Author: Nancy Amanda Branscombe
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136671366
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Through its unique integration of curriculum and learning principles, Early Childhood Curriculum: A Constructivist Perspective, 2nd Edition fosters authentic, developmentally appropriate practice for both preschool and early elementary classrooms. The constructivist format of this book encourages active involvement on the part of readers by asking them to observe, question, reflect, research, and analyze, thus allowing readers to create their own knowledge through their responses and actions. Early Childhood Curriculum examines curricular goals such as autonomy, development, and problem solving and links those goals with constructivist principles of learning. It explores ways teachers can create meaningful learning environments and choose curriculum tasks appropriately—in all content areas—that are linked to the learning and development needs of young children. The text provides a wealth of practical detail about implementing constructivist curriculum as the authors discuss classroom climate and management, room design, play, and cooperative learning, among other topics. The book also includes information about how teachers can meet required mandates and national and state standards in appropriate ways as they plan their curriculum, and examines the early childhood educator's role with community agencies, reform and legal mandates, and public relations. Special Features: • “Curriculum Strategies” highlight models for developing curriculum, including projects, curricular alignment, integration of various subject matter areas, and types of knowledge. • “Constructions” promote problem solving by allowing students to explore, revisit, examine, and learn from first-hand experience. • “Multiple Perspectives from the Field” provide interviews with teachers and other early childhood professionals, offering students a realistic look at the profession from a diverse group of educators. • “Teacher Dialogues” explore a wide range of student concerns, including curriculum, learning environments, assessment, and documentation, representing a collaborative support group for pre-service teachers and readers.
Early Childhood Curriculum
Author: Nancy Amanda Branscombe
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136671366
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Through its unique integration of curriculum and learning principles, Early Childhood Curriculum: A Constructivist Perspective, 2nd Edition fosters authentic, developmentally appropriate practice for both preschool and early elementary classrooms. The constructivist format of this book encourages active involvement on the part of readers by asking them to observe, question, reflect, research, and analyze, thus allowing readers to create their own knowledge through their responses and actions. Early Childhood Curriculum examines curricular goals such as autonomy, development, and problem solving and links those goals with constructivist principles of learning. It explores ways teachers can create meaningful learning environments and choose curriculum tasks appropriately—in all content areas—that are linked to the learning and development needs of young children. The text provides a wealth of practical detail about implementing constructivist curriculum as the authors discuss classroom climate and management, room design, play, and cooperative learning, among other topics. The book also includes information about how teachers can meet required mandates and national and state standards in appropriate ways as they plan their curriculum, and examines the early childhood educator's role with community agencies, reform and legal mandates, and public relations. Special Features: • “Curriculum Strategies” highlight models for developing curriculum, including projects, curricular alignment, integration of various subject matter areas, and types of knowledge. • “Constructions” promote problem solving by allowing students to explore, revisit, examine, and learn from first-hand experience. • “Multiple Perspectives from the Field” provide interviews with teachers and other early childhood professionals, offering students a realistic look at the profession from a diverse group of educators. • “Teacher Dialogues” explore a wide range of student concerns, including curriculum, learning environments, assessment, and documentation, representing a collaborative support group for pre-service teachers and readers.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136671366
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Through its unique integration of curriculum and learning principles, Early Childhood Curriculum: A Constructivist Perspective, 2nd Edition fosters authentic, developmentally appropriate practice for both preschool and early elementary classrooms. The constructivist format of this book encourages active involvement on the part of readers by asking them to observe, question, reflect, research, and analyze, thus allowing readers to create their own knowledge through their responses and actions. Early Childhood Curriculum examines curricular goals such as autonomy, development, and problem solving and links those goals with constructivist principles of learning. It explores ways teachers can create meaningful learning environments and choose curriculum tasks appropriately—in all content areas—that are linked to the learning and development needs of young children. The text provides a wealth of practical detail about implementing constructivist curriculum as the authors discuss classroom climate and management, room design, play, and cooperative learning, among other topics. The book also includes information about how teachers can meet required mandates and national and state standards in appropriate ways as they plan their curriculum, and examines the early childhood educator's role with community agencies, reform and legal mandates, and public relations. Special Features: • “Curriculum Strategies” highlight models for developing curriculum, including projects, curricular alignment, integration of various subject matter areas, and types of knowledge. • “Constructions” promote problem solving by allowing students to explore, revisit, examine, and learn from first-hand experience. • “Multiple Perspectives from the Field” provide interviews with teachers and other early childhood professionals, offering students a realistic look at the profession from a diverse group of educators. • “Teacher Dialogues” explore a wide range of student concerns, including curriculum, learning environments, assessment, and documentation, representing a collaborative support group for pre-service teachers and readers.
