In the World Library of Educationalists international experts compile career-long collections of what they judge to be their most significant pieces – excerpts from books, key articles, salient research findings, major theoretical and practical contributions – so the world can read them in a single, manageable volume. Readers will be able to follow the themes and strands and see how their work contributes to the development of the field. Educating Young Children: A Lifetime Journey into a Froebelian Approach draws together Professor Tina Bruce CBE’s most prominent writings from her accomplished 40-year international career in education centred on the Froebelian tradition. Chosen to illustrate the changes that have occurred in Professor Bruce’s thinking and practices over the last four decades, carefully selected readings address key Froebelian themes such as literacy, play, inclusion and creativity. Short introductions are provided for each chapter and excerpt, helping readers to understand the significance of what is presented and explaining how this relates to other chapters in the book. Including chapters from Tina Bruce’s best-selling books and articles, as well as leading journals, this collection offers a unique commentary on some of the most important issues in Early Childhood Education over the last four decades; it will be engaging and inspiring reading for anyone interested in the development and state of early years education in the UK and internationally.

In the World Library of Educationalists international experts compile career-long collections of what they judge to be their most significant pieces – excerpts from books, key articles, salient research findings, major theoretical and practical contributions – so the world can read them in a single, manageable volume. Readers will be able to follow the themes and strands and see how their work contributes to the development of the field. Educating Young Children: A Lifetime Journey into a Froebelian Approach draws together Professor Tina Bruce CBE’s most prominent writings from her accomplished 40-year international career in education centred on the Froebelian tradition. Chosen to illustrate the changes that have occurred in Professor Bruce’s thinking and practices over the last four decades, carefully selected readings address key Froebelian themes such as literacy, play, inclusion and creativity. Short introductions are provided for each chapter and excerpt, helping readers to understand the significance of what is presented and explaining how this relates to other chapters in the book. Including chapters from Tina Bruce’s best-selling books and articles, as well as leading journals, this collection offers a unique commentary on some of the most important issues in Early Childhood Education over the last four decades; it will be engaging and inspiring reading for anyone interested in the development and state of early years education in the UK and internationally.

This book considers the origins of Froebelian early childhood education providing context to the development of his theories and ideas, critically examines the key themes of this philosophy of education and explores the relevance of Froebelian practice today. Tina Bruce reflects on central aspects of Froebelian philosophy of education: the importance of family, highly trained teachers, engagement with nature, mother songs, movement games, play and self-activity of the child, the whole child and the Froebelian concept of unity. In exploring each element Bruce considers the implications for Froebelian practice and research today, and addresses the views of critics and supporters, Each aspect is considered within an international context, drawing on research and practice from across the world. The final chapter gathers together the next steps for Froebelian early childhood education, providing navigational tools and suggestions for what needs to be addressed if Froebel is to remain useful to future practitioners, researchers and policy makers.

Friedrich Froebel (1782 – 1852), the inventor of kindergarten, was one of the most influential educational thinkers of the 19th century. This book showcases the cutting-edge work being undertaken around the world inspired by this pioneer of early childhood education and shows the many ways in which Froebel's work has been applied and extended. It presents a wealth of Froebelian expertise on topics including pedagogy and curriculum, history, architecture, neuroscience, peace and religious education and links Froebel's theories to other thinkers including John Dewey, Michel Foucault, Paulo Freire, Aili Helenius and Chen Heqin. It highlights what Froebel means today in a variety of settings around the world and includes contributions from academics and practitioners based in North and South America, Europe, Australasia, Africa and Asia.

Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice is a brilliantly engaging and practical book that highlights the essential nature of storytelling in all walks of life, and how to best cultivate this in the early years classroom. The authors use a compelling Froebelian approach to explore the role of storytelling not just in the development of literacy but also in the development of communication and language and for maintaining good mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on primary and contemporary research, and presented by a range of experienced authors, this book covers important topics such as: The benefits of regularly practising storytelling Storytelling during play activities Group dynamics in constructing narratives The roles of props and fantasy concepts in storytelling This accessible guide is ideal for all early years practitioners looking to encourage literacy, communication and well-being in a supportive and creative environment, and for policymakers looking to develop best practice in the early years classroom.

This book introduces the use of facilitation to support children’s agency in the classroom as authors of knowledge. The authors draw on research undertaken in two Year Three classrooms, in which children were invited to share photographs in a workshop to facilitate the sharing and creation of narratives. Motivated by the idea that elevating children’s status to constructors of knowledge is essential for a pedagogy of authentic listening, understandings of childhood are challenged in relation to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the tension between self-determination and the protection of children. The book will be of interest to academics, students and practitioners in the areas of education, early childhood studies, sociology of childhood, social work, children’s rights and educational management.

How to Use Work Group Supervision to Improve Early Years Practice presents a new model for supervision as a collaborative process, and explores how this process can benefit practitioners at all stages in their career to reflect on and improve their own practice. Supported by detailed case studies which contextualise Work Group Supervision, Louis offers practical support which will help practitioners develop their knowledge and skills, and to work together to develop a shared understanding and more successful practice. Louis covers a range of insightful topics to help practitioners utilise the Work Group Supervision method to improve their practice, including: What Work Group Supervision is and how it can help practitioners How to develop self-understanding and professional practice Theories on child observation, and using observation to tune into children The importance of respectful interactions as a leader and among peers How to Use Work Group Supervision to Improve Early Years Practice is ideal for Early Years practitioners and teachers, managers of Early Years settings and students on courses for leadership in Early Childhood settings.

This essential guidebook offers creative, exciting ways for teachers to implement and support deep, authentic and transformative learning in early childhood. Each standalone chapter identifies a key focus for empowering children, exploring the research behind the habit, how it stimulates deep learning and the ways in which it can help address implicit hierarchies and disrupt oppression. Chapters feature hands-on activities, ideas for lessons and events that teachers can try, alongside techniques to involve parents and families, bringing this important work beyond the classroom walls.

If you work in the early years, you have probably heard of Montessori and Bronfenbrenner - but have you heard of Bavolek or Fisher? Contemporary theorists and theories of early childhood learning have much to teach us. It is often forgotten that this learning is still evolving and that new voices are joining the discussion every year. This book introduces early years practitioners to some contemporary theorists and explores their work alongside more well-known thinkers. It demonstrates how these theories relate to everyday practice in the early years and that discussion of them can support ongoing professional learning.