When do babies begin to learn and what exactly are they learning?

What are the key stages of a toddler 's development?

Do movements such as crawling really affect later learning?

How important is the environment to the under threes?

What can I do to give each child the best possible support?

Written to support early years professionals, this fascinating book explores the pre and post-natal development of children from conception to three. It outlines the key aspects of progression during these vital years, discussing how innate and external factors combine to influence a child 's well-being and abilities.

Based upon exhaustive research in the field, but written in a way that is relevant and lively to practitioners and students alike, the text is organised in a question-and-answer format for quick and easy referencing. Topics explored and demystified, include:

• In-depth investigation of the nature versus nuture debate
• The importance of movement in supporting development
• The processes of attachment and bonding
• Early communication and the acquisition of language
• The learning process and brain development.

Other features include a helpful glossary of key terminology as well as suggestions for action research, making this book is an invaluable source of support for any practitioner involved in ongoing professional development.

This book will help those who work with children or who are studying formal qualifications in early years education to understand and engage with the complexities of early development, enabling them to facilitate the best possible development of the children in their care.

There are many more children with learning differences and difficulties in our schools today. Their needs are varied and complex and professionals must find appropriate ways to enhance their learning. The value of play is endorsed in policy initiatives including The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, so professionals can be reassured that ?more time to play? is in line with the latest thinking.

Christine Macintyre emphasises the importance of creating an environment where children become confident, independent learners, increasingly able to use their imaginations, care for others and to take safe risks. This fully revised edition of Play for Children with Special Needs includes new research findings and explains their implications for practice.

This book then enables those supporting children to:

• understand the benefits of play and how to adapt different scenarios to support children who do not find it easy to play
• observe children as they play so that any difficulties can be identified early
• analyse different play areas so that the different kinds of learning (intellectual, creative, motor, social and emotional) are appreciated.

Play for Children with Special Needs, 2nd edition enables practitioners to appreciate the contribution that play makes to the education of all children, whether they have special needs or not. It is for parents, teachers, teaching assistants and nursery professionals as well as those who care for children at home.

Today there are more children than ever before in need of a variety of additional support needs, and many of these children have poor movement as a key contributory factor. Even in children with no specific 'label', movement is being found to be linked to learning, and educational professionals need to understand what is amiss and how to support children who do not meet their motor milestones at the correct time. The brand new topic areas featured in this comprehensive and practical new edition include: a discussion of terminology and labelling (in light of current inclusion guidelines) a range of age specific activities a section on the neurology of dyspraxia, showing the motor pathways that are energised and define motor competence a greater emphasis on balance, coordination and control examples from children of how movement is dependent on planning, sequencing and organising more practical activities that can form the basis of a programme to support the children. Practical strategies are provided throughout this authoritative book, so that teachers and other professionals can identify and understand movement difficulties, are empowered to support the children, and work effectively with the parents.

I know there is something wrong, but what? How do I know if outside help for this child is needed? How do I tell parents that their child could have a learning difficulty? These are questions that most nursery workers will have to face during their careers, and questions which this new edition of Identifying Additional Learning Needs sets out to answer. Based on the experiences of real children and typical situations in early years settings, this book will be an invaluable companion for early years practitioners who care for and educate young children with additional learning needs. Attention Deficit Disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism are some of the difficulties explained in depth, with detailed suggestions to help support children with these special needs. Chapters in this fully revised new edition: explore the process of early identification; show how to make inclusion a reality in the nursery; tackle the complex issue of dealing with parents; discuss techniques for skilled and informed observation and assessment. Include developmental charts to allow a child's progress to be monitored and celebrated. Each chapter has an explanation section supported by a set of practical strategies to support both the child and the practitioner. Throughout this lively and informative book, Christine Macintyre uses case studies to highlight the importance of listening to young children and shows how making time for listening is vital to providing exactly the right level of help and support.

