Language and communication skills are a key foundation of child development. This accessible and engaging resource enables early years educators to support the wellbeing and development of children whose first language is not English. Positioning language as a community entity, the book explores critical approaches to language development and, importantly, their practical application to planning, provision, professional development, and wellbeing. It provides context and evidence-based strategies to develop strong, child-centred practice in real-world settings, and offers an overview of how educators can work with families to ensure a consistent approach to early language development at home. The book: Supports the wellbeing of children for whom everyday communication in an English setting may be confusing and difficult Provides strategies and techniques that recognise the unique wellbeing needs of children with EAL and can be implemented immediately throughout the EYFS curriculum and beyond Focuses on engaging the whole community with a holistic approach to early language development and wellbeing Drawing from first-hand experience and with practical examples and ideas woven throughout, this is an essential resource for all early years educators working with young children with EAL.

"Have you ever wondered why children behave the way they do or why they can become so emotional, so quickly? This practical resource has been created to help educators effectively support their children's behaviour and better understand their emotions. The book focuses on the idea that all behaviour is a form of communication and explores central areas such as self-regulation and attachment, offering strategies that can be used to support challenging behaviour. Each chapter includes examples of practice, reflective questions, and an activity for the reader to help consolidate their learning and encourage them to become 'behaviour detectives'. Key topics discussed include: Attachment theory, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and the importance of feeling safe and secure in the home and setting, Characteristics of children during conflict situations or moments of challenging behaviour, Developmentally appropriate expectations for children, and why it is vital that expectations are realistic, Emotion Coaching and the significance of acknowledging and validating feelings, Linking behaviour with schematic play. Written from first-hand experience and filled with practical advice as well as recommendations for further reading and resources, Supporting Behaviour and Emotions in the Early Years is an essential read for early years educators"--

Educating dual language learners (DLLs) and English learners (ELs) effectively is a national challenge with consequences both for individuals and for American society. Despite their linguistic, cognitive, and social potential, many ELsâ€"who account for more than 9 percent of enrollment in grades K-12 in U.S. schoolsâ€"are struggling to meet the requirements for academic success, and their prospects for success in postsecondary education and in the workforce are jeopardized as a result. Promoting the Educational Success of Children and Youth Learning English: Promising Futures examines how evidence based on research relevant to the development of DLLs/ELs from birth to age 21 can inform education and health policies and related practices that can result in better educational outcomes. This report makes recommendations for policy, practice, and research and data collection focused on addressing the challenges in caring for and educating DLLs/ELs from birth to grade 12.

This title provides practical suggestions and guidance on supporting young children learning English as an additional language. It concludes with a tool for self-reflection and evaluation.

Emphasising not just mental health needs, but also the importance of creating a culture of inclusion for all pupils so that all pupils develop high self-esteem, emotional intelligence, social confidence and resilience, this book provides: an introduction to key theories that relate to mental health; an overview of the current context in relation to mental health in schools; guidance on the identification of pupils with mental health needs; evidence-based research on interventions to support pupils with mental health needs; an assessment tool which will support teachers in identifying needs and planning subsequent interventions; case studies of practice from a primary school and early years setting. Based on action research which has been implemented in a primary school, this important text is valuable reading for students on teacher training courses, and practising primary school teachers.

This accessible and practical guide explores how we can enhance and embed creativity in the early years to support children’s wellbeing. The book initially explores the work of Anna Craft, Ken Robinson, and Reggio Emilia to think about creativity with young children, before considering what this means for wellbeing. Five core chapters focus on creative mediums – drawing, sculpting and painting; craft; music; dance and drama; and storytelling and poetry – and offer a range of practical ideas and activities to use and adapt. This book provides: A wide range of activities accompanied by examples of collaborative arts projects with children. Interviews with artists and practitioners who support children’s wellbeing using creative mediums. Recommendations for creative activities using accessible and everyday materials. Case studies showing the positive impact of creativity, from developing children’s cultural understanding to soothing and supporting children with sensory experiences. Suggestions for enthusing children with a love of words, enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings through creative language. Moments for reflection to encourage readers to pause and consider the impact of creativity on their own wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of children in their care. With ideas included that every practitioner can use in their setting, this book is an essential tool for early years professionals who want to build their confidence in using creativity in their practice whilst supporting children’s wellbeing.

