In this accessible and thought-provoking text, Dr Maria Robinson examines the behaviour of babies and young children in a developmental context, and takes into account the shifts and changes over time as young children grow and mature. Understanding Behaviour and Development in Early Childhood reveals, for example, how behaviour perceived as 'difficult' in a young child may be the manifestation of a response to emotional, sensory and cognitive experiences. Throughout the book, readers will find a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and the need to place our understanding of behaviour within a developmental time frame. Based on wide ranging professional experience the topics examined and discussed in this insightful book include: What we understand by 'behaviour' How the brain and senses work and mature during early childhood Behaviour as a reflection of the child's internal state What emotions are, and how we learn what feelings mean to us as individuals How emotions affect our ability to learn How we develop a sense of self.The book provides suggestions for how adults may think about and respond to changes in children's behaviour, and how we may support children in learning how to manage their own behaviour as they grow older and encounter wider and more complex situations. Understanding the meaning of behaviour is a constant challenge for anyone working with children. This developmental approach promotes a helpful reflective stance for practitioners and students working in early childhood education and care.

In this accessible and thought-provoking text, the author examines the behaviour of babies and young children in a developmental context, and takes into account the shifts and changes over time as young children grow and mature. Understanding Behaviour and Development in Early Childhood reveals, for example, how behaviour perceived as 'difficult' in a young child may be the manifestation of a response to emotional, sensory and cognitive experiences. Throughout the book, readers will find a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and the need to place our understanding of behaviour within a developmental time frame. Based on wide ranging professional experience the topics examined and discussed in this insightful book include: what we understand by 'behaviour' how the brain and senses work and mature during early childhood behaviour as a reflection of the child's internal state what emotions are and how we learn what feelings mean to us as individuals how emotions affect our ability to learn how we develop a sense of self. The book provides suggestions for how adults may think about and respond to changes in children's behaviour, and how we may support children in learning how to manage their own behaviour as they grow older and encounter wider and more complex situations. Understanding the meaning of behaviour is a constant challenge for anyone working with children. This developmental approach promotes a helpful reflective stance for practitioners and students working in early childhood education and care.

Understanding child development is crucial for all early years practitioners and a sound knowledge of children and their development underpins effective practice.

The book presents a detailed and in-depth picture of early years development, particularly of developmental processes and interactions. Rather than focusing on a particular topic, it offers a broad overview from a range of sources including: Developmental, evolutionary and cognitive psychology Biology Sensory information Attachment theory Neuroscience Research linking brain function and emotions As well as providing a great insight into the aspects of child development and offering the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach, the book emphasizes appropriate pedagogical approaches and the implications for adults who work with young children.

"Child Development from Birth to Eight" is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners.

What impact does children's emotional development and well-being have on their capacity to learn? How do you provide learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of every child in your care? The Feeling Child thoughtfully discusses the key principles of children's emotional and behavioural development alongside descriptions of everyday practice. It clearly explains how a child's early experiences influence their particular behaviours towards different people and different situations. Throughout the book, Maria Robinson considers the key characteristics of effective learning and shows how play is one of the key mechanisms that children use in their discovery of themselves and the world around them. These characteristics are then applied to integral aspects of early years practice to help practitioners to: support children to come to new understandings in safe yet challenging ways understand the ways in which children may approach or withdraw from learning opportunities reflect on their own teaching methods to encourage children's engagement, motivation and creativity through effective observation and planning engage with parents and carers to help support children's learning at home whilst maintaining the values of the family. celebrate the uniqueness of each child and provide learning experiences that are appropriate for individuals with particular learning needs, be they physical, emotional or cognitive to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed. Emphasising the importance of understanding the theory that underpins children's emotional development, this accessible text shows practitioners how they can use this knowledge to provide learning opportunities that nourish children's thinking and creative skills.