Integrating Math and Science in Early Childhood Classrooms Through Big Ideas
Author: Christine Chaillé
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780137145799
Category : Constructivism (Education)
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Integrating Math and Science in Early Childhood Classrooms Through Big Ideas offers teachers a way to think about the future classroom and to meet the needs of children who come to into it with diverse experience, knowledge, and abilities. "Change how we think about math and science for young children," the authors say in their Preface. "Instead of separating the disciplines, planning lessons and topics and projects aimed at math OR science content, let's look at the world the way the child does. Children think in terms of big ideas." In this unique book, the authors focus on big ideas-like patterns, transformation, movement, balance, and relationships-as a way to think about content, and they integrate science and mathematics through these big ideas, rather than linking them topically. The book looks at why it is important to think about thinking, introduces assessment early to help the teacher plan for assessment before teaching even begins, and sets up an environment that will support the construction of the big ideas that integrate math and science. Real-life scenarios provide invaluable insights into the teacher's thinking and planning, and each chapter includes two modules to be used for in-depth exploration of different aspects of the big ideas. It's a unique exploration of thinking and learning. The First Edition of Integrating Math and Science in Early Childhood Classrooms Through Big Ideas includes: Show future teachers why it is important to think about thinking. The first part of the book looks at this new way of teaching--the underlying framework of big ideas as a way to integrate math and science. Help students plan for assessment before teaching begins. Chapter 2 provides the knowledge needed in this critical area of teaching. Help students construct meaningful understandings of how math and science can be integrated through the big ideas that form the structure for any curriculum. Engage students in classroom experiences through real-life scenarios, illustrations, and photos. Introduce students to the ideas that form the foundation of a well-integrated curriculum. In an engaging style, the book is laid out to support real-life planning in a classroom.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780137145799
Category : Constructivism (Education)
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Integrating Math and Science in Early Childhood Classrooms Through Big Ideas offers teachers a way to think about the future classroom and to meet the needs of children who come to into it with diverse experience, knowledge, and abilities. "Change how we think about math and science for young children," the authors say in their Preface. "Instead of separating the disciplines, planning lessons and topics and projects aimed at math OR science content, let's look at the world the way the child does. Children think in terms of big ideas." In this unique book, the authors focus on big ideas-like patterns, transformation, movement, balance, and relationships-as a way to think about content, and they integrate science and mathematics through these big ideas, rather than linking them topically. The book looks at why it is important to think about thinking, introduces assessment early to help the teacher plan for assessment before teaching even begins, and sets up an environment that will support the construction of the big ideas that integrate math and science. Real-life scenarios provide invaluable insights into the teacher's thinking and planning, and each chapter includes two modules to be used for in-depth exploration of different aspects of the big ideas. It's a unique exploration of thinking and learning. The First Edition of Integrating Math and Science in Early Childhood Classrooms Through Big Ideas includes: Show future teachers why it is important to think about thinking. The first part of the book looks at this new way of teaching--the underlying framework of big ideas as a way to integrate math and science. Help students plan for assessment before teaching begins. Chapter 2 provides the knowledge needed in this critical area of teaching. Help students construct meaningful understandings of how math and science can be integrated through the big ideas that form the structure for any curriculum. Engage students in classroom experiences through real-life scenarios, illustrations, and photos. Introduce students to the ideas that form the foundation of a well-integrated curriculum. In an engaging style, the book is laid out to support real-life planning in a classroom.
Moral Classrooms, Moral Children
Author: Rheta DeVries
Publisher: Teachers College Press
ISBN: 0807753408
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
This classic bestseller, now updated for today's diverse teaching force and student populations, explores the benefits of sociomoral practices in the classroom. The authors draw on recent research to show how these approaches work with children ages 2–8. They focus on how to establish and maintain a classroom environment that fosters children's intellectual, social, moral, emotional, and personality development. Extending the work of Jean Piaget, the authors advocate for a cooperative approach that contrasts with the coercion and unnecessary control that can be seen in many classrooms serving young children. Practical chapters demonstrate how the constructivist approach can be embedded in a school program by focusing on specific classroom situations and activities, such as resolving conflict, group time, rule making, decision making and voting, social and moral discussions, cooperative alternatives to discipline, and activity time.
