Early childhood educators know how important it is to choose the right materials to include in your infant and toddler program. There are so many options, and often your budget won't stretch cover everything you'd like to include. With this guide, discover ideas for both familiar and new play materials and how they not only support the cognitive, physical, and social and emotional development of children from birth to age 3 but also meet the diverse needs of individual children. With a thoughtful selection of appropriate materials, you can enhance the quality of your program and create an accessible, inclusive, and equity-based environment that makes all children feel welcome.

Although urban allotment gardening dates back to the nineteenth century, it has recently undergone a renaissance of interest and popularity. This is the result of greater concern over urban greenspace, food security and quality of life. This book presents a comprehensive, research-based overview of the various features, benefits and values associated with urban allotment gardening in Europe. The book is based on a European COST Action project, which brings together researchers and practitioners from all over Europe for the first detailed exploration of the subject on a continent-wide scale. It assesses the policy, planning and design aspects, as well as the social and ecological benefits of urban allotment gardening. Through an examination of the wide range of different traditions and practices across Europe, it brings together the most recent research to discuss the latest evolutions of urban allotment gardening and to help raise awareness and fill knowledge gaps. The book provides a multidisciplinary perspective, including insights from horticulture and soil science, ecology, sociology, urban geography, landscape, planning and design. The themes are underpinned by case studies from a number of European countries which supply a wide range of examples to illustrate different key issues.

Although urban allotment gardening dates back to the nineteenth century, it has recently undergone a renaissance of interest and popularity. This is the result of greater concern over urban greenspace, food security and quality of life. This book presents a comprehensive, research-based overview of the various features, benefits and values associated with urban allotment gardening in Europe. The book is based on a European COST Action project, which brings together researchers and practitioners from all over Europe for the first detailed exploration of the subject on a continent-wide scale. It assesses the policy, planning and design aspects, as well as the social and ecological benefits of urban allotment gardening. Through an examination of the wide range of different traditions and practices across Europe, it brings together the most recent research to discuss the latest evolutions of urban allotment gardening and to help raise awareness and fill knowledge gaps. The book provides a multidisciplinary perspective, including insights from horticulture and soil science, ecology, sociology, urban geography, landscape, planning and design. The themes are underpinned by case studies from a number of European countries which supply a wide range of examples to illustrate different key issues.

A children's book about having special needs.

Nelson Mandela became a legend in his own lifetime. The son of a chief, he qualified as a lawyer, then was one of the leaders of the African National Congress whose long, heroic struggle against the infamous system of Apartheid is vividly described in this biography. Accused of treason by the South African government, Mandela was incarcerated for twenty-seven years, years in which he was honored as the world s most famous political prisoner. Mary Benson follows his political and philosophical development as well as his personal life. The fascinating story of Mandela s delicate negotiations with the government, leading to the release of fellow prisoners and to his own dramatic emergence from prison in 1990, is captured along with South Africa s progress towards democratic elections. In that election Mandela and millions of his black fellow citizens voted for the first time in their lives. The final chapter, which concludes with Mandela s inauguration as president, conveys the significance and profound joy of this historic event."

"The way I got the news of his arrest was terrible. . . . Part of my soul went with him at that time."

Winnie Mandela was one of South Africa's most visible apartheid foes. She was a "banned" person in her country, living under virtual house arrest and forbidden to address public gatherings or meet with more than one person at a time. For twenty-three years she endured a forced separation from her husband, Nelson Mandela. Here, in interviews and letters, she tells the story of her life and political development.

With its real-life stories and invitations for reflection and conversation, this book is an ideal professional development resource for pre- and in-service birth–age 3 professionals. The author shares lived experiences of being in four distinctly different baby rooms as a researcher over extended periods of time. She frames each life story around elements of well-being and asks readers to consider whether and how environmental and relational factors supported or hindered the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of the children and adults. The author encourages readers to see themselves in the stories, to consider how they may have acted in the circumstances described, and to deliberate on their own practices and beliefs. With empathy and respect, McMullen fully conveys an intent to elevate, celebrate, and honor those who spend their days in infant toddler care and education, while examining the critical role all adults in society play in the lives of our youngest citizens.Book Features: Invites personal reflection and discussion with colleagues in the form of prompts and questions after each story. Provides a friendly but scholarly look at the spaces, conditions, and quality of birth-to-age three settings, the area of fastest growing need in early childhood care and education (ECCE). Focuses on the well-being of the adults and children featured in the book, providing a holistic perspective on their needs, motivations, and experiences. Emphasizes a here-and-now perspective in contrast to books that tend to focus primarily on preparing children for future outcomes and accomplishments.

With its real-life stories and invitations for reflection and conversation, this book is an ideal professional development resource for pre- and in-service birth-age 3 professionals. The author shares lived experiences of being in four distinctly different baby rooms as a researcher over extended periods of time. She frames each life story around elements of well-being and asks readers to consider whether and how environmental and relational factors supported or hindered the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of the children and adults. The author encourages readers to see themselves in the stories, to consider how they may have acted in the circumstances described, and to deliberate on their own practices and beliefs. With empathy and respect, McMullen fully conveys an intent to elevate, celebrate, and honor those who spend their days in infant toddler care and education, while examining the critical role all adults in society play in the lives of our youngest citizens.Book Features: Invites personal reflection and discussion with colleagues in the form of prompts and questions after each story. Provides a friendly but scholarly look at the spaces, conditions, and quality of birth-to-age three settings, the area of fastest growing need in early childhood care and education (ECCE). Focuses on the well-being of the adults and children featured in the book, providing a holistic perspective on their needs, motivations, and experiences. Emphasizes a here-and-now perspective in contrast to books that tend to focus primarily on preparing children for future outcomes and accomplishments.