This book offers a fresh look at recent developments in policy, curricula and pedagogical discourse around children’s play with Internet of Toys (IoToys). By expanding the notion of digital and smart play perspectives in early childhood education, the authors critique and develop the broader subject area of IoToys play to better serve its end users. The book brings together research from across three different countries: Australia, Norway and England. It offers tangible examples of how one can use IoToys to build children’s social skills, emotional intelligence, sense of achievement, collaboration and aspects of STEM and design play thinking processes. The learning stories of children’s IoToys play will deliver a comprehensive review of how practitioners and parents can come together to build communities of practice for (re)enhancing children’s learning and growth using evolving technology-based play and engage in paradigmatic debates. Readers as a result will better appreciate the growth in pragmatic applications of technologies together with theoretical perspectives. The book will be a valuable resource for any academic or practitioner just beginning to understand the complexities and success stories of integrating IoToys for children’s playful learning.

Based on a rich seam of research evidence, this book leverages value in engaging with scientific enquiry to further understanding of young children's emotional experiences. Early childhood development has featured increasingly prominently on international policymakers' agenda in recent years. Yet whilst policy foregrounds economic imperatives including academic attainment, school readiness, and time-bound outcomes, similar attention has not been afforded to the potential value of nourishing affective engagements that may secure 'emotional capital' for infants and young children. This collection from the field of early childhood is therefore timely. Its chapters are based on empirical evidence derived from contemporary scientific studies, and address challenges and opportunities inherent in young children's emotional experiences in diverse twenty-first century early childhood education and care contexts. The authors provoke debate, discussion, and critique, and they ask significant questions of the policymakers, practitioners, and carers who may influence young children's lives and their emotional experiences. The findings that are presented in the chapters indicate overall that a test-based approach may detract from young children's emotional development as well as the positive affective experiences in early childhood which have potential to provide an important foundation for a fulfilling life. This book was originally published as a special issue of Early Child Development and Care.

Based on a rich seam of research evidence, this book leverages value in engaging with scientific enquiry to further understanding of young children's emotional experiences. Early childhood development has featured increasingly prominently on international policymakers' agenda in recent years. Yet whilst policy foregrounds economic imperatives including academic attainment, school readiness, and time-bound outcomes, similar attention has not been afforded to the potential value of nourishing affective engagements that may secure 'emotional capital' for infants and young children. This collection from the field of early childhood is therefore timely. Its chapters are based on empirical evidence derived from contemporary scientific studies, and address challenges and opportunities inherent in young children's emotional experiences in diverse twenty-first century early childhood education and care contexts. The authors provoke debate, discussion, and critique, and they ask significant questions of the policymakers, practitioners, and carers who may influence young children's lives and their emotional experiences. The findings that are presented in the chapters indicate overall that a test-based approach may detract from young children's emotional development as well as the positive affective experiences in early childhood which have potential to provide an important foundation for a fulfilling life. This book was originally published as a special issue of Early Child Development and Care.

This book explores the development of educational leadership within difficult contexts via the lens of a previously failing English secondary school in an area of urban poverty. Based on extensive interview data from 2012-2016, the authors demonstrate that the fundamental ethos underpinning the school's improvement is a desire to meet the needs of young people in disadvantaged communities in order to equip them with the skills to allow them to transcend their situation. The authors posit that this school embodies the 'comprehensive ideal' of secondary education in England: that education should not be disadvantaged by background, and that the state should provide free and high quality education for all. This book will appeal to students and scholars of comprehensive education and schools in difficult contexts.

This book explores the development of educational leadership within difficult contexts via the lens of a previously failing English secondary school in an area of urban poverty. Based on extensive interview data from 2012-2016, the authors demonstrate that the fundamental ethos underpinning the school's improvement is a desire to meet the needs of young people in disadvantaged communities in order to equip them with the skills to allow them to transcend their situation. The authors posit that this school embodies the 'comprehensive ideal' of secondary education in England: that education should not be disadvantaged by background, and that the state should provide free and high quality education for all. This book will appeal to students and scholars of comprehensive education and schools in difficult contexts.

This new fourth edition of The Early Years Foundation Stage is fully updated to bring it in line with key changes in the revised EYFS. What is included in this new edition? - A brand-new chapter on Reflective Practice - Completely new content in fully revised chapters on Play; Pedagogical Documentation; Communication and Language; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Children's Health and Wellbeing - New coverage of Baseline Assessment - New and updated case studies throughout the book - 'Taking it Outside' examples - New coverage of self-regulation A student favourite, this textbook supports your learning with case studies, points for discussion, reflective tasks and further reading to help you effectively apply theory in your practice across all areas of the EYFS.