Publisher: Teachers College Press
ISBN: 0807753408
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
This classic bestseller, now updated for today's diverse teaching force and student populations, explores the benefits of sociomoral practices in the classroom. The authors draw on recent research to show how these approaches work with children ages 2–8. They focus on how to establish and maintain a classroom environment that fosters children's intellectual, social, moral, emotional, and personality development. Extending the work of Jean Piaget, the authors advocate for a cooperative approach that contrasts with the coercion and unnecessary control that can be seen in many classrooms serving young children. Practical chapters demonstrate how the constructivist approach can be embedded in a school program by focusing on specific classroom situations and activities, such as resolving conflict, group time, rule making, decision making and voting, social and moral discussions, cooperative alternatives to discipline, and activity time.
Developing Constructivist Early Childhood Curriculum
Author: Rheta DeVries
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780807741207
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Discusses how children can benefit from certain kinds of play during early childhood education, allowing them to explore their surroundings while still being conventially educated in the classroom.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780807741207
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 250
Book Description
Discusses how children can benefit from certain kinds of play during early childhood education, allowing them to explore their surroundings while still being conventially educated in the classroom.
Early Childhood Curriculum
Author: Nancy Amanda Branscombe
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136671374
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 390
Book Description
Through its unique integration of curriculum and learning principles, Early Childhood Curriculum: A Constructivist Perspective, 2nd Edition fosters authentic, developmentally appropriate practice for both preschool and early elementary classrooms. The constructivist format of this book encourages active involvement on the part of readers by asking them to observe, question, reflect, research, and analyze, thus allowing readers to create their own knowledge through their responses and actions. Early Childhood Curriculum examines curricular goals such as autonomy, development, and problem solving and links those goals with constructivist principles of learning. It explores ways teachers can create meaningful learning environments and choose curriculum tasks appropriately—in all content areas—that are linked to the learning and development needs of young children. The text provides a wealth of practical detail about implementing constructivist curriculum as the authors discuss classroom climate and management, room design, play, and cooperative learning, among other topics. The book also includes information about how teachers can meet required mandates and national and state standards in appropriate ways as they plan their curriculum, and examines the early childhood educator's role with community agencies, reform and legal mandates, and public relations. Special Features: • “Curriculum Strategies” highlight models for developing curriculum, including projects, curricular alignment, integration of various subject matter areas, and types of knowledge. • “Constructions” promote problem solving by allowing students to explore, revisit, examine, and learn from first-hand experience. • “Multiple Perspectives from the Field” provide interviews with teachers and other early childhood professionals, offering students a realistic look at the profession from a diverse group of educators. • “Teacher Dialogues” explore a wide range of student concerns, including curriculum, learning environments, assessment, and documentation, representing a collaborative support group for pre-service teachers and readers.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136671374
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 390
Book Description
Through its unique integration of curriculum and learning principles, Early Childhood Curriculum: A Constructivist Perspective, 2nd Edition fosters authentic, developmentally appropriate practice for both preschool and early elementary classrooms. The constructivist format of this book encourages active involvement on the part of readers by asking them to observe, question, reflect, research, and analyze, thus allowing readers to create their own knowledge through their responses and actions. Early Childhood Curriculum examines curricular goals such as autonomy, development, and problem solving and links those goals with constructivist principles of learning. It explores ways teachers can create meaningful learning environments and choose curriculum tasks appropriately—in all content areas—that are linked to the learning and development needs of young children. The text provides a wealth of practical detail about implementing constructivist curriculum as the authors discuss classroom climate and management, room design, play, and cooperative learning, among other topics. The book also includes information about how teachers can meet required mandates and national and state standards in appropriate ways as they plan their curriculum, and examines the early childhood educator's role with community agencies, reform and legal mandates, and public relations. Special Features: • “Curriculum Strategies” highlight models for developing curriculum, including projects, curricular alignment, integration of various subject matter areas, and types of knowledge. • “Constructions” promote problem solving by allowing students to explore, revisit, examine, and learn from first-hand experience. • “Multiple Perspectives from the Field” provide interviews with teachers and other early childhood professionals, offering students a realistic look at the profession from a diverse group of educators. • “Teacher Dialogues” explore a wide range of student concerns, including curriculum, learning environments, assessment, and documentation, representing a collaborative support group for pre-service teachers and readers.