Review of the first edition: 'This book provides a very accessible approach to building a better understanding of young children and their development and will be an interesting and useful read for both experienced early years practitioners and for students who are just beginning to build their practical experience.' - Early Years Update This highly practical and fully updated new edition is full of case studies and helpful advice on how to enhance our understanding of very young children. Through working with many practitioners in different settings, Christine Macintyre offers down-to-earth strategies to enhance the learning of children in their care, and asks: What are the key influences in encouraging children to achieve their potential? Are the four aspects of children's development equally important and how do they interact? Does the play - based curriculum truly cater for children with a range of abilities and interests e.g. gifted and talented children and those who need extra support? What new ways are there of enhancing learning? How can we be sure that parents appreciate how we support their children in all aspects of their development? With examples and case-studies drawn from a variety of real-life nursery practices, these interesting and thought-provoking scenarios will help enhance and develop the practice of all students and early years teachers.

There are many more children with learning differences and difficulties in our schools today. Their needs are varied and complex and professionals must find appropriate ways to enhance their learning. The value of play is endorsed in policy initiatives including The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, so professionals can be reassured that more time to play is in line with the latest thinking.

Christine Macintyre emphasises the importance of creating an environment where children become confident, independent learners, increasingly able to use their imaginations, care for others and to take safe risks. This fully revised edition of Play for Children with Special Needs includes new research findings and explains their implications for practice.

This book then enables those supporting children to:

• understand the benefits of play and how to adapt different scenarios to support children who do not find it easy to play
• observe children as they play so that any difficulties can be identified early
• analyse different play areas so that the different kinds of learning (intellectual, creative, motor, social and emotional) are appreciated.

Play for Children with Special Needs, 2nd edition enables practitioners to appreciate the contribution that play makes to the education of all children, whether they have special needs or not. It is for parents, teachers, teaching assistants and nursery professionals as well as those who care for children at home.

Can you recognize and tell the difference between gifted and talented children? Do you know how to provide the support they need? Responding directly to current thinking in education, this book raises practitioners' expectations, and shows you how to identify children in your class as gifted and talented. Christine Macintyre addresses the nature/nurture debate in relation to gifted and talented children, and discusses related topics such as the norms of development and domains of learning. Essential reading for all primary teachers and teaching assistants, this fascinating book is full of practical suggestions enabling you to: recognise the innate nature of giftedness provide the teaching required for talent to emerge understand the experiences of gifted and talented children develop activities to challenge and encourage your gifted and talented children to widen their repertoire of skills and abilities A chapter on neurological development is included to confront questions such as "what is it that enables children to do well", and even "Is there a gene for genius?" Contrasting and conflicting answers are shared and debated. Finally, the issue of gifted and talented children with a learning difference/disability is raised and examples are given of how this ASD (asynchronous development) can hinder the recognition of gifts and talents in these children.

Many children experience difficulties which impact on their learning at home and school. Some children are considered to have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, but other children display a range of indicators which cross the boundaries of specific named 'conditions'. If teachers are to offer appropriate support, the authors of this highly practical book argue that they must look beyond the label to assess the whole child.
This informative book,
*encourages teachers to consider children as individuals rather than attempting to match them to existing sets of indicators
*pinpoints the overlap of indicators within different specific learning difficulties
*considers the process of assessment
*explains the implications of the children's difficulties
*offers tried and tested strategies to promote inclusive learning.
Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SEN Coordinators and students undertaking teacher education courses will all find this a refreshingly accessible book.

Many children experience difficulties which impact on their learning at home and school. Some children are considered to have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, but other children display a range of indicators which cross the boundaries of specific named 'conditions'. If teachers are to offer appropriate support, the authors of this highly practical book argue that they must look beyond the label to assess the whole child.
This informative book,
*encourages teachers to consider children as individuals rather than attempting to match them to existing sets of indicators
*pinpoints the overlap of indicators within different specific learning difficulties
*considers the process of assessment
*explains the implications of the children's difficulties
*offers tried and tested strategies to promote inclusive learning.
Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SEN Coordinators and students undertaking teacher education courses will all find this a refreshingly accessible book.

This text is full of practical ideas to help all early years children enjoy developing their movement abilities. Each activity uses rhymes and jingles and some have music. This is to enhance the children's rhythmic ability, their listening skills and their phonological awareness.
There are many activities that form the basis of lesson plans. The material shows how the learning outcomes fulfil the criteria set out in the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and the 5-14 Guidelines (Expressive Arts). The activities will be great fun for all children, whether they find movement easy and are always on the look-out for challenges, or whether they are less confident. The book aims to support teachers in their work to help all children fulfill their potential, offering guidance on diagnosis and assessment of skills and weaknesses as well as observation and progression.
Chapters include developing the basic movement patterns: gross movements, fine movements and manipulative skills; developing sensory integration; teaching and observing movement; and detailed lesson plans.
All children, whatever their level of ability, can be helped to be more confident and competent movers - a process which often also results in improved self-esteem. Teachers and support staff in all early years settings will find much in this book to inspire and enthuse all children in their care.

