This book is concerned with the relationships and tensions in education between children's needs and societies' demands, questions which primary teachers everywhere face on a daily basis, such as:
* how does society's view of children and childhood affect teaching and learning?
* how do the dictates of the education system, including a national curriculum, shape teaching practice?
* how do the conventions of classroom practice fit with teachers' own beliefs and values?
The first part of the book offers a basic framework for thinking about primary curricula from the perspectives raised by these questions, whilst the second part presents a range of international views on the primary curriculum from Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia, Europe and the USA.

This book is concerned with the relationships and tensions in education between children's needs and societies' demands, questions which primary teachers everywhere face on a daily basis, such as: how does society's view of children and childhood affect teaching and learning? how do the dictates of the education system, including a national curriculum, shape teaching practice? how do the conventions of classroom practice fit with teachers' own beliefs and values? The first part of the book offers a basic framework for thinking about primary curricula from the perspectives raised by these questions, whilst the second part presents a range of international views on the primary curriculum from Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia, Europe and the USA.

Play as a powerful learning and teaching experience remainskey to effective early childhood education. Retaining its popular approach and style, this new edition reflects the contemporary context of early childhood education and care as well emerging research on young children's development.The emphasis remains firmly on demonstrating the excellenceof play and its contribution to children's overall learning and development in the early years, and the role of adults in promoting inspirational playful pedagogies.It offers new coverage on topics such as brain development, gender, babies' play, cultural diversity and inclusion, children as researchers, new technologies, outdoor play and international dimensions.Key features include: A chapter overview giving a brief outline of aims and purpose Lively and meaningful cameos to help bring the themes andissues to life Content drawing on the cameos to help link research, theory and practice Reflective questions to raise awareness of, and reflection on, the issues raised Useful websites and further readingThis is a must-read book for all students studying early childhood at a range of levels and practitioners who are looking to deepen their understanding of play and playful practices.Janet Moyles's 'The Excellence of Play' has become a corner-stone of Early Childhood Education and Care and provides evidence that young children learn best by playing, exploring, experimenting - in short having exciting, adventurous, creative experiences which are meaningful and interest them. The ideas and examples in the chapters from Janet and her co-writers (many of them 'new') are a source of utter delight. Please, please someone, make this book compulsory reading for MPs and policy wonks. Tricia David, Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University 'The Excellence of Play' is now in its 4th edition and this is testimony to how thought-provoking an edited collection it continues to be. This much anticipated new edition does not disappoint: there are chapters written by foremost authors in the field and a vast array of perspectives on play are gathered together in one volume. In summary, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of Early Childhood Studies and should be considered essential reading for students and practitioners alike. On reading this book, one is left in no doubt about the primacy of play in young children's lives and the important role of adults in supporting their play. Dr. Deborah Albon, London Metropolitan University This book explores play from differing perspectives, which combine to provide a thought-provoking and comprehensive account of its value. The rigorous introduction examines and explains the relevance of the different chapters, written by experts in their fields, placing them in historical, cultural, psycho-social, curricular and pedagogical contexts. This new edition of a classic text offers encouragement as well as information to all working with young children and their families. It provides grounded evidence for the importance of play, spelling out the complex but crucial contribution it makes to self-regulation, motivation and well-being, which are under threat in current conditions. Readers will be equipped to affirm and disseminate the importance of ensuring that future generations benefit from meaningful play. Wendy Scott, President TACTYCPlay absorbs children; it fascinates them. It also fascinates and intrigues teachers, researchers and theorists, as the fourth edition of this book demonstrates. Its contributors do justice to the delights, complexities, puzzles and imponderables of play and make a powerful case against the undue "schoolification" of childhood and for the "playification" of schooling. Colin Richards HMI(retired) Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Cumbria

""Thinking about Play... cleverly brings together research-based chapters from experienced Early Years practitioners and academics who provide knowledge the field desperately needs to ensure young children can engage in play - laying their own meaningful foundations for their later education."
Tricia David, Emeritus Professor of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

" ""This book provides an excellect collection of chapters which encourages early years practitioners to really get to grips with their own perceptions about, understanding of and beliefs in relation to play in early education settings. In so doing, they will also be well-supported in getting to grips with decisions to change and develop their playful practices for the benefit and pleasure both of children and of themselves. Janet Moyles has brought together a good number of well-respected writers in the field in a highly accessible and informative book.
Professor Pat Broadhead, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK

" This edited collection brings together play and reflective practice and supports practitioners in reflecting more deeply on the play provision they make for young children. This involves analysing and evaluating what makes quality play and learning experiences by considering how current research might impact on practice.

Key features: Introduces the concept of 'playful pedagogies' and explains how it relates to practice Each chapter starts with an abstract so that readers can dip into issues of particular interest and concern Includes questions and follow-up ideas that can be used for CPD experiences and training This important book supports early years students and practitioners in developing their own thinking, ideologies and pedagogies.