Constructivism Across the Curriculum in Early Childhood Classrooms
Author: Christine Chaillé
Publisher: Pearson
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Former President of NAECTE and co-author of "The Young Child As Scientist," Christine Chaille brings a Reggio Emilia inspired, fresh, friendly and innovative introduction to constructivist curriculum for educators in preschool to primary classrooms. Designed to be a readable and user-friendly source for teachers who are looking for guidance and inspiration when incorporating constructivism and Reggio Emilia ideas into their classroom, the chapters in this book are organized into two categories: Introductory chapters and "Big Idea" chapters. Introductory chapters provide the broad, theoretical framework and an overview of constructivist practice and Reggio Emilia ideas. The Big Idea chapters present one of the seven "Big ideas" (light, balance, cause and effect, transformation, sound, zooming in and out, and upside down) as springboards to help teachers build an interdisciplinary, child-centered curriculum. Big Idea chapters also bring theory into practice by incorporating scenarios of real teachers implementing the projects discussed in their classrooms. By balancing theory and the realities of the classroom, this book helps teachers challenge themselves and their students with strategies for infusing new curriculum approaches in their classrooms without sacrificing what they need to accomplish in the process.
Publisher: Pearson
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Former President of NAECTE and co-author of "The Young Child As Scientist," Christine Chaille brings a Reggio Emilia inspired, fresh, friendly and innovative introduction to constructivist curriculum for educators in preschool to primary classrooms. Designed to be a readable and user-friendly source for teachers who are looking for guidance and inspiration when incorporating constructivism and Reggio Emilia ideas into their classroom, the chapters in this book are organized into two categories: Introductory chapters and "Big Idea" chapters. Introductory chapters provide the broad, theoretical framework and an overview of constructivist practice and Reggio Emilia ideas. The Big Idea chapters present one of the seven "Big ideas" (light, balance, cause and effect, transformation, sound, zooming in and out, and upside down) as springboards to help teachers build an interdisciplinary, child-centered curriculum. Big Idea chapters also bring theory into practice by incorporating scenarios of real teachers implementing the projects discussed in their classrooms. By balancing theory and the realities of the classroom, this book helps teachers challenge themselves and their students with strategies for infusing new curriculum approaches in their classrooms without sacrificing what they need to accomplish in the process.
The Complete Learning Center Book
Author: Rebecca Isbell
Publisher: Gryphon House, Inc.
ISBN: 9780876591741
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
An illustrated guide for 32 different Early Childhood Learning Centers.
Publisher: Gryphon House, Inc.
ISBN: 9780876591741
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
An illustrated guide for 32 different Early Childhood Learning Centers.
Blended Curriculum in the Inclusive K-3 Classroom
Author: Michelle LaRocque
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
ISBN: 9780205487004
Category : Children with disabilities
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This text enhances the fields of early childhood education, early childhood special education, and the "blended" field of both by assisting in the preparation of professionals for inclusive teaching and learning environments. The goal of the text is to help teachers meet the needs of ALL young children within the primary inclusive classroom, and it accomplishes this in two ways: it provides a strong foundation of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education as preparation for reaching a wide variety of young learners, and it then presents proven methods for adapting and modifying content area curricula. This text, with chapters contributed by leading experts in the field, provides an overview and rationale for inclusive education, methods for early childhood education and early childhood special education, foundations in content area material (e.g. math, language arts), and instructional strategies (content specific accommodations and modifications). Because students need to understand the theoretical framework for the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to serve the needs of all young children (those who are typically developing as well as those with delays or disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds), this text will provide a resource for teaching and learning this information.