Written for teachers, nursery nurses, students and parents by experienced nursery staff, this is an essential guide to organizing, resourcing and teaching in pre-school settings.

What is it that makes some children bully and some become victims? What can you do if despite your best efforts, a child keeps on taunting another? What steps can you take before communicating with parents and what will you say? The practice of bullying endures in all schools today. Despite the implementation of bullying policies, parents and staff can be equally perplexed: not really understanding what they have or haven't done to allow it to happen. Christine Macintyre explores this highly emotive topic, asking why as many as one in 12 school children are bullying victims, and will show in a highly practical way, what can be done to support the children and help staff improve their own practice. This book will provide help and guidance on: enhancing the self-esteem of the affected children, showing how new-found confidence will enable children to offset the effects of being bullied or indeed being a bully. how to tell parents their child is bullying or being bullied, and how to build up a meaningful and mutually supportive relationship with them. creating a learning environment that prevents the desire for children to bully. Based on case studies giving first hand accounts of real-life situations, and evaluations of strategies that have been tried and tested, this book suggests fresh and inspiring ways of tackling a problem faced by many practitioners today.

This text is full of practical ideas to help all early years children enjoy developing their movement abilities. Each activity uses rhymes and jingles and some have music. This is to enhance the children's rhythmic ability, their listening skills and their phonological awareness. There are many activities that form the basis of lesson plans. The material shows how the learning outcomes fulfil the criteria set out in the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and the 5-14 Guidelines (Expressive Arts). The activities will be great fun for all children, whether they find movement easy and are always on the look-out for challenges, or whether they are less confident. The book aims to support teachers in their work to help all children fulfill their potential, offering guidance on diagnosis and assessment of skills and weaknesses as well as observation and progression. Chapters include developing the basic movement patterns: gross movements, fine movements and manipulative skills; developing sensory integration; teaching and observing movement; and detailed lesson plans. All children, whatever their level of ability, can be helped to be more confident and competent movers - a process which often also results in improved self-esteem. Teachers and support staff in all early years settings will find much in this book to inspire and enthuse all children in their care.

First Published in 2000. Based on the real-life experiences of teachers and student teachers using action research for the first time, this introductory text demystifies the issues commonly faced by the novice researcher. In an accessible and user-friendly style, the author explains how: the principles of action research can be effectively applied; small scale classroom research can discover important cues to aid learning; to implement action research in different curricular areas, individually or in groups, and with children of different abilities; the whole endeavour can be structured to form an undergraduate or postgraduate thesis. This book, which is suitable for use in nursery, primary and secondary schools, will be invaluable to any education professional wishing to progress from observing what happens in the classroom, to actually explaining why.

Working with young children on the autistic spectrum and supporting them as they learn can be fascinating, challenging, often overwhelmingly difficult, but more than anything else, hugely rewarding. Strategies to Support Children with Autism and other Complex Needs bridges the gap between explaining what autism is and finding ways to interact through having a balance of play activities interspersed with more formal teaching of skills of everyday living. This highly practical text provides a bank of strategies that are specially designed to be matched to the developmental status of each child. These strategies are endorsed by academics who have monitored the children's responses in communicating, pretending, playing, moving, and singing and describe how the children have responded positively over time. This book covers a variety of topics such as: The importance of play for enhancing learning for children with autism and other complex needs Evaluating different ways of developing communication Transferring learning from one environment to another to aid memorizing. Understanding the impact of sensory hypo and hyperactivity on children's learning. Developing a 'Theory of Mind' The importance of movement, music and having fun Observation and assessment schedules are provided, along with clear and helpful evaluation forms which show staff in primary and early years settings how children on the autistic spectrum can be helped to make meaningful and encouraging progress. This text is an vital read for any practitioners working with children on the autistic spectrum or with complex learning difficulties.

When do babies begin to learn and what exactly are they learning?

What are the key stages of a toddler s development?

