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Ostroff highlights processes that propel learning (including play and collaboration), distilling the research into the most important ideas teachers need to design pedagogy and curriculum.
Human beings are born to learn. During the last few decades, developmental science has exploded with discoveries of how, specifically, learning happens. This provides us with an unprecedented window into children's minds: how and when they begin to think, perceive, understand, and apply knowledge. Wendy Ostroff builds on this research and shows you how to harness the power of the brain, the most powerful learning machine in the universe. She highlights the processes that inspire or propel learning--play, confidence, self-regulation, movement, mnemonic strategies, metacognition, articulation, and collaboration--and distills the research into a synthesis of the most important takeaway ideas that teachers will need as they design their curriculum and pedagogy. Each chapter has suggested activities for exactly how teachers can put theory into practice in the classroom. When you understand how your students learn, you will know how to teach them in ways that harness the brain's natural learning systems. Dr. Wendy L. Ostroff is Associate Professor in the Program for the Advancement of Learning at Curry College.
Developing Thinking and Understanding in Young Children presents a comprehensive and accessible overview of contemporary theory and research about young children’s developing thinking and understanding. Throughout this second edition, the ideas and theories presented are enlivened by transcripts of children’s activities and conversations taken from practice and contemporary research, helping readers to make links between theory, research and practice. Each chapter also includes ideas for further reading and suggested activities. Aimed at all those interested in how young children develop through their thoughts and actions, Sue Robson explores: theories of cognitive development the social, emotional and cultural contexts of children’s thinking children’s conceptual development visual thinking approaches to supporting the development of young children’s thinking and understanding latest developments in brain science and young children the central roles of play and language in young children’s developing thinking. Including a new chapter on young children’s musical thinking, expanded sections on self regulation, metacognition and creative thinking and the use of video to observe and describe young children’s thinking, this book will be an essential read for all students undertaking Early Childhood, Primary PGCE and EYPS courses. Those studying for a Foundation degree in Early Years and Childcare will also find this book to be of interest.
This fascinating account of an unusual research project challenges many assumptions about how young children learn and how best to teach them. In particular it turns upside-down the commonly held belief that professionals know better than parents how to educate and bring up children; and it throws doubt on the theory that working-class children underachieve at school because of a language deficit at home. The second edition of this bestselling text includes a new introduction by Judy Dunn. Fascinating account of an unusual research project challenges many assumptions about how young children. Turns upside-down the commonly held belief that professionals know better than parents how to educate and bring up children. Throws doubt on the theory that working-class children underachieve at school because of a language deficit at home. The authors' evidence is the children's own conversations which are quoted extensively and are delightful. The second edition of this bestselling text includes an introduction by Judy Dunn.
The key argument of The Characteristics of Effective Early Learning is that how children learn is as important as what they learn. This book helps you understand how to support the learning and development of young children through promoting the characteristics of effective early learning: play and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. The book: Investigates how children engage in learning through playing and exploring, and are motivated through active learning Explores how children become creative and critical thinkers able to review their own learning and thinking, imaginatively solving problems and excited by their own Examines appropriate approaches to observation, assessment and planning Supports practitioners in reporting on how children demonstrate these characteristics for the revised EYFS profile Rich in practical examples and case studies, this is an essential read for early years students and practitioners who want to find out more about how to promote the characteristics of effective early learning in their practice. Contributors: Di Chilvers, Clare Crowther, Kim Porter, Sue Rogers, Judith Stevens, Nancy Stewart, David Whitebread "This is such a useful addition to other publications which clarify, enrich and expand on messages in the revised Early Years Foundation stage. A range of early years experts offer valuable insights on important topics linked to young children learning. The contributors write authoritatively drawing on historical studies as well as more current research. Authentic case studies vividly illustrate theoretical points. Helen sets the stage beautifully, providing a rationale, structure and sequence to a book which truly and lovingly celebrates the processes of children's unfolding development." Marion Dowling, Early Years Specialist and Vice President of Early Education "An insightful and engaging read for students and professionals within the Early Years sector that brings alive the concepts of effective learning that underpin the Early Years Foundation Stage. The book provides an excellent synthesis of developmental and pedagogic research enabling readers to make connections between theory and practice. One of the great strengths of the book is the way in which young children are celebrated as active and powerful agents in their own learning. The book allows readers to reflect on how adults can build on this to ensure that the potential for learning within each child is fully supported through effective pedagogies as well as in more formal planning and assessment. The contributing authors bring a variety of