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
ISBN: 9780205487004
Category : Children with disabilities
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This text enhances the fields of early childhood education, early childhood special education, and the "blended" field of both by assisting in the preparation of professionals for inclusive teaching and learning environments. The goal of the text is to help teachers meet the needs of ALL young children within the primary inclusive classroom, and it accomplishes this in two ways: it provides a strong foundation of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education as preparation for reaching a wide variety of young learners, and it then presents proven methods for adapting and modifying content area curricula. This text, with chapters contributed by leading experts in the field, provides an overview and rationale for inclusive education, methods for early childhood education and early childhood special education, foundations in content area material (e.g. math, language arts), and instructional strategies (content specific accommodations and modifications). Because students need to understand the theoretical framework for the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to serve the needs of all young children (those who are typically developing as well as those with delays or disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds), this text will provide a resource for teaching and learning this information.
The SAGE Encyclopedia of Contemporary Early Childhood Education
Author: Donna Couchenour
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483340341
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 1567
Book Description
The general public often views early childhood education as either simply “babysitting” or as preparation for later learning. Of course, both viewpoints are simplistic. Deep understanding of child development, best educational practices based on development, emergent curriculum, cultural competence and applications of family systems are necessary for high-quality early education. Highly effective early childhood education is rare in that it requires collaboration and transitions among a variety of systems for children from birth through eight years of age. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Contemporary Early Childhood Education presents in three comprehensive volumes advanced research, accurate practical applications of research, historical foundations and key facts from the field of contemporary early childhood education. Through approximately 425 entries, this work includes all areas of child development – physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, aesthetic – as well as comprehensive review of best educational practices with young children, effective preparation for early childhood professionals and policy making practices, and addresses such questions as: · How is the field of early childhood education defined? · What are the roots of this field of study? · How is the history of early childhood education similar to yet different from the study of public education? · What are the major influences on understandings of best practices in early childhood education?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483340341
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 1567
Book Description
The general public often views early childhood education as either simply “babysitting” or as preparation for later learning. Of course, both viewpoints are simplistic. Deep understanding of child development, best educational practices based on development, emergent curriculum, cultural competence and applications of family systems are necessary for high-quality early education. Highly effective early childhood education is rare in that it requires collaboration and transitions among a variety of systems for children from birth through eight years of age. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Contemporary Early Childhood Education presents in three comprehensive volumes advanced research, accurate practical applications of research, historical foundations and key facts from the field of contemporary early childhood education. Through approximately 425 entries, this work includes all areas of child development – physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, aesthetic – as well as comprehensive review of best educational practices with young children, effective preparation for early childhood professionals and policy making practices, and addresses such questions as: · How is the field of early childhood education defined? · What are the roots of this field of study? · How is the history of early childhood education similar to yet different from the study of public education? · What are the major influences on understandings of best practices in early childhood education?
Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum
Author: Elizabeth Wood
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446204685
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 257
Book Description
`An excellent overview of the development in thinking about play, based on research into different aspects of play...This book enables the reader to not only access, and engage with developing theories and ideas, but also provides practical ideas and examples that have been tried and tested in the classroom. This book should be compulsory reading for every teacher of young children who are interested in developing their practice to provide a stimulating, active and playful environment with their children in which effective learning and positive attitudes are developed' - Bernadette Hancock, Headteacher of Christ the King Primary School, Cardiff `One of the major strengths of the book is that it makes some complex theory highly accessible to its audience....This makes it an excellent introductory book for use on inservice and undergraduate programs' - Sue Rogers, Institute of Education `This book aims to improve the quality of play in "educational" settings. It will be valuable for a wide range of practitioners' - Nursery World `In this new and updated edition of an outstanding book, Wood and Attfield once again demonstrate how young children make meaning, and construct knowledge, through play. They combine an informed discussion of the 'ideological tradition' of the early childhood pioneers, which continues to underpin most contemporary provision, with a refreshing openness to the new insights provided by recent research, and the new opportunities offered by the Foundation Stage era. Their unrivalled explanation of the links between theorists, such as Vygotsky, and classroom provision for play, is now expanded through considerations of recent findings in neuroscience, and a