Do movements such as crawling really affect later learning?

How important is the environment to the under threes?

What can I do to give each child the best possible support?

Written to support early years professionals, this fascinating book explores the pre and post-natal development of children from conception to three. It outlines the key aspects of progression during these vital years, discussing how innate and external factors combine to influence a child s well-being and abilities.

Based upon exhaustive research in the field, but written in a way that is relevant and lively to practitioners and students alike, the text is organised in a question-and-answer format for quick and easy referencing. Topics explored and demystified, include:

• In-depth investigation of the nature versus nuture debate
• The importance of movement in supporting development
• The processes of attachment and bonding
• Early communication and the acquisition of language
• The learning process and brain development.

Other features include a helpful glossary of key terminology as well as suggestions for action research, making this book is an invaluable source of support for any practitioner involved in ongoing professional development.

This book will help those who work with children or who are studying formal qualifications in early years education to understand and engage with the complexities of early development, enabling them to facilitate the best possible development of the children in their care.

Dyspraxia is increasingly common in young children. This fully revised and updated edition of Christine Macintyre's invaluable companion explains the difficulties faced by children with dyspraxia in growing up and offers suggestions as to how these might be alleviated. In this book the children themselves, along with their parents and teachers, talk about how the difficulties change as the transition is made from primary to secondary school. Children with dyspraxia are frequently beset by frustrations as a result of their differences, can be misunderstood both at home and at school, and are very often bullied. This practical guide considers: * the issue of giving children labels * strategies to reduce stress * the value of movement programmes * raising self-esteem * the transition to secondary school * particular challenges faced during Puberty/adolescence * handwriting as an indicator of dyspraxia. Including practical activities with additional material for secondary pupils this book shows children how to articulate their differences using individualised explanations, and then go on to succeed having recognised where their talents lie. Dyspraxia 5-14 is essential reading for teachers, parents, SENCos, teaching assistants and trainee teachers who want to improve their understanding of dyspraxia and its implications for children in Key stages 1-3.

What is it that makes some children bully and some become victims?

What can you do if despite your best efforts, a child keeps on taunting another?

What steps can you take before communicating with parents and what will you say?

The practice of bullying endures in all schools today. Despite the implementation of bullying policies, parents and staff can be equally perplexed: not really understanding what they have or haven t done to allow it to happen.

Christine Macintyre explores this highly emotive topic, asking why as many as one in 12 school children are bullying victims, and will show in a highly practical way, what can be done to support the children and help staff improve their own practice.

This book will provide help and guidance on:

• enhancing the self-esteem of the affected children, showing how new-found confidence will enable children to offset the effects of being bullied or indeed being a bully.
• how to tell parents their child is bullying or being bullied, and how to build up a meaningful and mutually supportive relationship with them.
• creating a learning environment that prevents the desire for children to bully.

Based on case studies giving first hand accounts of real-life situations, and evaluations of strategies that have been tried and tested, this book suggests fresh and inspiring ways of tackling a problem faced by many practitioners today.

A guide to organizing, resourcing and teaching in pre-school settings. The book includes: activities to enhance learning in a child-centered framework; ways of observing, assessing and supporting children to compile accurate profiles; and ways of involving parents as partners.

Dyspraxia is increasingly common in young children. This fully revised and updated edition of Christine Macintyre's invaluable companion explains the difficulties faced by children with dyspraxia in growing up and offers suggestions as to how these might be alleviated. In this book the children themselves, along with their parents and teachers, talk about how the difficulties change as the transition is made from primary to secondary school. Children with dyspraxia are frequently beset by frustrations as a result of their differences, can be misunderstood both at home and at school, and are very often bullied. This practical guide considers: * the issue of giving children labels * strategies to reduce stress * the value of movement programmes * raising self-esteem * the transition to secondary school * particular challenges faced during Puberty/adolescence * handwriting as an indicator of dyspraxia. Including practical activities with additional material for secondary pupils this book shows children how to articulate their differences using individualised explanations, and then go on to succeed having recognised where their talents lie. Dyspraxia 5-14 is essential reading for teachers, parents, SENCos, teaching assistants and trainee teachers who want to improve their understanding of dyspraxia and its implications for children in Key stages 1-3.

