A fully revised edition of the author's best selling book, this resource now includes an extended section on leadership, and managing the foundation stage.

Key to Learning is a unique programme of cognitive development activities for the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 based on the concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the 20th century’s most influential theorists in the field of early years education.

Providing comprehensive coverage of the issues involved in the new government chapters on 3-8 teaching, this is a textbook for initial teacher training and for newly qualified teachers.

Are you struggling with the complexities of assessment? Demystifying the process of assessment for learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this book explains in straightforward language how to put principles into practice. Looking at models of assessment, the book draws heavily on examples of real assessments from practice, and the relevant theory is explained in context. Lessons from research are applied to best practice, and issues covered include: - self-assessment and peer assessment - collecting evidence as a basis for making judgements - how to track the child′s development in the six areas of learning - using assessment to inform future planning - summative assessment in the EYFS - involving parents and carers in the assessment process - using assessment to support children with additional needs - moderation Throughout the book there are plenty of practical examples from a range of early years settings, with case studies for the Birth to Five age range. Students, teachers, teaching assistants and those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) will find this an invaluable guide.

Moving On to Key Stage 1 has been highly influential in developing innovative, developmentally appropriate KS1 practice in schools across the country. This new edition offers teachers further powerful and persuasive arguments for continuing play-based learning into Year 1 and 2. This new edition contains: •Brand new research identifying the current concerns of teachers in KS1 and setting these in the context of the current ‘school readiness’ agenda •An updated chapter on how children learn most naturally age 5-7 years and how to capitalise on this •A revised chapter on play, which draws on teacher views about its benefits for KS1 children and the barriers they face in incorporating it into their practice •A new chapter offering messages from headteachers advocating a play-based approach, and providing examples of how it has raised standards •A fresh consideration of how to balance adult-led and child-led learning and the role of the teacher in supporting both The author has a deep understanding of the challenges facing teachers in developing this fusion of pedagogies, and this book offers every reader principled and inspiring ways of meeting these challenges with success. Julie Fisher is an independent Early Years Adviser and Visiting Professor of Early Childhood Education at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has been Headteacher of two schools, a University lecturer and a Local Authority Lead Adviser for Early Years.

This textbook gives you a broad overview of everything you will need to know to prepare for your initial teacher training and future career in the classroom. Covering practical issues including planning and assessment, and thought-provoking topics such as reflecting on your practice and developing critical thinking skills, this textbook provides you with an insightful exploration of the realities of teaching in primary schools. This fourth edition has been comprehensively revised and includes five new chapters on: · Teacher wellbeing · The Early Career Framework (ECF) · Digital literacy and primary schools after the pandemic · Growth mindset, dialogue and P4C · Learning outside the classroom This is essential reading for all students on primary initial teacher education courses including university-based (PGCE, BEd, BA with QTS), and schools-based (School Direct, SCITT, Teach First) routes into teaching. Hilary Cooper is Professor Emeritus of History and Pedagogy at the University of Cumbria. Sally Elton-Chalcraft is Professor of Social Justice in Education and also the Director of the Learning Education and Development Research centre in the Institute of Education at the University of Cumbria.

Shift to blended learning to transform education Blended learning has the power to reinvent education, but the transition requires a new approach to learning and a new skillset for educators. Loaded with research and examples, Blended Learning in Action demonstrates the advantages a blended model has over traditional instruction when technology is used to engage students both inside the classroom and online. Readers will find: Breakdowns of the most effective classroom setups for blended learning Tips for leaders Ideas for personalizing and differentiating instruction using technology Strategies for managing devices in schools Questions to facilitate professional development and deeper learning

By explaining the theoretical context and highlighting relevant research evidence, this book supports a whole child approach to learning in the early years. Drawing on case studies from a wide range of early years settings, the chapters consider how the different professions in education, health and social care can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for all young children. Included are chapters on: ·theories of learning ·partnerships with parents and carers ·motivation and self-esteem ·diversity ·inclusion ·thinking skills ·approaches to play ·engaging early learners ·leadership and management ·multi-agency working The links made between theory and practice, and the practical suggestions for how to make this happen in any early years setting, make this book a vital text for all early years students.

What is meant by outstanding teaching? What makes the best teachers stand out from the rest? How can I develop my own practice to become an outstanding teacher myself? Whether you are training to become a primary school teacher or you are newly qualified and striving to improve your practice, this fully updated second edition of Becoming an Outstanding Primary School Teacher will support, inform and inspire you on your quest for excellence. Throughout, Russell Grigg draws on theory, research and case studies of real classroom practice to discuss what it takes to become an outstanding primary teacher today. This bestselling guide has been comprehensively revised to reflect the latest changes to the curriculum, including the National Curriculum in England for 2014 and Scotland’s Building Curriculum for Excellence. It has also widened its scope to appeal to trainee and serving teachers, reflecting the new Teachers’ Standards. Key topics include: defining and measuring outstanding teaching; understanding the theory, nature and scope of the curriculum; developing thinking skills in the classroom; understanding and meeting individual learning needs; using ICT to improve pedagogy; behaviour management; monitoring, assessment, recording and reporting. Becoming an Outstanding Primary Teacher will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those on school-based programmes such as Teach First, as well as more experienced teachers seeking inspiration.

Teaching and Learning Communication, Language and Literacy is a comprehensive guide to the teaching and learning of communication, language and literacy in the foundation stage (3-5 years). It draws on research findings and good practice to provide practical guidance about working with young children in nursery and reception classes. The book examines how young children develop as learners and users of language and literacy and the contribution that home and school make to their learning. It locates learning in a play based curriculum and provides a rationale for making play both a context and a resource for learning. It also takes account of recent policy initiatives such as the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, the organization for literacy in reception classes and the foundation stage assessment profile. Throughout the book a distinction is made between the organization and activities that are appropriate to nursery and reception children. The book contains practical suggestions about activities and resources including ways of working with environmental print and found texts, ICT, TV and video as well as books. The role of adults in supporting and extending learning is considered in detail.