This accessible yet authoritative book affirms the vital role of creativity in writing, and considers and encourages flexible, innovative practices in the teaching of writing. Importantly, the book reflects upon teachers' imaginative practices in the teaching of writing. Importantly, the book reflects upon teachers' imaginative and artistic involvement in the writing process as role models, collaborators, artists and writers themselves.
Arguing that children's creative use of their language is key to the development of their language and literacy skills, this book focuses on the compositional process and children's own ideas. The authors examine the many voices that influence the inner and outer voice of the child, through reading, investigating, imagining, talking and taking part ion a range of engaging and inspiring activities.
Illustrated throughout with many examples of children's writing and drawing, and then with suggestions for classroom activities, this book is for any teacher looking to deepen their understanding of literacy theory and practice.

This accessible yet authoritative book affirms the vital role of creativity in writing, and considers and encourages flexible, innovative practices in the teaching of writing. Importantly, the book reflects upon teachers' imaginative practices in the teaching of writing. Importantly, the book reflects upon teachers' imaginative and artistic involvement in the writing process as role models, collaborators, artists and writers themselves.
Arguing that children's creative use of their language is key to the development of their language and literacy skills, this book focuses on the compositional process and children's own ideas. The authors examine the many voices that influence the inner and outer voice of the child, through reading, investigating, imagining, talking and taking part ion a range of engaging and inspiring activities.
Illustrated throughout with many examples of children's writing and drawing, and then with suggestions for classroom activities, this book is for any teacher looking to deepen their understanding of literacy theory and practice.

The Routledge Handbook of Philosophies and Theories of Early Childhood Education and Care brings together leading writers in the field to provide a much-needed, authoritative guide to the major philosophies and theories which have shaped approaches to Early Childhood Education and Care. Providing a detailed overview of key concepts, debates and practical challenges, the handbook combines theoretical acumen with specific examples to show how philosophies and theories have evolved over the centuries and their impact on policy and society. It examines the ways in which societies define and make sense of childhood and the factors that influence the development of philosophies about young children and their learning. The collection offers an insight into the key theorists and considers how the economics and politics of their time and personal ideology influenced their ideas about childhood. It looks at curricula and provision which have proved inspirational and how these have impacted on policy and practice in different parts of the world. The handbook also explores alternative and perhaps less familiar philosophies and ideas about babies and young children, their place in society and the ways in which it might be appropriate to educate them Bringing together specially commissioned pieces by a range of international authors, this handbook will enable academics, research students, practitioners and policy-makers to reflect on their own understandings and approaches, as well as the assumptions made in their own and other societies.

""The book's strength lies in the ability of the contributors to draw conclusions in relation to the reading debate and constructively justify moving away from the reliance on a single phonics approach based on evidence from empirical research. ...The book offers a timely warning against reading becoming synonymous with synthetic phonics instruction, of children becoming mere 'functional decoders of print' (p. 53). The argument turns to the very real need for children to develop and understand the 'joy, relevance and use for reading' (p. 79); indeed in the current climate of synthetic phonics instruction children are in danger of losing the ability or the will to look at a book for pleasure."
Early Years"

Debates about the teaching of reading and particularly which phonics method teachers should use have been simmering for many years. This groundbreaking book offers critical perspectives on the teaching of reading and phonics, openly challenging contemporary policy in both England and the US.

As well as providing refreshing insights into how children encounter texts in the increasingly complex world of literacy, the book celebrates the complexity, pleasure and passion that are the foundations of becoming a successful reader. Each chapter explores in-depth the processes involved as children engage in reading, from their interactions with texts in the very earliest stages through to the primary phase. Drawing on both research and theory, the book also shows how some contemporary understandings of reading are based on over simplistic and rationalised ideas about the reading process.

A unique feature of this book is that it combines academic perspectives with the insights of parents and practitioners. The participation of those most closely involved with children complements the lively debate and contributions from researchers, providing a rich and inclusive range of ideas.

"Understanding Phonics and the Teaching of Reading" is a stimulating read for educational studies students, students of teaching and learning, policy makers, educational researchers and teachers.

Learning to read is an exciting and vital part of every child's development. The new edition of this book continues to provide trainees and teachers with a broad understanding of teaching reading and phonics, and equip them with the skills necessary to face the reality of the early years classroom in order to meet the needs of individual children. With vital information on constructing relationships with young readers, and how to plan phonics within a rich, interactive and playful literacy pedagogy, the second edition now includes: A brand new chapter on babies and early reading More information on language acquisition and how children learn A discussion of children with SEN An appreciation for the rise of digital technologies in relation to reading Whether you're training to become a teacher, or already working in the classroom this book is ideal for those who wish to embed the teaching of phonics into carefully selected high quality materials - particularly in children's literature.

Learning to read is an exciting and vital part of every child's development. The new edition of this book continues to provide trainees and teachers with a broad understanding of teaching reading and phonics, and equip them with the skills necessary to face the reality of the early years classroom in order to meet the needs of individual children. With vital information on constructing relationships with young readers, and how to plan phonics within a rich, interactive and playful literacy pedagogy, the second edition now includes: A brand new chapter on babies and early reading More information on language acquisition and how children learn A discussion of children with SEN An appreciation for the rise of digital technologies in relation to reading Whether you're training to become a teacher, or already working in the classroom this book is ideal for those who wish to embed the teaching of phonics into carefully selected high quality materials - particularly in children's literature.