The book features a detailed table of contents that outlines its structure and organization, providing a clear roadmap for readers. Each section is designed to guide exploration of the topics covered, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material. The content is likely to be well-researched and thoughtfully arranged, allowing for easy navigation and reference throughout the reading experience.
Takes the reader on a journey through the key concepts of Lev Vygotsky, one of the twentieth century's most influential theorists in the field of early education. This book discusses concepts such as mediation and memory, culture and cultural tools, mental functions, language, concepts and thinking, activity theory, and play and meaning.
People, Planet and Profits
Focusing on sustainability, the book explores its multifaceted impact on young children through a philosophical, political, and cultural lens. Sandra Smidt utilizes current global research, alongside case studies and vignettes, to highlight effective practices and positive approaches in the field. The text aims to make complex concepts accessible, offering insights into how various aspects of sustainability shape the experiences and development of children today.
A Guide for Practitioners and Students in Early Years Education
Key concepts of early learning and teaching are explored through Bruner's influential ideas, guiding readers on a journey that highlights the significance of these theories in educational practices. The book delves into the implications of Bruner's work for educators, emphasizing the importance of understanding how children learn and the role of culture in shaping educational experiences.
Paulo Freire's influential ideas challenge traditional educational methods, advocating for a more engaging and participatory approach to teaching and learning. This text explores the relevance of his work across diverse educational contexts, including adult education, schools, and early childhood settings. By making Freire's concepts accessible, it encourages educators and learners to rethink their roles and interactions, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Focusing on the education of multilingual children, this text delves into the complexities surrounding language acquisition amidst political, ideological, and practical considerations. It highlights the benefits and challenges of multilingualism through compelling case studies. The author examines the interplay between language, class, culture, power, identity, and thought, revealing how language functions within personal and societal contexts. This exploration offers valuable insights into the significance of multilingualism in early childhood education.
Many Languages - Many Children
The book explores the educational implications for multilingual children, questioning whether early exposure to multiple languages provides advantages or disadvantages as they begin school. It addresses practical challenges faced in their education, offering insights into how language diversity affects learning and development in a school setting.
At a time of growing evidence of racism across many countries and cultures Creating an Anti-Racist Culture in the Early Years will help those working with young children recognise racism, name it for what it is and help their young pupils understand that difference is nothing to be feared. Drawing on both personal research and established theory, Smidt includes examples of anti-racist practice from real life and in literature, looks at how racism is acquired and cites examples of people who have spoken or acted against racism through the centuries. She emphasises how and why it is essential to develop multicultural education into anti-racist education and why it's so important to go beyond the mere celebration of differences in cultures. This indispensable resource also addresses: What racism is and why it is so corrosive How to recognise and challenge it in an early years setting How to work with parents and carers to help them reassess their prejudices or unconscious bias How to create an anti-racist curriculum and culture through inclusion, multiculturalism, literature, art and drama. Creating an Anti-Racist Culture in the Early Years is an indispensable resource for all early years practitioners and students of early childhood education who believe in creating more equitable opportunities for all of our young children.
Revised edition of: Observing, assessing, and planning for children in the early years.
Sandra Smidt examines the impact of Colwyn Trevarthen's scientific training, linked to his interest in how filmed episodes of mother or father/baby interactions might inform his understanding about early sociocultural development, encouraging us to view the human infant with fresh eyes and realise how purposive human behaviour is from the start.