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Sandra Smidt sets out to explain what play is and why it is so important as one of the key ways of learning, particularly - but not solely - for young children. She argues that all play is purposeful, and can only truly considered to be play when the child has chosen what to do, where and how to do it. Using case studies drawn from all over the world, Smidt challenges some of the prevailing myths relating to play and pays close attention to what it is that early years professionals need to do to interpet the play, understand its purpose for the child and sometimes extend it. Attention is paid to the close links that play has with creativity, and the author also highlights the importance of being able to explain to colleagues, parents and even those in government, why play matters so much in terms of learning and development. This book will be of interest to anyone involved in early years’ education.
Sandra Smidt takes the reader on a journey through the key concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the twentieth century’s most influential theorists in the field of early education. His ground-breaking principles of early learning and teaching are unpicked here using every-day language, and critical links between his fascinating ideas are revealed. Introducing Vygotsky is an invaluable companion for anyone involved with children in the early years. The introduction of Vygotsky’s key concepts is followed by discussion of the implications of these for teaching and learning. Each chapter also includes a useful glossary of terms. This accessible text is illustrated throughout with examples drawn from real-life early years settings and the concepts discussed include: mediation and memory culture and cultural tools mental functions language, concepts and thinking activity theory play and meaning. Essential reading for all those interested in or working with children, Introducing Vygotsky emphasises the social nature of learning and examines the importance of issues such as culture, history, language, and symbols in learning.
Shortlisted for the Nasen Book that supports SEN and Disability Issues Award 2008 Are children who are exposed to more than one language from birth at an advantage or a disadvantage when starting school? Supporting Multilingual Learners in the Early Years examines the theoretical, ideological and practical issues involved in the education of children speaking two or more languages coming to settings which are predominantly monolingual. The book examines current research and thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of being multilingual and tackles complex topics such as: what being multilingual implies in terms of prior learning and why this matters in education the importance of resp...
Multilingualism in the Early Years is a highly accessible text that examines the political, theoretical, ideological and practical issues involved in the education of children speaking two or more languages. Drawing on current research and thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of being multilingual, Smidt uses powerful case studies to reveal how language or languages are acquired. She explores language in terms of who shares it, its relationship to class, culture, power, identity and thinking, and its fascinating role as it moves from the personal to the public and political. More specifically the book studies: what it means to be bilingual through an analysis of the language histo...
This book takes the reader on a journey through some of Bruner’s key concepts in relation to early learning and teaching.
Offering a sociocultural approach to education and learning, this fascinating exploration of childhood provides an in-depth understanding of how children make sense of the world and the people in it. Examining the ways in which children express their thoughts, feelings and actively generate meaning through experience and interaction, this fully revised and updated new edition is illustrated throughout by extensive case studies and covers a diverse range of topics, including: socio-historical and global child development over time and place; the child as meaning-maker and active learner; learning in the context of family, culture, group, society; representing and re-representing the world; un...
Sandra Smidt takes the reader on a journey through the key concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the twentieth century’s most influential theorists in the field of early education. His ground-breaking principles of early learning and teaching are unpicked here using every-day language, and critical links between his fascinating ideas are revealed. Introducing Vygotsky is an invaluable companion for anyone involved with children in the early years. The introduction of Vygotsky’s key concepts is followed by discussion of the implications of these for teaching and learning. Each chapter also includes a useful glossary of terms. This accessible text is illustrated throughout with examples drawn from real-life early years settings and the concepts discussed include: mediation and memory culture and cultural tools mental functions language, concepts and thinking activity theory play and meaning. Essential reading for all those interested in or working with children, Introducing Vygotsky emphasises the social nature of learning and examines the importance of issues such as culture, history, language, and symbols in learning.
Taking a child-centred view of education and learning, this multidisciplinary exploration of childhood shows how children make sense of the world through everything they come into contact with, and all their interactions.
Key Issues in Early Years Education is the second edition of The Early Years: A Reader. This essential text for students and professionals is unique in its range of voices and topics and in its determination to see the child as central to learning and development. As in the first edition it not only has chapters written by key figures in the field of early childhood education and care but also by students on a range of early childhood programmes. Notable key figures from the first edition have been added including Helen Penn, Henrietta Dombey, Hilary Faust and Charmian Kenner. Rosemary Nalden, who is involved in significant work with children in South Africa, has added her voice to give us e...
"Loris Malaguzzi (1920 - 1994) was the pioneer of the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching young children. An ever-increasing number of teachers and educationalists from all over the world now come to study the Reggio pre-school's unique methods, and this is largely due to Malaguzzi's devotion, work and commitment over 45 years, and the small group of teachers and educators he trained and with whom he developed his methods. The principles that underpin the Reggio Emilia approach are fundamental to the way in which Early Childhood Education is being shaped around the world today. The work of Loris Malaguzzi was rooted in a strong sociocultural framework, meaning it was a considered response to ...