This accessible guide introduces neuroscience, demystifying terminology and language and increasing the knowledge, skills and, importantly, confidence of anyone interested in brain development in early childhood. Practical and reflective chapters highlight the multi-faceted role of adults as ‘brain builders’ and encourage the reader to consider how the environment, play and interactions are crucially interlinked. The book considers cutting-edge science and introduces this in an accessible way to look at a range of ways that adults can support children, exploring: how poverty, adversity, and social, emotional and mental health all influence the developing child the science behind play, and why it is so important for young children how we can take ideas from different disciplines such as psychology and anthropology and interweave these with the overarching research of neuroscience why adult interaction (both practitioner and parent/carer) with children is crucial for the developing brain the importance of reflective practice to encourage readers to consider their actions and develop their understanding of important topics raised in the book. With a wealth of case studies and reflective practices weaving throughout, readers will be encouraged and empowered to pause and consider their own practice. Little Brains Matter will be essential reading for anyone interested in early childhood development.

This essential resource is designed to help busy early years practitioners to support the mental health of young children through outdoor play. Promoting social and emotional wellbeing in childhood has never been more important, and outdoor play is a crucial tool to build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and boost self-esteem. Using relatable case studies that demonstrate achievable change, the book is full of practical advice and strategies for exploring nature in both natural and man-made landscapes, and includes guidance on how to co-create inviting play spheres with children. Each chapter provides: Adaptable and cost-effective activities designed to help children feel more confident and connected to the world around them. Case studies and reflective opportunities to prompt practitioners to consider and develop their own practice. An accessible and engaging format with links to theorists, risk assessment, and individual schemas. Outdoor play allows young children to explore who they are and what they can do. It supports them as they learn to think critically, take risks, and form a true sense of belonging with their peers and with the wider community. This is an indispensable resource for practising and trainee early years practitioners, Reception teachers, and childminders as they facilitate outdoor play in their early years setting.

Early childhood education and care policy has an impact on the daily lives of practitioners working with young children, as well as the families and children they work with. Practicing early childhood professionals and trainees need to have an understanding of current policy as well as the contexts for policy-making and implementation. Currently, the majority of textbooks for early childhood education in the UK focus on the situation in England. As a result, readers may have a skewed perspective on policy and practice, and not be aware of the varying and different contexts in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Also, those working in settings not in England have to work hard to apply texts to their own contexts. In contrast, this book gives the reader easy access to information on the policies and practices in ECEC across each of the countries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Each chapter covers background information; policy and practice in early childhood education and care; transition; schooling and curriculum; quality assurance, examination, and inspection; professional development and training; future and imminent changes; and case studies of children's lives. In addition to describing the legislative, political, and practical situation in each country, the book enables comparisons to be drawn, and helps readers interpret the data critically. It is essential reading for modules on comparative education and international perspectives, but also forms a foundation for all modules involving policy and provision on Early Years Education, Early Childhood, or Childhood Studies courses. Practitioners undertaking CPD modules or foundation degrees, and international students looking for comparative data will also find the book useful.

The essential teaching theory and practice text for primary English. Covering the skills of planning, monitoring and assessment and class management, it relates these specifically to primary English. With full coverage of the theory and practice required for effective and creative English teaching, this text is an essential guide for all trainees working towards QTS. Practical guidance and features support trainees throughout to translate this learning to the classroom, embed ICT in their lessons and to understand the wider context of their teaching. This 7th edition is updated in line with the new National Curriculum.