Contributors Deborah Albon, Pat Beckley, Avril Brock, Stephanie Collins, Jane George, Jane Gibbs, Justine Howard, Pam Jarvis, Karen McInnes, Kevin Kelman, Linda Lauchlan, Paulette Luff, Estelle Martin, Theodora Papatheodorou, Marie Sprawling, Lynsey Thomas, Pauline Trudell, Rebecca Webster, Bryonie Williams, Maulfry Worthington

This bestselling textbook provides an introduction to the fundamentals of teaching and learning in early years and primary education. If you are training to work in schools or other educational settings, the book offers a wide range of practical and straightforward guidance, covering essential topics such as safeguarding; attachments and relationships; assessment; the indoor and outdoor environment; new technologies; behaviour management; and well-being. Thoroughly updated throughout and retaining its lively and engaging style, this new fifth edition extends your knowledge and understanding of working and playing effectively with young children. Enlivened by thought-provoking cameos and reflective questions, the book gives you the confidence to reflect upon, challenge and enhance your own pedagogies. Key features include: * Real life cameos drawn from schools and settings * Questions to promote thinking included in each chapter * Suggested further reading including a range of annotated references * Up-to-date research and issues that teachers may face Beginning Teaching, Beginning Learning is essential reading for student and newly qualified early years and primary teachers and practitioners, as well as those who educate and train them. "This outstanding book should a core text for beginning teachers working in the birth to 11 age range. It places Early Years and Primary education in the historical context and encourages new teachers to become reflective practitioners by adopting a questioning approach based on thoughtful comparative experiences. One aspect which makes this stand out from other similar texts is the focus it has on developing a deep understanding of the partnership between children's learning and the beginner teacher. Contributors, many of whom have been teachers themselves, include experts not only in their specific fields of interest but also in teacher education more broadly so understand what is relevant for those on initial teacher education courses and those in the early stages of their teaching career." Jane Warwick, Primary PGCE Course Manager, University of Cambridge, UK "Beginning Teaching, Beginning Learning should be a core text on all birth to 11 years ITT courses. The book neatly combines grounded cameos of actual teaching experience with real life questions and dovetails these with a thoroughly referenced scholarly critique. Through its engaging style and approach the book speaks clearly and directly to the inquisitive, curious and professional novice teacher who wishes to be both thoroughly reflective and knowledgeable of the latest research. This book is hugely successful as it manages to be both very wide in its content whilst encouraging a questioning and in-depth critical thinking throughout". Guy Roberts-Holmes, MA Early Years Education Programme Director, UCL Institute of Education, UK

This indispensible guide uses a unique glossary format to explore some of the key themes in play in early childhood, many of which regularly arise for students, tutors, parents and practitioners. As well as covering key concepts, theories and influential figures in the field, the book considers important aspects of each construct and highlights the complexity of play in early childhood. Each section of the book: Outlines key aspects of a construct in relation to play Includes a wide range of references Summarizes research from an international perspective Offers insights from other well known figures with expertise in play This book takes the stance that play is vital to children's holistic development, self-efficacy and well-being and that play, and playful learning and teaching, is the essential ingredient in order for children to develop enthusiastic dispositions to learning. This positive view of play draws on the author's extensive experience and observations of children playing in preschool settings, early years classrooms, out in the park and in different home situations.

This essential reference book is vital reading for all those working and playing with young children and students on early childhood courses.

""Janet Moyles consistently provides informed and valuable insights in her writing about the contested world of play. Her work is guaranteed to be informed by watching and listening to children, by her understanding of what they say and think, as well as by her wide-ranging knowledge of significant research in the field. In this, "A-Z of Play in Early Childhood," Janet demonstrates her encyclopaedic knowledge of the field which will be of enormous value to those studying play who are looking for explanations, references and cross references. Indeed, the introduction should be used as a base text for those beginning their studies of play. Janet writes in a brilliantly authoritative style as she draws in research and researchers who surround quite contentious and complex issues. This is a scholarly text and is to be trusted."
Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

"In this fascinating and engaging text, Janet Moyles does not attempt to define play. Rather, through a deceptively simple glossary, she illustrates and explores the complexity of play in early childhood. Each entry draws on theory and research from the UK and beyond in order to outline and summarise current thinking and to support further exploration of key ideas. This text will be invaluable to early childhood students and practitioners and to all those interested in extending their thinking about play."
Professor Trisha Maynard, Director, Research Centre for Children, Families and Communities, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

"Those of us who have prepared indexes know about the serendipity of insights gained and new connections made. Here Janet Moyles shares with us her understanding and reflection on play gleaned from many years of writing about (and indexing) play. This book certainly works a useful dictionary to remind us of what (for example) 'epistemic play' means, but I would advise readers to approach it more playfully. The innovative index-as-chapter-heading tempts you to flick across to other sections and Moyles's explanations and discursive comments lead your thinking out from the particular entry into wider consideration of the importance of play. The imaginative use of photographs to illustrate entries, combined with illustrative examples, helps to make distinctions between the different types/aspects of play, and unobtrusive referencing is available for those who have been inspired to pursue particular interests further."
Dr Jan Georgeson, Research Fellow in Early Education Development, Plymouth University, UK

