A ground-breaking book. For years educationists have sought evidence of genuine partnerships between schools and homes reciprocal partnerships where schools are as keen to foster home practices relating to literacy and learning as they are to tell families this is what we do and ask that they should do the same. Eve Bearne, Cambridge Un

A ground-breaking book. For years educationists have sought evidence of genuine partnerships between schools and homes reciprocal partnerships where schools are as keen to foster home practices relating to literacy and learning as they are to tell families this is what we do and ask that they should do the same. Eve Bearne, Cambridge Un

Reading for pleasure urgently requires a higher profile to raise attainment and increase children s engagement as self-motivated and socially interactive readers. "Building Communities of Engaged Readers "highlights the concept of Reading Teachers who are not only knowledgeable about texts for children, but are aware of their own reading identities and prepared to share their enthusiasm and understanding of what being a reader means. Sharing the processes of reading with young readers is an innovative approach to developing new generations of readers.

Examining the interplay between the will and the skill to read, the book distinctively details a reading for pleasure pedagogy and demonstrates that reader engagement is strongly influenced by relationships between children, teachers, families and communities. Importantly it provides compelling evidence that reciprocal reading communities in school encompass:

• a shared concept of what it means to be a reader in the 21st century;
• considerable teacher and child knowledge of children s literature and other texts;
• pedagogic practices which acknowledge and develop diverse reader identities;
• spontaneous inside-text talk on the part of all members;
• a shift in the focus of control and new social spaces that encourage choice and children s rights as readers.

Written by experts in the literacy field and illustrated throughout with examples from the project schools, it is essential reading for all those concerned with improving young people s enjoyment of and attainment in reading."

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.

This new edition of this bestselling textbook examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings. Key additions include: the latest changes in early years policy 2 brand new chapters on Postmodernist theories in Education, and Education for Sustainable Development A renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.

A major influence on the education of young children since the late nineteenth century, the philosophical and practical tenets of Frobelian early childhood education require urgent re-articulation in light of current debate and developments in research and policy. This seminal Handbook responds to this need, drawing together a unique and valuable body of literature, research and case studies to make explicit the specific features of Froebelian education and provide key impulses for future research and practice in this area. Chapters present the sometimes divergent perspectives of leading educationalists, and so offer a uniquely comprehensive overview of Froebelian approaches and their interaction with contemporary policies and insights. The Handbook explores five significant areas of scholarship and practice: Part I examines the original Froebelian principles and practices in early childhood education in different parts of the world. Part II presents case studies, development projects and practitioner publications exploring Froebelian approaches to early childhood education. Part III details research studies which document, debate and evaluate Froebelian approaches. Part IV considers how Froebelian approaches might be sustained and adapted for use in various cultural contexts across the world. Part V offers a re-articulation of research and policy. An essential resource for in-service and future practitioners, researchers and policy-makers involved in early childhood education, this key text will promote discussion, aid analysis and further the practical application of Frobelian principles.

Reading for pleasure urgently requires a higher profile to raise attainment and increase children's engagement as self-motivated and socially interactive readers. Building Communities of Engaged Readers highlights the concept of 'Reading Teachers' who are not only knowledgeable about texts for children, but are aware of their own reading identities and prepared to share their enthusiasm and understanding of what being a reader means. Sharing the processes of reading with young readers is an innovative approach to developing new generations of readers. Examining the interplay between the 'will and the skill' to read, the book distinctively details a reading for pleasure pedagogy and demonstrates that reader engagement is strongly influenced by relationships between children, teachers, families and communities. Importantly it provides compelling evidence that reciprocal reading communities in school encompass: a shared concept of what it means to be a reader in the 21st century; considerable teacher and child knowledge of children's literature and other texts; pedagogic practices which acknowledge and develop diverse reader identities; spontaneous 'inside-text talk' on the part of all members; a shift in the focus of control and new social spaces that encourage choice and children's rights as readers. Written by experts in the literacy field and illustrated throughout with examples from the project schools, it is essential reading for all those concerned with improving young people's enjoyment of and attainment in reading.

Friedrich Froebel (1782 – 1852), the so-called “father of kindergarten”, was one of the most influential educational thinkers of the 19th century. Kindergarten is a worldwide phenomenon, and today Froebel’s educational ideas are discussed and continue to shape educational practice. This book showcases the cutting-edge work undertaken around the world on this pioneer of early childhood education, covering his work and legacy, and showing the many ways in which Froebel's work has been applied and extended. It presents a wealth of Froebelian expertise on topics including religious education, architecture, neuroscience and peace education and links Froebel's theories to other thinkers including John Dewey and Michel Foucault. It highlights what Froebel means today in a variety of (educational) settings around the world and includes contributions from academics and practitioners based in North and South America, Europe, Australasia, Africa and Asia.

This new edition of this bestselling textbook examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings. Key additions include: the latest changes in early years policy 2 brand new chapters on Postmodernist theories in Education, and Education for Sustainable Development A renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.