perspectives and knowledge that combine to illuminate the principles behind effective early years practice and explore how these can be translated into meaningful and supportive experiences for children." Dr Mary Wild, Principal Lecturer, School of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK "What a wonderful sub-title 'Helping young children to become learners for life'. It is so refreshing to find, (among the plethora of new publications on child development) a book that really sees all children as 'rich children' and describes them as capable and confident learners. All the authors share their knowledge in a highly accessible manner which means I can recommend this book to both our practitioners and students undertaking first degrees and post qualifying courses. The authors clearly identify the qualities and attributes of highly effective learners. They share the view that young children come into Early Childhood Education settings hungry to make sense of relationships and the world they are growing up in. They powerfully describe the kind of skilled educators that children deserve; educators who can harness children's energy, engage with their interests and extend their critical thinking." Dr Margy Whalley, Director of the Pen Green Centre for Children and Families and the Pen Green Research Base
An ideal introduction to the pioneers of educational theory for anyone studying childcare, child development or education – whether at further or higher education level. The first edition of this book has been a best-seller for almost a decade, identified as one of the top ten books for students of child development or early childhood care and education. In this new edition, there is an increased emphasis on both what practice based on particular theories of learning looks like and on criticisms of each theory. A glossary is included in sections highlighting words and concepts particular to the theorist in question. Full-colour photographs are used to illustrate some aspects of each theory or approach. How Children Learn looks at a wide range of theorists and practitioners who have influenced current understandings of how children learn and what this means for work with young children. The book summarises the findings and ideas of famous giants such as Montessori and Piaget as well as the more recent ideas of writers and thinkers such as Howard Gardner and Margaret Donaldson. It begins by looking at the work and life of Comenius who is widely described as the father of modern education and looks at the theory behind different approaches to early childhood care and education such as Steiner Waldorf education, HighScope and Te Whariki. You will find this book invaluable in giving you a clearer picture of how ideas about children’s learning have developed over the past four centuries.
What children learn is important but how children learn is even more important if they are to become learners for life in today's society. In this book, Nancy Stewart brings her wealth of experience to help policy makers and practitioners articulate the importance of early childhood as a valuable stage in its own right as well as a preparation for the future.This best seller explores effective early childhood learning through exploring the characteristics of effective learning, as identified in revised Early Years Foundation Stage in England. Its content is however, applicable across the range of curricula and frameworks that govern early childhood education across the four UK nations, as well as internationally.
Reviews of the first edition “At a time of constant and rapid change in education, this book will inform and reassure early childhood professionals.” Practical Pre-School “Besides advice on the most helpful ways to develop learning in areas such as maths and literacy, there are suggestions and comments about further reading at the end of each chapter, and examples of the thoughts and responses of real children are never far from the page.” TES “Innovative, resourceful and thoroughly researched… a challenge to existing and emerging early childhood professionals.” Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Promoting Children's Learning from Birth to Five supports early years professionals as they develop new practices to promote young children’s learning. This second edition fully reflects the enormous changes in early childhood education and care since the publication of the first edition. Retaining its successful focus on literacy and mathematical development as key exemplars of promoting young children's learning, the book considers new ways of working with parents, promoting inter-professional collaboration, and achieving sustainable, systematic change in children's services. The second edition: Draws on current research in early literacy and mathematical thinking Focuses on multiprofessional practice, showing how practitioners who work from evidence across professional boundaries are able to give strong, interactive and sensitive support to young children and their parents Takes into account policies and practices such as Every Child Matters, the Primary Strategy and Children's Centres Includes updated material on aspects of leadership, and on the role of the Senior Practitioner in developing innovative services for children and their families Explores the importance of personal, social and emotional development in the curriculum for under-fives Working from the basis that children learn most readily in contexts where parents and professionals are keen to learn, the authors help early childhood professionals to meet the challenges of reshaping children's services. This is key reading for all early childhood professionals and students.
Many curriculum books treat teaching as something teachers do to or for children. Deb Curtis and Margie Carter, best-selling authors in the early learning field, believe teaching is a collaborative process in which teachers reexamine their own philosophies and practices while facilitating children’s learning. Each chapter in this curriculum framework includes a conceptual overview followed by classroom stories and photographs to illustrate the concepts. The book helps teachers create materials and a classroom culture reflective of their values: Teach through observation, reflection, inquiry, and action, and encourage children to represent their learning in multiple ways, including songs, stories, and drama.
