This book takes teachers, student teachers and parents step by step through the many facets of well-being, pausing at each step to look at the educational implications for teachers and parents trying to make our children’s lives more meaningful.
What do we mean by wellbeing, and what does it look like as it takes shape in early childhood? What can we do to support the wellbeing of children at home and in settings? This book provides some answers to these complex questions, in a straightforward, accessible way. PART 1: INTRODUCING WELLBEING describes the ′backdrop′ for a new model of wellbeing, outlining research and policy background, and underpinning early childhood themes. PART 2: THE THEORY OF WELLBEING defines wellbeing itself, describing the new model and the mechanism of wellbeing development called companionable learning. PART 3: EVERYDAY WELLBEING contains ideas and examples from homes and settings of ′real-life′ wellbeing. Chapter 6: ′All to play for′ is rich with ideas and examples of "profoundly satisfying" wellbeing play. PART 4: INVESTING IN WELLBEING is about professional development. It covers observation, assessment and planning; the key person approach; ′when things go wrong′; and integrating services across settings and communities. The book ends with the importance of collective wellbeing, arguing that all young children need experiences of individual and collective wellbeing, in their families and their communities. Essential reading for anyone studying early childhood, and for managers and practitioners working with young children and their families, this book is an inspirational guide to developing a framework for wellbeing from birth.
The health and well-being of children is integral to learning and development but what does it actually mean in practice? This textbook draws on contemporary research on the brain and mind to provide an up-to-date overview of the central aspects of young children’s health and well-being – a key component of the revised EYFS curriculum. Critically engaging with a range of current debates, coverage includes early influences, such as relationships, attachment (attachment theory) and nutrition the role of the brain in health and well-being the enabling environment other issues affecting child development To support students with further reading, reflective and critical thinking it employs: case studies pointers for practice mindful moments discussion questions references to extra readings web links This current, critical and comprehensive course text will provide a solid foundation for students and practitioners on a wide range of early childhood courses, and empower them to support and nurture young children’s health and well-being.
This essential resource is designed to help busy early years practitioners to support the mental health of young children through outdoor play. Promoting social and emotional wellbeing in childhood has never been more important, and outdoor play is a crucial tool to build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and boost self-esteem. Using relatable case studies that demonstrate achievable change, the book is full of practical advice and strategies for exploring nature in both natural and man-made landscapes, and includes guidance on how to co-create inviting play spheres with children. Each chapter provides: Adaptable and cost-effective activities designed to help children feel more confident and connected to the world around them. Case studies and reflective opportunities to prompt practitioners to consider and develop their own practice. An accessible and engaging format with links to theorists, risk assessment, and individual schemas. Outdoor play allows young children to explore who they are and what they can do. It supports them as they learn to think critically, take risks, and form a true sense of belonging with their peers and with the wider community. This is an indispensable resource for practising and trainee early years practitioners, Reception teachers, and childminders as they facilitate outdoor play in their early years setting.
This accessible book focuses on the emotional needs, experiences and development of young children, exploring the role of the practitioner in ensuring that each and every child feels loved, supported and safe; able to develop secure attachments and flourish in the first five years and beyond. Drawing upon neuro-scientific research and referencing key theories relating to attachment, and health and wellbeing, the book examines the responsibilities of the early years practitioner in supporting children to reach their full potential. The response of the adult to the emotional needs of individual children is analysed in detail, and the impacts of various experiences, cultures and contexts on a child’s emotional wellbeing are considered. With topics including safeguarding, communication, the physical environment, neurological development and Attachment Theory, readers will: learn how to respond appropriately to individual children extend their role as a Key Person and their position in a multi-professional team increase their understanding of the interaction between home and childcare settings reflect on the importance of in-depth observation, the environment and quality of care provided in their settings. Supported by rich case studies, provocations and examples of good practice to encourage reflection and improve future practice, Understanding the Emotional Needs of Children in the Early Years is an engaging and comprehensive guide for all early years practitioners, early years students and professionals including paediatric nurses, health visitors and social workers.
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.
Educators have a key pedagogical role in promoting early years outdoor play in natural environments. Active outdoor play involving risk-taking has been linked to positive effects on social health and behaviour, and encourages physical activity and motor skill development. At the same time, it has been recognised that opportunities for children to experience outdoor learning have been reduced in recent decades due to the impacts of technology, urbanisation and social change. This book brings together renowned authors, with research and professional experience in a range of disciplines, to provide a comprehensive guide to developing positive and engaging outdoor learning environments in the early years. Part 1 looks at pedagogy and outdoor environments, and considers the value of risk-taking and developing a young child's appreciation of the natural world. Part 2 examines the key principles involved in the design and planning of these spaces, such as applying the relevant equipment standards and regulations. Part 3 explores how educators can develop an understanding of children's own perspectives on outdoor spaces, including promoting agency and recognising the importance of private playspaces. Part 4 examines different cultural perspectives on outdoor play, including Indigenous approaches, while Part 5 considers the range of experiences possible beyond purposefully-designed spaces, from visiting nature reserves to exploring urban environments. 'A much needed and comprehensive resource for pre-service teachers and educators of young children that encompasses philosophies, theories, pedagogy and practice for purposeful engagement of children in all kinds of outdoor spaces in Australia.' - Dr Kumara Ward, Director of Academic Program: Early Childhood Education, Western Sydney University 'This seminal work will provide a shared language and framework for educators, policy developers, community builders and researchers in exploring the justifications for engaging children in well considered outdoor learning places and spaces.' - Leanne Grogan, School of Education, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, La Trobe University.
Examining Levels of Involvement in the Early Years studies the theory and rationale behind using young children’s levels of involvement as a tool for enhancing their experiential learning in diverse settings by exploring values, beliefs, ideology, resourcefulness and environmental contexts. Drawing on Laevers’ process-oriented Self-evaluation Instrument for Care Settings and the Leuven Involvement Scale for Young Children, this book examines the theoretical constructs that underpin the development of these instruments as well as the practical implications of how and why practitioners may use the scales in their settings. More importantly, it looks at children’s deep level learning capabilities and reflects on the engaging possibilities this presents. Using encounters with children and adults from a range of settings, it covers: • connecting levels of involvement with local, national, international and theoretical approaches; • embracing levels of involvement; • involving the environment; • levels of outdoor involvement; • engaging with adult involvement; • nurturing involvement through observation, assessment and planning. Including contributions from experts in the field, this book will be essential reading for students, trainee early years practitioners and all those wanting to continue their professional learning.