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Radically updated in light of new research and developments, the new edition of this important book gives clear guidance on how to support young childrens language and literacy development.
This book presents a developmental view of language, the emergence of literacy and the role of literature in the early years. The age-range covered is 0-6 years, a period characterised by unparalleled speed and complexity of growth in thinking, language, social and cultural awareness and physical skills. Perspectives on language, literature and literacy in the early years are combined in one accessible volume. Chapters on communication, play, narrative and national literacy requirements provide a helpful way into some complex issues. The book uses child observations and case studies to demonstrate the learning that goes on in a variety of homes and early years settings and challenges many current shibboleths in the field of early years language and literacy. The book will be valuable reading for all adults seeking to support young children's language and literacy learning - parents, teachers, nursery nurses, childminders, playgroup leaders and other early years professionals.
This Fourth Edition of Language and Literacy in the Early Years has been fully revised and updated to reflect current professional interests and the latest developments in the field. The book provides comprehensive coverage of issues in language, literacy and learning, focusing on the age range from birth to seven years. New material covers theory of mind, key persons, and social and emotional dimensions of learning. The author added material on difficulties with language development, phonics and new literacies. Key terms, further reading and a revised layout make the book accessible to students. The author emphasizes the joy and creativity involved in supporting young children′s development as speakers, writers and readers. While taking account of current initiatives and programmes, the author supports flexible teaching methods in what is a complex teaching and learning process. The book is fully illustrated with examples and photos from early childhood settings. This book is essential reading for primary and early years students and practitioners in the field of language and literacy including nursery nurses, classroom assistants and foundation stage teachers.
`In its third edition...the author has included the latest research evidence relating to children aged from nought to eight. Her writing embraces the value of play, relationships, bilingualism and multilingualism in creating a rich language and literacy environment. Developing Language and Literacy with Young Children will appeal to a wide range of readers - practitioners, students, and their tutors, as well as parents and carers′ - Early Years Update ′Highly readable... Anybody working with babies and young children needs to have the knowledge that Whitehead clearly explains here′ - SureStart ′One of the many excellent features of this book is the way it tackles the issue of bilingualism in early childhood′ - Early Years Educator (eye) Praise for previous editions: `Marian Whitehead forces the reader to attend to the "voice of the child against the encroachment of inappropriate curriculum demands. Her total fascination for children′s language development captures the reader in an enthusiastic and informed voyage through "the most exciting and important aspect of human development - language in the early years′ - Early Years `This is an excellent read for all parents and workers with young children. The style of the book is friendly and accessible, with beautifully produced of photographs of children and indeed of their own work. Marian Whitehead is not ashamed to draw on her experiences as a grandparent, as well as highly competent theoretical researcher; she does both with competence and humour. This will prove an excellent source book for those involved in course design from childminders to university lecturers′ - Child Language Teaching and Therapy Looking at the most exciting and important aspect of human development - communication and language in the early years - this accessible book gives carers, parents, teachers and other professionals who work and play with young children a confident understanding of children′s communication and language development in the years from birth to age eight. The book examines the wide range of elements that are typical of all our communication and language activities: thinking, feeling, imagining, talking, listening, drawing, writing and reading. The author emphasizes the importance of children′s relationships and communications with the people who care about them, spend time with them and share in the excitement of their developing languages and their investigations of literacy. Taking a holistic approach, she covers: o early communication and language o the achievements of young bilinguals o the significance of stories, narrative and language play o the emergence of literacy in homes, early years settings and classrooms. ′This highly readable guide discusses how to help babies become competent communicators...Anybody working with babies and young children needs to have the knowledge that Whitehead clearly explains here′ - SureStart
This core text for early childhood studies and early years students focuses on communication, language and literacy in the pre-school years. The text begins by discussing language acquisition and development covering development theory, talking with babies and the factors that affect development. It goes on to give guidance on how to support children's language acquisition through rhymes, songs, story books and storytelling. Finally, it examines the roots of literacy and asks 'what comes before phonics?' Interactive activities are included throughout to engage the reader and research focus features help students make essential links between theory and practice.
