This book shows how adults can bring rhymes and stories to life with young children and support children’s early steps in communication and literacy. Focusing on the use of rhythm, rhyme and repetition in nursery rhymes and traditional tales from around the world, it provides a wealth of practical ideas for using rhymes and stories one-on-one, in small groups or with whole classes. Drawing from the culmination of their many years of combined experience, the two authors link the theoretical understanding of language and communication with the practical use of rhymes and oral storytelling in the classroom, nursery and at home. Early chapters (or Part 1) provide a rationale for using rhyme, rhythm and repetition to inspire children to play with words and develop a love of language, building a foundation for literacy learning. Part 2 consists of ten lively chapters featuring original and re-imagined traditional fairy tales, containing: Accompanying rhymes to use with children Key themes including friendship, kindness, compassion, and generosity Follow-up activities activities for extending children’s vocabulary, building their confidence, and developing critical thinking Suggestions of using voices, facial expressions, gestures, props and puppets to enrich children’s emotional, imaginative and intellectual experience This delightful and practical book will be valuable reading for all adults wanting to support young children’s creative learning through enjoyable and valuable experiences.

This book shows how adults can bring rhymes and stories to life with young children and support children’s early steps in communication and literacy. Focusing on the use of rhythm, rhyme and repetition in nursery rhymes and traditional tales from around the world, it provides a wealth of practical ideas for using rhymes and stories one-on-one, in small groups or with whole classes. Drawing from the culmination of their many years of combined experience, the two authors link the theoretical understanding of language and communication with the practical use of rhymes and oral storytelling in the classroom, nursery and at home. Early chapters (or Part 1) provide a rationale for using rhyme, rhythm and repetition to inspire children to play with words and develop a love of language, building a foundation for literacy learning. Part 2 consists of ten lively chapters featuring original and re-imagined traditional fairy tales, containing: Accompanying rhymes to use with children Key themes including friendship, kindness, compassion, and generosity Follow-up activities activities for extending children’s vocabulary, building their confidence, and developing critical thinking Suggestions of using voices, facial expressions, gestures, props and puppets to enrich children’s emotional, imaginative and intellectual experience This delightful and practical book will be valuable reading for all adults wanting to support young children’s creative learning through enjoyable and valuable experiences.

This book explores learning in the early years and emphasises the importance of learning in social contexts, through the senses and within close relationships. It moves away from the focus on 'learning' as the acquisition of knowledge, and instead emphasises the importance of personal, social and emotional development in early years education. Arguing that young children learn best when they are supported by reliable, engaged and attentive people who know them well, this book challenges readers to reflect on their own practice and think about how emotions play a part in young children's learning and development. Each chapter of this book discusses a different aspect of emotional, sensory and social learning, from philosophical perspectives on learning, leadership and inclusive practice, to the importance of promoting the development of children's emotional intelligence, forming close attachments to children, and encouraging them to learn through their senses. The reader is provided with a wealth of ideas and examples for application in the classroom. Numerous practical examples, reference to contemporary research, and the authors' acknowledgement of the challenges faced by practitioners make this an inspiring and pertinent resource for new and experienced teachers and practitioners, as well as trainees and students in the fields of early years and primary education. Readers will develop the skills needed to engage in outstanding, learning-focused practice.

This book explores learning in the early years and emphasises the importance of learning in social contexts, through the senses and within close relationships. It moves away from the focus on 'learning' as the acquisition of knowledge, and instead emphasises the importance of personal, social and emotional development in early years education. Arguing that young children learn best when they are supported by reliable, engaged and attentive people who know them well, this book challenges readers to reflect on their own practice and think about how emotions play a part in young children's learning and development. Each chapter of this book discusses a different aspect of emotional, sensory and social learning, from philosophical perspectives on learning, leadership and inclusive practice, to the importance of promoting the development of children's emotional intelligence, forming close attachments to children, and encouraging them to learn through their senses. The reader is provided with a wealth of ideas and examples for application in the classroom. Numerous practical examples, reference to contemporary research, and the authors' acknowledgement of the challenges faced by practitioners make this an inspiring and pertinent resource for new and experienced teachers and practitioners, as well as trainees and students in the fields of early years and primary education. Readers will develop the skills needed to engage in outstanding, learning-focused practice.