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Theories and Approaches to Learning in the Early Years
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Theories and Approaches to Learning in the Early Years

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December 2010 | 192 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
By focusing on key figures in early years education and care, this book considers the influential thinkers and ground-breaking approaches that have revolutionized practice. With contributions from leading authorities in the field, chapters provide an explanation of the approach, an analysis of the theoretical background, case studies, questions and discussion points to facilitate critical thinking.

Included are chapters on:

- Froebel

- Psychoanalytical theories

- Maria Montessori

- Steiner Waldorf education

- High/Scope

- Post-modern and post-structuralist perspectives

- Forest Schools

- Vivian Gussin Paley

- Te Whatilderiki

Written in an accessible style and relevant to all levels of early years courses, the book has staggered levels of Further Reading that encourage reflection and promotes progression.

Linda Miller is Professor Emeritus of Early Years, The Open University

Linda Pound is a consultant and author, renowned for her work in early years education and care.

Linda Miller and Linda Pound
Taking a Critical Perspective
 
PART ONE: THEORETICAL AND ANALYTICAL POSITIONS
Julia Manning-Morton
Not Just the Tip of the Iceberg: Psychoanalytic Ideas and Early Years Practice
Deborah Albon
Postmodern and Post-Structuralist Perspectives on Early Childhood Education
 
PART TWO: FOUNDATIONAL THEORIES
Tina Bruce
Froebel Today
Martin Bradley et al
Maria Montessori in the United Kingdom: 100 Years on
Jill Tina Taplin
Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education: Offering a Curriculum for the 21st Century
 
PART THREE: CONTEMPORARY THEORIES
Ann S Epstein, Serena Johnson and Pam Lafferty
The High-Scope Approach
Trisha Lee
The Wisdom of Vivian Gussin Paley
Sarah Blackwell and Linda Pound
Forest Schools in the Early Years
Anne B Smith
Relationships with People, Places and Things: Te Whãriki
Linda Pound and Linda Miller
Critical Issues

A very good book that combines accessibility to a wide range of curriculum styles whilst at the same time giving enough of a flavour for the reader to go on.
The chapter on Te Whariki was especially useful for my purpose, an area not covered as frequently as many of the others.

Mrs Kathryn Peckham
Childhood Studies : Early Years, Chichester University
August 15, 2012

This text is very much in support of the course content for Foundation degree yr1 students. The key theoretical perspectives are clearly outlined and supporting students' understanding when applying theory to practice. Thank you.

Mrs Eleonora Teszenyi
School of Education, The University of Northampton
July 20, 2012

An excellent text giving depth through the theoretical positions included.

Ms Karen Perry
insistitute of education, Manchester Metropolitan University
July 18, 2012

This book focuses on key theorists in Early Years Education. The book allows learners to evaluate and reflect upon the influence of these theories on current twenty-first century practice and curricula today.

Mrs Cerys Summerhill-Davies
Caring, Cardiff and Vale College
July 13, 2012

'This is a well-organised overview of Early Childhood Education and Care theory and practice.It is highly accessible and offering real food for thought in beginning to inter-connect the complexities of ECEC. An excellent introductory text.

Mrs Liz Tomlin
Early years, Adult Education Centre
July 8, 2012

A useful reference point

Mrs Michelle Williams
applied health sciences, Farnborough College of Technology
May 14, 2012

I really like this book. Easy to use and good information

Mrs Anita Williams
Please select your department, Swindon College
May 10, 2012

A useful and timely exploration of theory and practice - this is a very readable and accessible book which will furnish the reader with a broad overview of some of the key theories of Early Childhood Education. The discussion points encourage reflection and application in the reader and are a helpful addition to the text.

Mrs Abigail Gosling
Education Studies, Bedfordshire University
April 16, 2012

Excellent resource aiding to the learners undestanding of what kind be a complex subject matter.

Covers a mandatory unit

Mrs Sharon Lock
Comm, Adult Education Centre
March 7, 2012

This is highly recommended and entirely accessible to even the most nervous student of early childhood theory. The authors eloquently retain the central theme of playful learning throughout the text and admirably engage the reader in moving between historic theory and new debate. A must for critical classroom discussion.

Mrs Chelle Davison
Education , Leeds Metropolitan University
November 24, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1: Taking a Critical Perspective