Christine Pascal

This seminal text offers an innovative, Froebelian inspired, and evidenced approach to teacher professional development that will promote ethical practice. Providing a timely interpretation and application of Froebelian principles, theories and pedagogic actions as showcased by early childhood settings in England and New Zealand, the expert author team promote a radical shift in approach which will better support the early childhood workforce through the promotion of Froebelian communities of practice. Split into three parts, the book will provide: a contemporary account of Froebelian principles and practices and an overview of the global challenges which face young children and the educators that work with them; an illustrative and reflective narrative of the practice evidence that has emerged from three Froebelian research projects; demonstrations of how the application of the Froebelian Reflection with Guidance framework has inspired and developed the work of educators within this project. The title will be invaluable reading for all those involved in early childhood research and practice, whether in initial training, advanced professional development, practice development and improvement and innovative research programmes.

This seminal text offers an innovative, Froebelian inspired, and evidenced approach to teacher professional development that will promote ethical practice. Providing a timely interpretation and application of Froebelian principles, theories and pedagogic actions as showcased by early childhood settings in England and New Zealand, the expert author team promote a radical shift in approach which will better support the early childhood workforce through the promotion of Froebelian communities of practice. Split into three parts, the book will provide: a contemporary account of Froebelian principles and practices and an overview of the global challenges which face young children and the educators that work with them; an illustrative and reflective narrative of the practice evidence that has emerged from three Froebelian research projects; demonstrations of how the application of the Froebelian Reflection with Guidance framework has inspired and developed the work of educators within this project. The title will be invaluable reading for all those involved in early childhood research and practice, whether in initial training, advanced professional development, practice development and improvement and innovative research programmes.

Having a good grasp of the theories of child development and how these translate into practice can make a positive difference to how you understand babies and children and the ways in which you can help them learn. This approachable guide offers easy access to a wide range of concepts, as well as classic and current theories, about how babies and children learn. Each chapter offers clear guidance on how to recognise the theory in action and suggests ways to test these ideas out in early years settings, supporting the development of reflective practice. Case studies are included throughout, along with questions to guide thinking and encourage readers to develop their practice. Summaries conclude each chapter offering a quick reference of the theory examined and the benefits of applying it to practice. Early Childhood Theories and Contemporary Issues is an essential guide for all those looking to develop and enhance their practice in supporting child development within the early years.

Having a good grasp of the theories of child development and how these translate into practice can make a positive difference to how you understand babies and children and the ways in which you can help them learn. This approachable guide offers easy access to a wide range of concepts, as well as classic and current theories, about how babies and children learn. Each chapter offers clear guidance on how to recognise the theory in action and suggests ways to test these ideas out in early years settings, supporting the development of reflective practice. Case studies are included throughout, along with questions to guide thinking and encourage readers to develop their practice. Summaries conclude each chapter offering a quick reference of the theory examined and the benefits of applying it to practice. Early Childhood Theories and Contemporary Issues is an essential guide for all those looking to develop and enhance their practice in supporting child development within the early years.

In this book, the authors discuss criteria and methodologies for evaluating and improving the quality of learning, and show how to evaluate practice and create action plans for improvement. They present a variety of case studies, including: a family centre; LEA nursery unit; a workplace nursery, an LEA nursery class; an inner-city reception class in a primary school; private day nurseries; and a social services day nursery. Each example is accompanied by a set of questions which highlight important features of the research process and suggest ways in which early years practitioners can examine and reflect on their own practice. This book draws on the experience of practitioners involved in the Effective Early Learning Research Project, developed to support early learning wherever young children are, whether in education, care, social services, health, voluntary sector, private sector, or state sector, from birth to 7 years. This book is essential reading for all early years practitioners, students, inspectors and trainers.