Provides an accessible yet critical approach to key themes within the early years, with a focus throughout on reflective practice. It starts by examining theories and research into the nature of reflection, how it can be used and how it can improve practice and produce a more responsive and thoughtful, research-based workforce for young children and their families. A range of themes, including global childhood poverty, observation and assessment, leadership, and multi-professional working, are then explored, highlighting the importance and application of reflection throughout these areas of research and practice. This new edition includes two completely new chapters on reflecting on work-based learning and reflecting on children's play and creativity. Information on mentoring and on the position of men in early years higher education has also been added. Greater depth and challenge is provided through extended thinking questions and extended reflections at the end of each chapter.

Poetry. Moving between poems that reveal the curses of one's life and the blessings that are of equal and mostly of greater value, BLESSINGS AND CURSES does not shy away from either. With language that is studied and fluid Anne Whitehouse clearly knows the craft and what to do to make a poem feel right. This work is satisfying in both content and the poets craft. "BLESSINGS AND CURSES Is a candid and powerful work of beautifully observed moments that shed her visionary light on art, on friendship, on social history, on nature, on Buddhism, on writers and writing, on memory, on the fleeting and the eternal, and on God. This is a deeply satisfying journey through a poet's life and soul, shared with an intimacy that is both simple and profound"--Gina Browning, author of Roses of the Heart.