This book is an interdisciplinary text exploring the learning and educative potentials of cities and their spaces, including urban and suburban contexts, at all stages of life. Drawing on the insights of researchers from diverse fields, such as education, architecture, history, visual sociology, applied linguistics and sensory studies, this collection of papers develops and demonstrates the connection between experience, in all its dimensions, and informal learning in the city. The chapters discuss various sensory domains of experience, considering visual, embodied, and even sexual dimensions in relation to what and how learning operates, and the contributors reflect on their learning and inquiring experiences in the city, with special reference to topics such as narrativity, 'race' and ethnicity, equity, urban literacy, re-generation, participation, representation and oral histories.

This book re-examines the field of New Literacy Studies and promotes a shift away from binary constructions of literacies as 'old' or 'new' and to encourage critical reflection on the part of readers as to the uses of these constructs. First, the book examines the entanglement of pasts, presents and futures in contemporary literacy practices. Second, it considers representations of literacies as actors, having their own power and consequences. Third, it critically examines the place of 'new' and 'old' literacies in a marketplace in which social, economic and political power advantage is contested. The book demonstrates the use of assemblage theory drawing on semiotics, geo-semiotics and Actor Network Theory for analyzing literacies as assemblages. It provides readers with tools of analysis with which to interrogate claims made for the value of literacy, innovations and traditions alike. It also discusses implications for literacy policy, curriculum, teacher education and research.

Languages and Literacies as Mobile and Placed Resources explores how languages and literacies are implicated in the complex relationship between place and mobility. It is a book that represents the next wave in literacy studies in which theories of mobility, networking and globalisation have emerged to account for the dynamic landscape of globally circulating communication resources. Authors in this volume take up a more complex way of thinking about resources, applying it to consider languages and literacies as assemblages or as parts of assemblages that are involved in learning, teaching and meaning-making. The book addresses forms of text and mobility that arise in contexts outside of formal education including marketing, charity, journalism, community organisation and parenting. It also addresses school contexts and higher education settings. Key topics explored include: Consequences of workplace confinement Literacies as placed resources in the context of rural communities Literacy, sustainability and landscapes for learning Documenting networked knowledge on tablets Mobilising literacy policy through resources Global Englishes as placed resources Languages as contextualised resources Shaping a digital academic writing resource in a transcultural space With an international range of carefully chosen contributors, this book is a must read text for all academics interested in semiotics and literacy studies.

The landscape of early childhood education and care is changing. Governments world-wide are assuming increasing authority in relation to child-rearing in the years before school entry, beyond the traditional role in assisting parents to do the best they can by their children. As part of a social agenda aimed at forming citizens well prepared to play an active part in a globalised knowledge economy, the idea of 'early learning' expresses the necessity of engaging caregivers right from the start of children's lives. Nichols, Rowsell, Rainbird, and Nixon investigate this trend over three years, in two countries, and three contrasting regions, by setting themselves the task of tracing every service and agent offering resources under the banner of early learning. Far from a dry catalogue, the study involves in-depth ethnographic research in fascinating spaces such as a church-run centre for African refugee women and children, a state-of-the-art community library and an Australian country town. Included is an unprecedented inventory of an entire suburban mall. Richly visually documented, the study employs emerging methods such as Google-mapping to trace the travels of actual parents as they search for particular resources. Each chapter features a context investigated in this large, international study: the library, the mall, the clinic, and the church. The author team unravels new spaces and new networks at work in early childhood literacy and development.

The landscape of early childhood education and care is changing. Governments world-wide are assuming increasing authority in relation to child-rearing in the years before school entry, beyond the traditional role in assisting parents to do the best they can by their children. As part of a social agenda aimed at forming citizens well prepared to play an active part in a globalised knowledge economy, the idea of 'early learning' expresses the necessity of engaging caregivers right from the start of children's lives. Nichols, Rowsell, Rainbird, and Nixon investigate this trend over three years, in two countries, and three contrasting regions, by setting themselves the task of tracing every service and agent offering resources under the banner of early learning. Far from a dry catalogue, the study involves in-depth ethnographic research in fascinating spaces such as a church-run centre for African refugee women and children, a state-of-the-art community library and an Australian country town. Included is an unprecedented inventory of an entire suburban mall. Richly visually documented, the study employs emerging methods such as Google-mapping to trace the travels of actual parents as they search for particular resources. Each chapter features a context investigated in this large, international study: the library, the mall, the clinic, and the church. The author team unravels new spaces and new networks at work in early childhood literacy and development.

Collins Primary Music Early Years Foundation Stage is a brand-new resource which supports Early Years practitioners to deliver the 2021 reformed statutory framework – through music! Child-centric, holistic, flexible and full of delightful songs and inspired activities for children aged 3–5. · Collins Primary Music Early Years Foundation Stage presents 12 ‘starting points’ stemming from children’s interests with songs, chants, listening music, images, videos and stories to engage and inspire exploration. · For each starting point there are ideas and activities for Enhancing Continuous Provision, Musical Learning, Home Learning and all Areas of Learning and Development (for ages 3-4 and 4-5). · There are traditional tunes with new lyrics relating to the themes covered as well as brand new songs, chants and music from around the world and across a range of traditions. · The starting points can be used in any order, with each one offering progression across the age range. · There is a wealth of additional support in the form of planning and assessment guidance, templates, imagery, vocabulary, background information, and related reading and songs. · Though it is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of musical experience, notation is provided for music specialists who find this helpful. · It comprises a book, audio CD and downloads.

