Themes and Debates in Early Childhood
Themes and Debates in Early Childhood

Author: Mary Wild

Publisher: Learning Matters

Published: 2013-01-15

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 1446281361

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Early Childhood is a complex and diverse field. This text is designed to help students understand and engage with current themes in early childhood, supporting the development of critical thinking skills. Key themes such as children′s voice, child wellbeing, identities and professional relationships are presented and opened up for the reader through essential theory and selected extracts. Thought provoking activities in all chapters help students to get a deeper understanding of contemporary themes in early childhood, supporting them in assignment writing and in linking theory to practice. About the Early Years Series This series has been designed to support students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood and related disciplines. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Learning features help readers engage with the text and understand the subject from a number of different viewpoints. Activities pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and further reading suggestions, including useful websties, are included to help students access extended learning in each topic. Other titles in the series are Early Childhood Studies, Child Development for Early Childhood Studies, Child Observation for the Early Years and Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies.

Themes and Debates in Early Childhood
Themes and Debates in Early Childhood

Author: Mary Wild

Publisher: Learning Matters

Published: 2013-01-15

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 1446274667

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Early Childhood is a complex and diverse field. This text is designed to help students understand and engage with current themes in early childhood, supporting the development of critical thinking skills. Key themes such as children's voice, child wellbeing, identities and professional relationships are presented and opened up for the reader through essential theory and selected extracts. Thought provoking activities in all chapters help students to get a deeper understanding of contemporary themes in early childhood, supporting them in assignment writing and in linking theory to practice. About the Early Years Series This series has been designed to support students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood and related disciplines. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Learning features help readers engage with the text and understand the subject from a number of different viewpoints. Activities pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and further reading suggestions, including useful websties, are included to help students access extended learning in each topic. Other titles in the series are Early Childhood Studies, Child Development for Early Childhood Studies, Child Observation for the Early Years and Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies.

The Pre-K Debates
The Pre-K Debates

Author: Edward Zigler

Publisher: Brookes Publishing Company

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781598571837

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Targeted or universal pre-K? Direct instruction or learning through play? These and other debates are heating up as more and more young children across the country gain access to pre-K programs. Now there's a single volume that spotlights today's most urgent pre-K debates, explores each one from all sides, and paves the way for sound, educated decision-making. Edited by a founder of Head Start and two other highly respected experts, this forward-thinking book gathers a who's who of more than 40 leading thinkers in early childhood education for a rigorous examination of the most-debated pre-K issues. In a clear and compelling point-counterpoint format, this book gives current and future decision-makers multifaceted perspectives on critical questions; Should pre-K be targeted or universal; what kind of teacher preparation should be required? When should pre-K services be provided and for how long? Whee should pre-K be provided? What should the primary focus of instruction be? Should pre-K be structured around direct instruction or learning through play? How can we ensure quality and accountability in pre-K programs? Readers will also get a helpful synthesis of the major themes of the pre-k debate, investigate lesson learned from model programs in 2 states, and identify ke issues for future research and debate, including polices for English Lanaguage learners and children with special needs.

Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development
Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development

Author: Sebastian Suggate

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-06-14

Total Pages: 354

ISBN-13: 1136295666

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What are the risks and benefits of non-parental care for young children? What are the short- and long-term effects of academically vs. play-focused environments for learning? How and when should we teach reading? What are the purposes of Education? What is the best way to teach mathematics to children, from preschool and beyond? Contemporary Debates in Childhood Education and Development is a unique resource and reference work that brings together leading international researchers and thinkers, with divergent points of view, to discuss contemporary problems and questions in childhood education and developmental psychology. Through an innovative format whereby leading scholars each offer their own constructive take on the issue in hand, this book aims to inform readers of both sides of a variety of topics and in the process encourage constructive communication and fresh approaches. Spanning a broad spectrum of issues, this book covers: Phonic and whole language reading approaches The developmental effect of non-parental childcare The value of pre-school academic skill acquisition The most effective methods of teaching mathematics Standardized assessment – does it work? The role of electronic media and technology The pedagogical value of homework The value of parents’ reading to children. This book combines breadth of vision with cutting edge research and is a ‘must have’ resource for researchers, students and policy makers in the fields of education and child development.

Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori

Author: Marion O'Donnell

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2014-10-23

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 1441169067

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Maria Montessori's work and thinking form a unique legacy to current educational thinking and practice. In this text, Marion O'Donnell explores the key themes of her philosophy of education and explores the relevance of Montessori practices today. In a thorough survey and synthesis of Montessori's thinking and work, this text examines the key aspects of Montessori education: child development; the learning environment; the role of the teacher; the role of the learner and parental involvement. Within each key aspect, the author considers the implications for Montessori education and the views of critics and supporters, demonstrating their relevance to the demands of an education system within today's modern society.

Friedrich Froebel
Friedrich Froebel

Author: Tina Bruce

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-01-14

Total Pages: 179

ISBN-13: 1474250459

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This book considers the origins of Froebelian early childhood education providing context to the development of his theories and ideas, critically examines the key themes of this philosophy of education and explores the relevance of Froebelian practice today. Tina Bruce reflects on central aspects of Froebelian philosophy of education: the importance of family, highly trained teachers, engagement with nature, mother songs, movement games, play and self-activity of the child, the whole child and the Froebelian concept of unity. In exploring each element Bruce considers the implications for Froebelian practice and research today, and addresses the views of critics and supporters, Each aspect is considered within an international context, drawing on research and practice from across the world. The final chapter gathers together the next steps for Froebelian early childhood education, providing navigational tools and suggestions for what needs to be addressed if Froebel is to remain useful to future practitioners, researchers and policy makers.

International Perspectives in the Early Years
International Perspectives in the Early Years

Author: Linda Miller

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2013-12-05

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1446297187

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′This informative and wide-ranging book argues persuasively for the value of multiple perspectives, both international and disciplinary, in the study and practice of early childhood education, because they feed our imaginations and provoke us to think. And while illustrating the many differences that exist between countries, it highlights the shared issues confronting us, wherever we live.′ - Emeritus Professor Peter Moss, Institute of Education, University of London Stemming from original research in the field, a range of expert contributors explore the key themes and debates surrounding international perspectives on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Drawing on studies carried out in Norway, Mexico, France, Hungary and many more countries, the book covers a wide range of topics including: the relationship between early childhood and primary education gender and play in ECEC curriculum inclusion early interventions working with families place-based learning With case studies, detailed suggestions for further reading at different levels and discussion points, this is a key text for students of Early Years at all levels, from Foundation Degree to Masters, as well as current early years practitioners. Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University. Claire Cameron is Senior Reader in Education at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London.

Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8
Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2015-07-23

Total Pages: 587

ISBN-13: 0309324882

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Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.