Written to explain why children need to play and offering practical guidance on how to best support children's development through play, this fully updated third edition includes a wealth of new information to reflect recent changes in the curriculum and early years qualifications. Featuring new chapters on pretend play and the impact of parenting on child development, the book addresses practitioners key concerns through an accessible Q&A format supported with case studies relating to different play situations. It encourages the reader to challenge their own perceptions about play, exploring why children behave as they do at different stages in their development and showing how play can complement and enhance their social, emotional, perceptual motor and intellectual development. This jargon free, updated edition presents: a clear and detailed explanation of the different kinds of play children engage in as they learn and grow. how children learn through their play in a variety of situations. the subtle but genuine differences between male and female development. the difficulties children may have when they have over or under sensitivity to any specific sense or any problems with movement. the importance of emotional well being in children and how this affects their ability to play. an introduction to senses and brain development. Providing a grounded and gentle introduction to child development, this book brings a deeper understanding of children's learning through play and is an invaluable resource for students on early years courses and practitioners.

I know there is something wrong, but what? How do I know if outside help for this child is needed? How do I tell parents that their child could have a learning difficulty? These are questions that most nursery workers will have to face during their careers, and questions which this new edition of Identifying Additional Learning Needs sets out to answer. Based on the experiences of real children and typical situations in early years settings, this book will be an invaluable companion for early years practitioners who care for and educate young children with additional learning needs. Attention Deficit Disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism are some of the difficulties explained in depth, with detailed suggestions to help support children with these special needs. Chapters in this fully revised new edition: explore the process of early identification; show how to make inclusion a reality in the nursery; tackle the complex issue of dealing with parents; discuss techniques for skilled and informed observation and assessment. Include developmental charts to allow a child's progress to be monitored and celebrated. Each chapter has an explanation section supported by a set of practical strategies to support both the child and the practitioner. Throughout this lively and informative book, Christine Macintyre uses case studies to highlight the importance of listening to young children and shows how making time for listening is vital to providing exactly the right level of help and support.

Today there are more children than ever before in need of a variety of additional support needs, and many of these children have poor movement as a key contributory factor. Even in children with no specific label, movement is being found to be linked to learning, and educational professionals need to understand what is amiss and how to support children who do not meet their motor milestones at the correct time.

The brand new topic areas featured in this comprehensive and practical new edition include:

• a discussion of terminology and labelling (in light of current inclusion guidelines)
• a range of age specific activities
• a section on the neurology of dyspraxia, showing the motor pathways that are energised and define motor competence
• a greater emphasis on balance, coordination and control
• examples from children of how movement is dependent on planning, sequencing and organising
• more practical activities that can form the basis of a programme to support the children.

Practical strategies are provided throughout this authoritative book, so that teachers and other professionals can identify and understand movement difficulties, are empowered to support the children, and work effectively with the parents.

Based on the experiences of teachers using action research with their pupils for the first time, this introductory text demystifies the issues commonly faced by the novice researcher. The author explains how the principles of action research can be effectively applied; how small-scale classroom research can discover important cues to aid learning; how to implement action research in different curricular areas, individually or in groups, and with children of different abilities; and how the whole endeavour can be structured to form an undergraduate or postgraduate thesis.;Suitable for use in nursery, primary or secondary schools, the book should be useful to any educational professional wishing to progress from observing what happens in the classroom, to actually explaining why.

Can you recognize and tell the difference between gifted and talented children? Do you know how to provide the support they need? Responding directly to current thinking in education, this book raises practitioners' expectations, and shows you how to identify children in your class as gifted and talented. Christine Macintyre addresses the nature/nurture debate in relation to gifted and talented children, and discusses related topics such as the norms of development and domains of learning. Essential reading for all primary teachers and teaching assistants, this fascinating book is full of practical suggestions enabling you to: recognise the innate nature of giftedness provide the teaching required for talent to emerge understand the experiences of gifted and talented children develop activities to challenge and encourage your gifted and talented children to widen their repertoire of skills and abilities A chapter on neurological development is included to confront questions such as "what is it that enables children to do well", and even "Is there a gene for genius?" Contrasting and conflicting answers are shared and debated. Finally, the issue of gifted and talented children with a learning difference/disability is raised and examples are given of how this ASD (asynchronous development) can hinder the recognition of gifts and talents in these children.