This book is the individual guidebook used to support the six 'Pip and Bunny' storybooks. This invaluable resource comprises a set of six ‘Pip and Bunny’ picture books with accompanying professional guide and downloadable online content; all carefully written and illustrated to support language and emotional development through reading. By inspiring conversation and fueling the young reader’s imagination the books promote emotional and social literacy. Designed for use within the Early Years setting or at home, each story explores different areas of social and emotional development. The full set includes: Six beautifully illustrated picture books with text and vocabulary for each A handbook designed to guide the parent or practitioner in using the books effectively ‘Talking Points’ relating to the child’s own world ‘What’s the Word?’ picture pages to be photocopied, downloaded or printed Detailed suggestions as to how to link with other EYFS areas of learning The set is designed to be used in both individual and group settings, and at various stages of a child’s development. It will be a valuable resource for teachers, SENCOs ( pre-school and reception), Early Years workers, EOTAs, Educational Psychologists, Counsellors and therapists.
This book provides pre-service and practising teachers with an integrated approach to language and literacy learning in early childhood. Written by leading academics in the field, it explores how children learn to talk, play using language, become literate and make meaning - from birth through to the pre-school years. Emphasising the importance of imagination and the arts in language learning, this book addresses a wide range of contemporary issues, highlights the impact of diverse socioeconomic, language and cultural backgrounds on young children's language and literacy development, and shows how early childhood teachers can effectively partner with parents and caregivers to help children learn through and about language. Case studies, interviews, reflective questions, clear links to the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum, and a rich array of practical and creative activities for use in early childhood environments help students connect theory and current research to practice.
"This book emphasizes an integrated language arts approach to teaching young children literacy, focusing on balanced, constructivist and direct instruction." Literacy Development in the Early Years presents a theoretical and research-based rationale for its contents, as well as practical applications based on that theory. It embraces integrated language arts and an interdisciplinary approach to literacy development as it addresses developing writing, reading, and oral language in the home and school curriculum. The use of children's literature is emphasized as the most important instructional materials and the joy of early literacy experiences is stressed to ensure lifelong reading habits. Literacy development is viewed as an active process between children and adults to create meaning and real purpose." For anyone interested in early childhood language arts.
Reading picture books with infants and toddlers facilitates their early language development, with far-reaching benefits for their later reading abilities and academic achievement. While the importance of reading books with children aged from 3 to 5 years is widely recognised, the benefits of reading with much younger children from 0 to 3 years, who are still engaged in learning their first language, are less well understood. This book will explore the seemingly simple practice of reading picture books with infants and toddlers aged 0–3 years, from a range of perspectives. Not only do book-focused adult–child interactions support language and early literacy development in multiple ways, such interactions can also, at the same time, foster intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. By weaving together in an accessible manner the insights from several different discipline areas, this book will explain how and why reading with infants and toddlers has such power to enrich their lives. Providing an evidence-based, theoretically informed account, Reading Picture Books with Infants and Toddlers supports educators, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to provide frequent, enjoyable, and language-rich reading experiences with infants and toddlers.
Written by an author with more than 25 years of experience in the emergent literacy field, this popular text provides a comprehensive overview of literacy development from infancy through the primary grades, emphasizing the role of oral language as a foundation for literacy, home–school connections, and cultural influences on literacy development. Chapters follow a logical sequence, from identification of the signs of early literacy behaviors to developmentally appropriate strategies for enhancing those behaviors. Observation and assessment forms for classroom use are integrated throughout. This highly regarded guide helps teachers become thoughtful mediators in children’s transactions with literacy. Additional features: Provides teachers with tools for reflective literacy instruction. The text’s organization and narrative encourages pre-service teachers to become effective decision makers who select and implement instructional strategies based on their knowledge of individual children’s emergent literacy behaviors and needs. Explores literacy strategies through classroom- and home-based examples and vignettes. Numerous vignettes and examples of teacher–child interactions demonstrate literacy scaffolding in an applied and authentic manner. Supports teachers in multicultural and urban settings. An emphasis on linguistic and cultural diversity—including an array of strategies for English language learners—provides today’s teachers with the knowledge to help all children succeed.
