Read more
This new edition of this bestselling textbook examines the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood from a variety of disciplines and international perspectives, making essential links between theory and practice to help you apply your learning in real-life settings.
Key additions include:
- the latest changes in early years policy
- 2 brand new chapters on Postmodernist theories in Education, and Education for Sustainable Development
- A renewed emphasis on reflective practice across Part 4, supporting and encouraging your professional development
Throughout, case studies, exercises and links to further reading help you engage with key issues and test your learning, making it easier for you to get to grips with all aspects of your course.
List of contents
Part I: Perspectives on Childhood
Childhood in Different Cultures - Joanne Westwood
Childhood through the Ages - Yordanka Valkanova
Sociology of Childhood - Nigel Thomas
The Globalisation of Early Childhood Education and Care - Helen Penn
Childhood in the Digital Age - Jackie Marsh
Part II: The Developing Child
Thinking and Cognitive Development in Young Children - Ruth Ford
Babies' and Young Childrens' Social and Emotional Development - Tricia David with Sacha Powell
Language Development in the Young Child - Thea Cameron-Faulkner
Play and Development in Early Childhood - Justine Howard
Cultural-Historical Theories of Child Development - Marilyn Fleer
Part III: Policy and Provision for Young Children
Early Childhood Policy and Services - Sonia Jackson
Children's Rights and the Law - Nigel Thomas
Early Childhood Education (ECE) - Iram Siraj-Blatchford
Child Welfare and Protection - Dendy Platt
Children's Health and Wellbeing - Sally Robinson
Inclusive Policy and Practice - Siobhan O'Connor
Part IV: Developing Effective Practice
Observing Children to Improve Practice - Helen Moylett
Undertaking Research with Young Children - Alison Clark
Is Working Together Working? - Angela Anning
Effective Early Childhood Leadership - Carol Aubrey
Early Childhood Education for Sustainability - Nicola Kemp
Opening Pandora's Box: Postmodernist Perspectives of Childhood - Jayne Osgood
About the author
Sacha Powell is Director of Education, Research and Strategy at The Froebel Trust (www.froebel.org.uk). Her research focuses on policies and practices in the care and education of babies and children up to three. Her recent publications include the Routledge International Handbook of Philosophies and Theories of Early Childhood Education and Care (2016). Sacha is Chair of the UK’s Association for Professional Development in Early Years (www.tactyc.org.uk). Her first degree was in Modern Chinese with Japanese and she continues to collaborate with colleagues in early childhood settings, universities and local education bureaus in China.
Dr Kate Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood and Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. She currently leads modules on language and literacy and supervises post-graduate and research students. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy she has led employment based undergraduate programmes and travelled to Sweden, Finland and Norway as part of her university role. Kate’s PhD explored young children’s writing activity in their first year of school. She continues to research this area and has written a number of articles about young children’s literacy. Before lecturing she was a primary teacher working with children aged 3-7 in London and Kent schools with whole-school responsibility for Literacy and Art. Kate’s work with school’s continues in her role as a Director of a Multi Academy Trust in Kent. She is co-editor of An Introduction to Early Childhood (2018) and has recently contributed to the Birth to Five Matters documentation. She is a member of UKLA and BERA.
Summary
This is an exciting new edition of a core text that draws on a range of interwoven themes within the field of early childhood studies, clearly showing how these themes are reflected and played out in different contexts.
Report
This is a comprehensive, thought-provoking book which presents the views of a wide range of expert contributors. It provides sound overviews of the fundamental theoretical perspectives which underpin early childhood studies, but also delivers insights and observations about 21st century issues such as globalisation and sustainability. Alongside the theoretical contexts there is also recognition of the role of the practitioner and the challenges and opportunities associated with that.This range and diversity of content makes the book an excellent choice for students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses who are looking for content that will develop their knowledge and understanding and promote their ability to engage critically with relevant contemporary issues. Jane Dorrian