This is a key text that enables students to appreciate and understand the central role of observation in understanding, planning for and educating early years children. It explores the theoretical background to child observation and links it back to practice. Recent important research in the field of child observation is highlighted and ethical implications of research in early childhood are considered. This is essential for all those studying for degrees and foundation degrees in early childhood, early years and related disciplines and for Early Years Teacher candidates. Updated in line with recent policy and legislation changes A new chapter on observation documentation in the multi-modal age Includes new material and case studies that explores the essential elements of child observation across the world Research chapter re-written to make it more accessible for all students More case studies throughout linking theory to practice.

Digital practices are forging ahead in leaps and bounds. Examining digital practices in early childhood education, this book seeks to inform the discussion on how digital technologies are best integrated into play-based pedagogy, and demonstrates effective practices that enhance children's learning and development. With a range of international contributors, perspectives, and case studies, the fusion of play and portable technology is explored through contemporary research.

Ethical considerations are raising new questions about the involvement and participation of children in research. By considering the ethical issues that can arise when working with and doing research with young children from birth to five years, this book examines a wide range of topics including: - involving young children in research - informed consent - research tools with children under five - researching children with special needs - researching vulnerable groups - researching other cultures - multi-agency working - loss and bereavement - ethical practices when studying early childhood - safe-guarding young children - inspection - ethics and leadership Examples from education, health and social work are examined, and there are chapter overviews, activities, case studies, points for discussion and recommendations for further reading and useful Websites in each chapter; which help to engage the reader and facilitate critical thinking and reflective practice. This is a comprehensive guide to a developing field for the early years student and practitioner.

This new fourth edition of The Early Years Foundation Stage is fully updated to bring it in line with key changes in the revised EYFS. What is included in this new edition? - A brand-new chapter on Reflective Practice - Completely new content in fully revised chapters on Play; Pedagogical Documentation; Communication and Language; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Children's Health and Wellbeing - New coverage of Baseline Assessment - New and updated case studies throughout the book - 'Taking it Outside' examples - New coverage of self-regulation A student favourite, this textbook supports your learning with case studies, points for discussion, reflective tasks and further reading to help you effectively apply theory in your practice across all areas of the EYFS.

This is a key text that enables students to appreciate and understand the central role of observation in understanding, planning for and educating early years children. It explores the theoretical background to child observation and links it back to practice. Recent important research in the field of child observation is highlighted and ethical implications of research in early childhood are considered. This is essential for all those studying for degrees and foundation degrees in early childhood, early years and related disciplines and for Early Years Teacher candidates. Updated in line with recent policy and legislation changes A new chapter on observation documentation in the multi-modal age Includes new material and case studies that explores the essential elements of child observation across the world Research chapter re-written to make it more accessible for all students More case studies throughout linking theory to practice.

This book will help you to plan, design and conduct quality research within the specific context of education and educational studies. An impressive cast of contributors discuss the reality of conducting research in different educational settings and provide practical advice for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and early career researchers doing research in education. The book discusses key philosophical issues such as understanding research paradigms, ethics and selecting appropriate methodologies but remains grounded in the practical experience of the researcher. It has comprehensive coverage of the whole research process from start to finish, is easy to navigate and helps develop key skills such as: Time management Creating good research questions and hypotheses Constructing the literature review Structuring a project Writing a proposal Managing data Analysing data Writing for specific audiences Packed full of learning features and showcasing a wide range of voices and opinions this book is an ideal guide for anyone conducting research in education or educational studies.

This book will help you to plan, design and conduct quality research within the specific context of education and educational studies. An impressive cast of contributors discuss the reality of conducting research in different educational settings and provide practical advice for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and early career researchers doing research in education. The book discusses key philosophical issues such as understanding research paradigms, ethics and selecting appropriate methodologies but remains grounded in the practical experience of the researcher. It has comprehensive coverage of the whole research process from start to finish, is easy to navigate and helps develop key skills such as: Time management Creating good research questions and hypotheses Constructing the literature review Structuring a project Writing a proposal Managing data Analysing data Writing for specific audiences Packed full of learning features and showcasing a wide range of voices and opinions this book is an ideal guide for anyone conducting research in education or educational studies.

Digital practices are forging ahead in leaps and bounds. Examining digital practices in early childhood education, this book seeks to inform the discussion on how digital technologies are best integrated into play-based pedagogy, and demonstrates effective practices that enhance children's learning and development. With a range of international contributors, perspectives, and case studies, the fusion of play and portable technology is explored through contemporary research.