Ros Bayley – författare

The differences between boys and girls, in development and attitude to learning are well documented, and a formalised early curriculum emphasises these differences. The abilities of most girls to meet goals for learning at an earlier age may result in a tendency to focus on trying to teach boys to learn like girls, instead of recognising their unique gifts and abilities. If we are to help boys to become strong, competent learners from an early age, we must resist the temptation to feel sorry for them. We must dispel the myths about ''under-achievement'', challenge stereotypical views of gender, and recognise the unique strengths and abilities of young boys.

The differences between boys and girls, in development and attitude to learning are well documented, and a formalised early curriculum emphasises these differences. The abilities of most girls to meet goals for learning at an earlier age may result in a tendency to focus on trying to teach boys to learn like girls, instead of recognising their unique gifts and abilities. If we are to help boys to become strong, competent learners from an early age, we must resist the temptation to feel sorry for them. We must dispel the myths about ''under-achievement'', challenge stereotypical views of gender, and recognise the unique strengths and abilities of young boys.

Developing children as independent learners starts in the early years. Scientific evidence as well as the experience of experts confirms that children between three and six learn most effectively by doing. This work looks at the theory of independent learning and describes how practitioners can plan and resource the early years.

Developing children as independent learners starts in the early years. Scientific evidence as well as the experience of experts confirms that children between three and six learn most effectively by doing. This work looks at the theory of independent learning and describes how practitioners can plan and resource the early years.

Independent learning and child-initiated activities are at the heart of early learning. With these principles in mind, practitioners are working hard to support independence and a 'can do' attitude and this book aims to support that work. The wealth of ideas will help you to develop an environment where independent learning is celebrated and where children take responsibility for planning and organising their own activities. Hundreds of ways you can support independent learning are outlined, including an ICT strand running throughout to ensure an up-to-date approach to the range of experiences you are offering. Case studies in each chapter highlight how to implement good practice in your setting.

Early Literacy Fundamentals offers powerful activities to develop the skills, concepts, and knowledge underpinning early literacy. It builds on the personal, social, emotional, creative, and physical development skills that are a traditional part of early childhood programs.Based on the latest research, the book recognizes that oral language is the bedrock upon which formal learning is based and that literacy: begins at birth and is part of an ongoing developmental process; develops concurrently with oral language development; is enhanced by adult models who expose children to print and how it works; is based on a systematic relationship between letters and sounds; is rooted in and connected to the child's culture and communication patterns.Each of the activities, organized around a seven-strand framework that reflects successful early childhood practices, is presented along with background research and practical advice on helping children initiate their own constructive play. The types of activities teachers will find include: learning activities appropriate to a young child's age and stage of development; quality pre-school activities that boost all children's language and literacy skills, and build a strong foundation for reading and literacy success in school; opportunities for children to use oral language in a variety of ways as they play and experiment with words; adult-initiated whole-group activities that can be extended into child-initiated play.Early Literacy Fundamentals provides a comprehensive overview of the language and literacy experiences children need, and helps teachers give them a strong base on which future reading and learning success can grow.