Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education
A Guide for Students and Practitioners
- David Whitebread - University of Cambridge
The book's major theme is the fundamental importance of young children developing as independent, self-regulating learners. It illustrates how good practice is based on four key principles which support and encourage this central aspect of development:
- secure attachment and emotional warmth
- feelings of control and agency
- cognitive challenge, adults supporting learning and children learning from one another
- articulation about learning, and opportunities for self-expression.
Each chapter includes:
- typical and significant questions which arise in practice related to that area of development
- an up-to-date review of key research, including insights from observational and experimental work with young children, from evolutionary psychology, and from neuroscientific studies of the developing brain
- practical exercises intended to deepen understanding and to inform practice
- questions for discussion
- recommended further reading.
This book provides an invaluable resource for early years students and practitioners, by summarizing new research findings and demonstrating how they can be translated into excellent early years practice.
David Whitebread is Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology and Early Years Education in the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.
'David Whitebread introduces us to a rich array of recent research into early child development, showing how children master the ability to regulate their own learning when adults respect and value their play. His writing models the balance of emotional warmth and cognitive challenge which best supports self regulated learning'
Rod Parker-Rees, Associate Professor in Early Childhood StudiesUniversity of Plymouth
'Despite covering a wide range of developmental psychology theories this is nevertheless a very practical book which students and experienced practitioners will find invaluable in helping to provide the best possible experiences for the young children in their care. It also provides a very effective guide to understanding the rationale behind the structure of the new EYFS framework'
Early Years Update
This is an easy read, a fascinating journey of discovery and I will use this book for my own purposes and it is already on our reading list to use with students.
Great book, important chapters that explain to students learning about Early childhood education, and how psychology underpins so much.
A great book which was very obviously written from a personal professional perspective which makes it engaging as well as informative for the reader.
Sound coverage of cognitive development appropriate to new module commencing Sept 2016
This text book links well for the developmental units with clear information on many of the developmental psychologists, enabling students to link children's learning to theory, often a challenge faced by many students in their first year on a HND programme. The links to observations is useful, as is the reference to parenting styles which students discover during both development units and working with families. In the main, this is an excellent text for any student studying from level 3 and above as it links theory to practice beautifully, with clear diagrams and illustrations for easy reading.
Strongly suggest students purchase this book to support the Child Development module
This is a very interesting book which my students will find extremely helpful
This book is really useful and will be utilsed in many modules on the Foundation Degree in Early Years. It gives students a clear background knowledge.
