An Introduction to the Foundation Phase provides a practical guide to understanding and implementing the Foundation Phase in any early years setting in Wales. The experienced author team discuss and reflect upon a play based approach to learning and the importance of collaboration between various members in any early years settings. Students are introduced to key topics including: key theories of influential thinkers within early years education, both past and present; international curricula and perspectives on play and how Welsh curriculum compares; effective classroom practice; observational techniques; methods of assessment and how to be a reflective practitioner. Through interviews with different stakeholders, including educational ministers, policy advisors, practitioners and parents, An Introduction to the Foundation Phase concludes by discussing the challenges and complexities of putting policy into practice and considers implications for the future of early years education. Making links between theory, policy and practice is vital for a future workforce and this core text provides a solid foundation for any student within early years. Illustrative case studies, activities, reflective tasks and suggestions for further reading are provided throughout. Online resources for lecturers and students are also included.

Providing clear, pedagogical steps and curriculum guidance, this practical book focuses on laying the strong foundation that is needed to assist learners in using English as the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) from grade four onward. In grade four, the majority of learners make the transition from their home language to English as the LoLT; to assist learners in this transition, it is important that teachers introduce English into the classroom from as early as Grade R (reception year, prior to starting grade one). The earlier learners are exposed to English, the more proficient they will become. Included in this book are strategies for introducing English into the classroom, techniques for teaching English alongside learners’ home language, teaching resources for classroom use, and ideas for planning lessons.

This textbook focuses on the main areas of teaching young children, covering the 3-7 years age range that spans the early years and primary phases. The majority of chapters are written by both an academic and practitioner, reflecting a genuine theory and practice approach, and this helps the reader to set theoretical discussion in the context of real practice. Key themes explored within the book include: - Play and playfulness in the curriculum - Child development in practice - Literacy development and subject pedagogy - Creativity and outdoor learning Packed full of learning features such as case studies, reflective questions and lesson plans, Teaching Early Years is an essential resource for both students and practitioners, and will enhance your knowledge of how young children think and learn.

This essential textbook explores inclusive pedagogies by presenting theoretical viewpoints and research on everyday practices in early childhood education that affirm diversity in relation to learning, disability and culture. The authors consider the pedagogical practices involved in supporting educational inclusion for young children. The book focuses on key issues in relation to inclusive pedagogy including young children’s learning subjectivities, socio-material realities of learning in early childhood contexts, and perspective-taking of children and adults in relation to learning and difference. The book draws together findings from experts who are employing innovative methods for research in early childhood education, including conversation analysis, phenomenological enquiry and participant ethnography, in order to create new knowledge and understanding about how young children are and feel themselves to be included. This textbook will be essential reading for students and practitioners alike. The book is particularly pertinent for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying early years as well as courses which focus on education or teaching or inclusion.

A brand new version of the best-selling enquiry desk reference text, Know it All, Find it Fast, specifically designed for those working with children and young people in schools, public libraries and at home. Including an invaluable overview of the education system and the school curriculum as well as a comprehensive listing of useful resources by topic, this A-Z covers school subjects from science and maths to reading and literacy, and more general themes such as children's health, wellbeing and hobbies. Each topic is broken down into useful sections that will help to guide your response; Typical questions outline common queries such as 'Have you got any information about volcanoes?' Considerations provides useful hints and tips i.e. 'Geography now encompasses not only physical and human geography but also environmental geography, social geography, geology and geopolitics.' Where to look lists relevant printed, digital and online resources with useful annotations explaining their scope and strengths Readership: This is the must-have quick reference tool arming librarians and teachers with the knowledge to deal with any queries thrown at them from children and young people as well as their parents and caregivers. It will also be a handy reference for parents and anyone working with children and young people in other organizations such as homework clubs and youth workers.

Are you struggling to get your head around John Dewey’s educational pragmatism? What exactly is Jean Piaget saying about cognitive development? Maybe you’re running out of time and patience making sense of Carol Dweck’s mindsets? Have you reached breaking point reading Daniel T. Willingham on educational neuroscience? Written for busy teachers, trainers, managers and students, this ′dip-in, dip-out′ guide makes theories of learning accessible and practical. It explores 130 classic and contemporary learning theorists in an easy-to-use, bite-sized format with clear relevant illustrations on how each theory will benefit teaching and learning. Each model or theory is explained in less than 350 words, followed by a ′how to use it′ section. What′s new to this edition: A new early childhood theorists section A new communication theories section Additional ‘on trend’ theorists throughout New ‘critical view’ features added to each entry.

The Routledge Handbook of Primary Physical Education goes further than any other book in exploring the specific theoretical and practical components of teaching PE at the primary or elementary school level. As the most comprehensive review of theory, research and practice in primary PE yet published, it represents an essential evidence-based guide for all students, researchers and practitioners working in this area. Written by a team of leading international primary PE specialists from academic and practitioner backgrounds, this handbook examines the three discourses that dominate contemporary PE: health, education and sport. With case studies from twelve countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and South Korea, it provides a truly international perspective on key themes and issues such as: primary PE pedagogy, policy and curriculum development assessment and standards child development diversity and inclusion teacher training and professional development. Offering an unprecedented wealth of material, this handbook is an invaluable reference for any undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme in primary physical education or any primary teacher training course with a physical education element.

The four nations of the UK each have distinctive policy and curricula in relation to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). This new textbook offers a comprehensive look at early years education in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, bringing the curriculum frameworks for each country together in one place. Drawing on the cultural and practical pedagogy of each curriculum, this book aims to develop students’ understanding of the development, care, education, health, well-being and upbringing of young children across the UK in a social, pedagogical and policy context. Divided into two sections, the first examines each country’s learning and teaching requirements in detail within a policy context. The book then explores the similarities and differences between the curricula, focusing on key areas such as play, the indoor and outdoor learning environment, the family and assessment. Accessible and engaging, this book will help students to analyse and question practice both in their own country and across all four Home Nations. Features include: case studies to illustrate practice and a frequently asked questions section in each chapter to clarify key points and opportunities for reflection and debate. Including contributions from expert practitioners in each country, this text is essential reading for all students studying early childhood and will help them to understand the impact of policy on children and families across the UK.