educational innovations. Questions posed include:
* What does it mean to develop an environment for literacy in an actual classroom?
* How can a teacher create an environment in which students work together toward meaningful goals?
* How can a teacher promote the rich communication so necessary for developing language?
* What is the role of technology in the practice and development of literacy?
The examination of the QUILL experiences provides a fuller and more revealing account of what it meant to use QUILL than would have been possible through standard evaluation techniques. At the same time, the focus on the particulars also finds analogues in analyses of similar pieces of open-ended software or educational innovations in general.

Group work is generally accepted as part of the educational ideology of today's primary classrooms. It can, however, mean almost anything from group seating as a technique of classroom management to fully collaborative learning. The authors start from the position that getting children to work together is time-consuming and not easy and that teachers need some assurance that it is worthwhile. Drawing on the work of Vygotsky they look at the importance of collaboration in the development of higher mental functions and also discuss the social and emotional advantages that children can derive from working together. Also using case studies derived from the ORACLE II group work project at Leicester, the authors also take into account the advances made in collaborative group work in other countries. The result is a set of guidelines from which individual teachers can derive policies suitable for the circumstances in their own schools. This book should be of interest to undergraduates and academics in primary education and also to primary school teachers.

Hardbound. The papers appearing in this volume reflect current thinking about the contexts of our thought, methodology, the nature of experience while teaching and program improvement, and how we conceptualize play in the curriculum.