This book is an interdisciplinary text exploring the learning and educative potentials of cities and their spaces, including urban and suburban contexts, at all stages of life. Drawing on the insights of researchers from diverse fields, such as education, architecture, history, visual sociology, applied linguistics and sensory studies, this collection of papers develops and demonstrates the connection between experience, in all its dimensions, and informal learning in the city. The chapters discuss various sensory domains of experience, considering visual, embodied, and even sexual dimensions in relation to what and how learning operates, and the contributors reflect on their learning and inquiring experiences in the city, with special reference to topics such as narrativity, 'race' and ethnicity, equity, urban literacy, re-generation, participation, representation and oral histories.

Languages and Literacies as Mobile and Placed Resources explores how languages and literacies are implicated in the complex relationship between place and mobility. It is a book that represents the next wave in literacy studies in which theories of mobility, networking and globalisation have emerged to account for the dynamic landscape of globally circulating communication resources. Authors in this volume take up a more complex way of thinking about resources, applying it to consider languages and literacies as assemblages or as parts of assemblages that are involved in learning, teaching and meaning-making. The book addresses forms of text and mobility that arise in contexts outside of formal education including marketing, charity, journalism, community organisation and parenting. It also addresses school contexts and higher education settings. Key topics explored include: Consequences of workplace confinement Literacies as placed resources in the context of rural communities Literacy, sustainability and landscapes for learning Documenting networked knowledge on tablets Mobilising literacy policy through resources Global Englishes as placed resources Languages as contextualised resources Shaping a digital academic writing resource in a transcultural space With an international range of carefully chosen contributors, this book is a must read text for all academics interested in semiotics and literacy studies.

Voicelinks is an innovative teaching resource for music in early years and primary education. It embraces singing as a means of accessing all areas of the curriculum, to develop the whole child, with natural progression and links between age groups and subject matter. At the heart of the book are 24 carefully written songs covering popular school topics. Each song is tailored to Early Years (3-5), Key Stage 1: Year 1 (5-6), or Key Stage 1: Year 2 (6-7), and comes equipped with a host of activity ideas designed for classroom use. Suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike, Voicelinks guarantees successful learning outcomes across the curriculum.

Let's Talk: Resilience are cards to improve communication and confidence. To understand more about resilience, these cards help to develop resilience skills and look at how to use different strategies to be resilient in difficult situations. Let's Talk: Resilience can be used: with adults and children aged 7+; with individuals or in small groups; at school (1-1 learning support, circle time), youth groups, child psychologists, family therapy, personal development & confidence building workshops, adult training sessions and at home; adaptable: separate sessions/ a full workshop/ ongoing use. The cards are in 5 sections: discussion (to get people thinking about resilience); quotes (either put the cards face up on the floor or table and ask each person to choose their favourite & explain why; or each person picks a card in turn to read to the group); experience (participants share their own experiences of being resilient); and think again (changing unhelpful thinking patterns into helpful ones. Read the situation & quote on the card; change the unhelpful thinking pattern into the helpful one which is given and suggest what you might say/ think instead.) ; to be used together; strength cards (positive self-messages); situation cards; content: 78 cards, instructions and ideas Sue Nicholls' particular interest is in the personal development of children and young people. As a youth worker she was involved in the setting up and running of a nationally acclaimed youth-led peer befriending charity. Sue now works as an accredited childminder and is a National Childminding Association Tutor. She has been exploring creative ways of helping children develop their emotional literacy. Intended for use in educational settings and/or therapy contexts under the supervision of an adult. This is not a toy.

Let's Talk: Assertiveness is a card game to improve communication and confidence. It is an adaptable resource, designed for use as a 5 min ice breaker, in a one hour discussion, or in a series of more detailed workshop sessions. It includes information on assertiveness, including how to say no, making requests, making complaints, resolving conflict and receiving compliments. The cards are presented in 6 sections: Is this assertive, passive or aggressive? (this section provides examples of behaviour and responses to help people understand the 3 definitions) Give an example of...(this section encourages participants to reflect on their own experiences in order to explore assertiveness issues). Changing passive and aggressive body language, and responses to assertive ones Discussion cards (this section is about the benefits of being assertive; about why people might act passively or aggressively; about saying 'no'; about difficult situations). Assertiveness strategies (such as tone of voice; body language; 'I feel. when you'; asking for more time; setting clear boundaries) Situation cards (these cards ask for ideas of an assertive response in different scenarios). Let's Talk: Assertiveness can be used: With all ages With individuals or in small groups At home, school (e. g. PSHE, learning support), in youth work settings Content: 78 boxed cards, instructions and ideas. Intended for use in educational settings and/or therapy contexts under the supervision of an adult. This is not a toy.

"Words on Target" is a practical and accessible resource for Christian communicators. In her lively and informative writing style, Sue Nichols Spencer offers advice for communicating effectively. This book is perfect for students and for writers and public speakers who would like to improve their communication skills.

Make and play your own musical instruments Pat-a-cake make and shake is a hands-on guide to making musical instruments with everyday objects. Anything from newspapers to balloons can be easily transformed into original soundmakers and musical keepsakes. The book and CD pack contains lively songs, stories and chants for children to sing and play along to. This must-have teaching resource compliments the holistic nature of an early years setting. It enhances communication skills, creativity, mathematics, science, literacy and PSE. The wide variety of activities develop knowledge of musical tone, singing, performance and art and craft skills.