"Janet's brilliant idea - coupled with her characteristic meticulous application - has provided early childhood education and care with a rich treasure trove: a book to use for reference, as a starting point for reflection, a spark for debate and, importantly, a reiteration of the central role of play in the lives of children."
Tricia David, Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK"

The new edition of this best selling book looks critically at the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and draws attention to issues that underlie the EYFS and the implications for children from birth to five.With its questions for reflection and discussion, further reading and useful websites, Early Years Foundations is essential and informative reading for students studying any early years or early childhood course, or working towards Early Years Teacher Status.Among the many challenges facing early years professionals, there are continual dilemmas arising between perceptions of good practice, the practicalities of provision and meeting OfSTED requirements. This exciting and innovative new edition supports practitioners in thinking through their responsibilities in tackling some of the many challenges they encounter, for example, that children are still perceived as 'deficit' in some way and in need of 'being school ready' rather than as developing individuals who have a right to a childhood and appropriate early education.Chapters explore the rationale behind early years practice based on theory and research, covering important topics including: Prime and specific areas of learning and developmentObservation and assessmentPedagogyWorking with parentsDifference and diversity Contributors: Sue Bingham, Gill Boag-Munroe, Liz Brooker, Helen Clarke, Anne Cockburn, Rosie Flewitt, Jan Georgeson, Michael Jones, Lilian G. Katz, Caroline Leeson, Paulette Luff, Jayne Osgood, John Parry, Jane Payler, Karen Phethean, Linda Pound, Anne Rawlings, Jonathan Rix, Sue Rogers, Anita Soni, Suzy Tutchell, Judith Twani, Jane Waters, David Whitebread"Early Years Foundations: Critical issues is a timely and valuable edition for the early childhood bookshelf, offering high quality scholarship combined with deep understanding of early childhood practice. This is a book that values early childhood practitioners as critical partners and experts in young children's learning and development. At a time of fluctuating policy, the authors remind us of the need to advocate for what matters in early childhood and they suggest ways that we can provide excellent experiences for young children with potential to enhance their lives for the long term." Jane Murray PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Northampton, UK "There seems to be a proliferation of publications currently in the field of early years education and care but this book stands out amongst the crowd for a number of reasons. In particular, the status of the three editing authors means that the content of the book is to be trusted to be both informed and thorough in its attention to detail, and this second edition has been carefully updated to incorporate recent reforms and initiatives. The editing authors' insistence on the creation of an early years text that centres on a critically reflective review of contemporary policy and research can only help to build the argument for a better future for young children's care and education. This is a book in which there are many chapters worthy of recommendation and which will form the basis for future debates and publications but Rogers' scholarly work on Enabling Pedagogy encapsulates some core research, essential to our understanding of our work with children, and is a strong and refreshing contribution, while Katz' notion of 'standards of experiences' for young children should give us all food for thought." Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK "This book is not another bland 'how to do it' manual to accompany the EYFS, it goes much further in offering a truly challenging critique. Helpfully contextualised within the changing policy and political context, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the curriculum framework and is written by someone with recognised expertise in the field. The strengths of the current EYFS are recognised but the issues and tensions are also made explicit with arguments backed up by theory and research evidence. This should be essential reading for experienced practitioners as well as Early Childhood Studies students." Denise Hevey, Professor of Early Years, University of Northampton, UK.

By exploring the key issues, arguments and messages that exist in the field this book provides an international, comparative look at aspects of early childhood education and care. Pedagogical practices, learning cultures and the professional development of practitioners are considered within the wider political agenda of different countries. Pertinent policy and practice issues, such as numeracy and literacy, are carefully examined. The text highlights how important it is to engage with and listen to children, to provide positive learning encounters. Divided into four parts, the book covers: - children's learning cultures - culture of pedagogy - cultural perspectives on curriculum - cultures of professional development Chapters cover key topics such as: - multi-sensory learning - outdoor learning - children's voice - children as mentors - literacy and mathematics With expert contributors drawn from across the world, this book is vital reading for all those studying comparative education on early years courses. Theodora Papatheodorou, PhD, is an early years educator and researcher. Janet Moyles is Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Education, Anglia Ruskin University and an early years consultant.

By exploring the key issues, arguments and messages that exist in the field this book provides an international, comparative look at aspects of early childhood education and care. Pedagogical practices, learning cultures and the professional development of practitioners are considered within the wider political agenda of different countries. Pertinent policy and practice issues, such as numeracy and literacy, are carefully examined. The text highlights how important it is to engage with and listen to children, to provide positive learning encounters. Divided into four parts, the book covers: - children's learning cultures - culture of pedagogy - cultural perspectives on curriculum - cultures of professional development Chapters cover key topics such as: - multi-sensory learning - outdoor learning - children's voice - children as mentors - literacy and mathematics With expert contributors drawn from across the world, this book is vital reading for all those studying comparative education on early years courses. Theodora Papatheodorou, PhD, is an early years educator and researcher. Janet Moyles is Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Education, Anglia Ruskin University and an early years consultant.