renewed awareness of the sociocultural contexts of childhood, as well as by studies which acknowledge the importance of boisterous, rough-and-tumble, play activities for children's development. And throughout, they remind readers and practitioners of the important distinction between play as a spontaneous activity of children ('play as such'), and the play which educators offer as a medium for learning' - Elizabeth Brooker, Course Leader: MA in Childhood Studies, Institute of Education 'This book provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the topical issue of teaching and learning through play. Chapters cover issues including assessment through play, the role of adults in children's play, the impact of play on social and emotional learning and how to develop a whole-school approach to learning through play. ...This book is theoretical and detailed but extremely interesting and there is certainly practical information to be found in it' - Early Talk This timely Second Edition explores recent developments which strongly endorse play as an integral part of the curriculum. The content has been fully revised to reflect contemporary thinking about the role and value of play in early childhood and beyond. A key focus is the provision of a secure theoretical and practical grounding for developing a pedagogy of play. In the first section, the authors provide an overview of recent developments in education policies, and reviews of research into different aspects of play. In the second section, the emphasis is on classroom practice, specifically: organizing and developing play with particular reference to the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1; establishing progression and continuity with Key Stage 1; assessing children's learning through play; the role of adults in children's play; using the plan-do-review approach to integrate child-initiated and adult-directed play; the importance of socio-dramatic play for children's social and emotional learning; and developing a whole-school play ethos. This book enables practitioners to create unity between play, learning and teaching, and to improve the quality of children's learning. New material provided by practitioners has been added, to show how this unity can be successfully achieved. This is an essential text for students of education. It is highly recommended to those undertaking degrees in Childhood Studies and those on Initial Teacher Training programmes in early years and primary education.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446204685
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 257
Book Description
`An excellent overview of the development in thinking about play, based on research into different aspects of play...This book enables the reader to not only access, and engage with developing theories and ideas, but also provides practical ideas and examples that have been tried and tested in the classroom. This book should be compulsory reading for every teacher of young children who are interested in developing their practice to provide a stimulating, active and playful environment with their children in which effective learning and positive attitudes are developed' - Bernadette Hancock, Headteacher of Christ the King Primary School, Cardiff `One of the major strengths of the book is that it makes some complex theory highly accessible to its audience....This makes it an excellent introductory book for use on inservice and undergraduate programs' - Sue Rogers, Institute of Education `This book aims to improve the quality of play in "educational" settings. It will be valuable for a wide range of practitioners' - Nursery World `In this new and updated edition of an outstanding book, Wood and Attfield once again demonstrate how young children make meaning, and construct knowledge, through play. They combine an informed discussion of the 'ideological tradition' of the early childhood pioneers, which continues to underpin most contemporary provision, with a refreshing openness to the new insights provided by recent research, and the new opportunities offered by the Foundation Stage era. Their unrivalled explanation of the links between theorists, such as Vygotsky, and classroom provision for play, is now expanded through considerations of recent findings in neuroscience, and a renewed awareness of the sociocultural contexts of childhood, as well as by studies which acknowledge the importance of boisterous, rough-and-tumble, play activities for children's development. And throughout, they remind readers and practitioners of the important distinction between play as a spontaneous activity of children ('play as such'), and the play which educators offer as a medium for learning' - Elizabeth Brooker, Course Leader: MA in Childhood Studies, Institute of Education 'This book provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the topical issue of teaching and learning through play. Chapters cover issues including assessment through play, the role of adults in children's play, the impact of play on social and emotional learning and how to develop a whole-school approach to learning through play. ...This book is theoretical and detailed but extremely interesting and there is certainly practical information to be found in it' - Early Talk This timely Second Edition explores recent developments which strongly endorse play as an integral part of the curriculum. The content has been fully revised to reflect contemporary thinking about the role and value of play in early childhood and beyond. A key focus is the provision of a secure theoretical and practical grounding for developing a pedagogy of play. In the first section, the authors provide an overview of recent developments in education policies, and reviews of research into different aspects of play. In the second section, the emphasis is on classroom practice, specifically: organizing and developing play with particular reference to the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1; establishing progression and continuity with Key Stage 1; assessing children's learning through play; the role of adults in children's play; using the plan-do-review approach to integrate child-initiated and adult-directed play; the importance of socio-dramatic play for children's social and emotional learning; and developing a whole-school play ethos. This book enables practitioners to create unity between play, learning and teaching, and to improve the quality of children's learning. New material provided by practitioners has been added, to show how this unity can be successfully achieved. This is an essential text for students of education. It is highly recommended to those undertaking degrees in Childhood Studies and those on Initial Teacher Training programmes in early years and primary education.