Carla Solvason – författare

Dealing with parents can be scary and intimidating, especially when you are relatively new to your role, but it can also be hugely rewarding. What do you need to know? Which barriers are you likely to face? Most importantly, how can you nurture a positive and authentic relationship with parents and carers where you genuinely work together for the best interests of the child?Written by authors who have experienced being on both sides of the fence, as educators and as parents, this practical book takes a frank approach to recognising the turbulent world of parenting and shines a light on issues that are, all too often, dismissed. It considers the pragmatic, kind, and caring ways that educational settings can support parents’ struggles, as well as benefitting from their wide-ranging knowledge and capabilities. With activities and reflections included throughout, the book invites the reader to consider their practice, and to look at their relationships with parents with fresh eyes, all whilst keeping the child in mind. With a focus on celebrating the value of truly listening and forming authentic relationships, this book will be essential reading for early years’ educators, childminders, primary teachers, TAs, and SENCOs.

Dealing with parents can be scary and intimidating, especially when you are relatively new to your role, but it can also be hugely rewarding. What do you need to know? Which barriers are you likely to face? Most importantly, how can you nurture a positive and authentic relationship with parents and carers where you genuinely work together for the best interests of the child?Written by authors who have experienced being on both sides of the fence, as educators and as parents, this practical book takes a frank approach to recognising the turbulent world of parenting and shines a light on issues that are, all too often, dismissed. It considers the pragmatic, kind, and caring ways that educational settings can support parents’ struggles, as well as benefitting from their wide-ranging knowledge and capabilities. With activities and reflections included throughout, the book invites the reader to consider their practice, and to look at their relationships with parents with fresh eyes, all whilst keeping the child in mind. With a focus on celebrating the value of truly listening and forming authentic relationships, this book will be essential reading for early years’ educators, childminders, primary teachers, TAs, and SENCOs.

This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner’s (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy.Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child’s life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child’s holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being.This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students – particularly on Masters level courses – as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner’s (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy.Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child’s life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child’s holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being.This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students – particularly on Masters level courses – as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

This seminal volume responds to the pressing need to prepare all children and young people for a sustainable future in light of the climate crisis, providing clear and accessible information and strategies on how to fully embed sustainability into pedagogy and supporting current and future educators.This book explores key environmental issues before exploring a range of pedagogies, each grounded in hope and exemplifying the principles of inclusion, empowerment, agency and social justice. Chapters explore major themes such as climate migration and displacement, climate activism, nature connectedness, sustainable leadership and eco‑anxiety to offer practical, scalable pedagogies that connect with the natural world. Designed to channel climate anxieties into energy for a reinvigorated, sustainable future of education, this book encourages an accessible and considered approach to classroom practice. Featuring contributions from wealth of international experts in the field, the volume ultimately provides a valuable resource for educators and students of education in all phases to develop the confidence to take an active lead in shaping education to help ensure a sustainable future.This book will appeal to educators, policymakers and researchers in environmental and sustainability education, teacher education, social justice education and educational leadership. Curriculum designers as well as those working across primary, secondary and higher education will also find the volume of interest.

This seminal volume responds to the pressing need to prepare all children and young people for a sustainable future in light of the climate crisis, providing clear and accessible information and strategies on how to fully embed sustainability into pedagogy and supporting current and future educators.This book explores key environmental issues before exploring a range of pedagogies, each grounded in hope and exemplifying the principles of inclusion, empowerment, agency and social justice. Chapters explore major themes such as climate migration and displacement, climate activism, nature connectedness, sustainable leadership and eco‑anxiety to offer practical, scalable pedagogies that connect with the natural world. Designed to channel climate anxieties into energy for a reinvigorated, sustainable future of education, this book encourages an accessible and considered approach to classroom practice. Featuring contributions from wealth of international experts in the field, the volume ultimately provides a valuable resource for educators and students of education in all phases to develop the confidence to take an active lead in shaping education to help ensure a sustainable future.This book will appeal to educators, policymakers and researchers in environmental and sustainability education, teacher education, social justice education and educational leadership. Curriculum designers as well as those working across primary, secondary and higher education will also find the volume of interest.

This book, written by educators with a wealth of expertise across all age phases, provides an accessible, informative and thought-provoking exploration of how practitioners might place the human-centred values of social pedagogy at the heart of their own education and care practice to enrich and transform the learning experience.A clear overview of why and how the underpinning principles of social pedagogy can benefit both the learner and the educator is provided, and answers to current educational challenges are offered. Chapters in the book cover topics including:supporting children with special educational needs and disabilitiesworking with marginalised families and communitiestackling bias in higher educationalternative approaches to education leadershipestablishing relationships within an online environmentThis book concludes by considering the value of social pedagogical approaches beyond the realm of education, in wider work with children and families. It discusses how this approach can build communities, offer hope and provide opportunities for all. Supplying a fresh and highly relevant perspective to help face the challenges in education today, this book will be key reading for policymakers, teachers and students in the field of education studies and beyond.

This book, written by educators with a wealth of expertise across all age phases, provides an accessible, informative and thought-provoking exploration of how practitioners might place the human-centred values of social pedagogy at the heart of their own education and care practice to enrich and transform the learning experience.A clear overview of why and how the underpinning principles of social pedagogy can benefit both the learner and the educator is provided, and answers to current educational challenges are offered. Chapters in the book cover topics including:supporting children with special educational needs and disabilitiesworking with marginalised families and communitiestackling bias in higher educationalternative approaches to education leadershipestablishing relationships within an online environmentThis book concludes by considering the value of social pedagogical approaches beyond the realm of education, in wider work with children and families. It discusses how this approach can build communities, offer hope and provide opportunities for all. Supplying a fresh and highly relevant perspective to help face the challenges in education today, this book will be key reading for policymakers, teachers and students in the field of education studies and beyond.

‘Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.’  -Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University

Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project?

This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including:

Choosing your question and approach Making sure your research is ethical Gathering and analysing data Reaching conclusions Putting your findings into practice.

After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like.

Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.

‘Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.’  -Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University

Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project?

This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including:

Choosing your question and approach Making sure your research is ethical Gathering and analysing data Reaching conclusions Putting your findings into practice.

After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like.

Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.

The leap between the undergrad and postgrad can sometimes come as a surprise, especially if you've been out of education for a while.  Postgraduate study involves applying skills and knowledge in a more sophisticated and advanced way than was required during your degree. 

Your Guide to Successful Postgraduate Study demystifies some of the expectations of post-grad study and outlines tools and strategies for developing skills that will improve your work throughout the whole of your post-graduate course.  

This book advises you on how to:

decide what to read, and how best to read it produce engaging outputs in writing or speaking that are convincing and engaging pursue academic arguments and show evidence of research/reading  maximize your employability after graduation.

Get ahead of the game and equip yourself with the skills needed to supercharge your postgraduate work!  

The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!

The leap between the undergrad and postgrad can sometimes come as a surprise, especially if you've been out of education for a while.  Postgraduate study involves applying skills and knowledge in a more sophisticated and advanced way than was required during your degree. 

Your Guide to Successful Postgraduate Study demystifies some of the expectations of post-grad study and outlines tools and strategies for developing skills that will improve your work throughout the whole of your post-graduate course.  

This book advises you on how to:

decide what to read, and how best to read it produce engaging outputs in writing or speaking that are convincing and engaging pursue academic arguments and show evidence of research/reading  maximize your employability after graduation.

Get ahead of the game and equip yourself with the skills needed to supercharge your postgraduate work!  

The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips and resources for study success!