Essential Guides for Early Years Practitioners – serie

This book shows how to establish good practice in early years settings so that all children are supported in developing positive interactions with one another.With limited material available for practitioners in this area, Sue Roffey explains the features of an 'emotionally literate' environment in order to meet the needs of more vulnerable children, and looks at how to respond effectively when children are distressed and hard to manage. She provides a wealth of ideas and inspiration throughout, using down-to-earth language, and looks at:how to foster language and build self-esteemhow to help pre-schoolers learn to feel good about complying and co-operatinghow children can become strong individuals as well as learn to be goodhow to identify more worrying behaviour and when to refer to other professionals.Based on sound psychological theory and research and packed full of practical activities, illustrations, support and advice, this will be an invaluable source of inspiration for anyone concerned with providing the best environment for vulnerable young children in their care.

This book shows how to establish good practice in early years settings so that all children are supported in developing positive interactions with one another.With limited material available for practitioners in this area, Sue Roffey explains the features of an 'emotionally literate' environment in order to meet the needs of more vulnerable children, and looks at how to respond effectively when children are distressed and hard to manage. She provides a wealth of ideas and inspiration throughout, using down-to-earth language, and looks at:how to foster language and build self-esteemhow to help pre-schoolers learn to feel good about complying and co-operatinghow children can become strong individuals as well as learn to be goodhow to identify more worrying behaviour and when to refer to other professionals.Based on sound psychological theory and research and packed full of practical activities, illustrations, support and advice, this will be an invaluable source of inspiration for anyone concerned with providing the best environment for vulnerable young children in their care.

This book gives information, ideas and principles for music with three to five year olds that are both down-to-earth and up-to-date. Written in a style which is engaging and readable, it integrates recent theory and practice illustrating the discussion with examples and ideas taken from real life. Chapters in this inspiring and engaging book show practitioners how to:connect with the educational concepts and principles of using music in early years settingsrecognise and understand children’s musical starting points foster creativity through musicsupport listening and communication through musiclearn the key areas of listening, singing, using instruments and dancingdevelop children’s musical understandingwiden opportunities for music through resources, new technologies and visiting artist projects. Early years practitioners and students will find this a valuable introduction to music with young children. More experienced practitioners will find the contemporary ideas a source of inspiration. Books in this series address key issues for early years practitioners working in today’s Foundation Stage environments. Each title is packed full of practical activities, support, advice and guidance, all of which is in line with current government early years policy. The authors use their experience and expertise to write accessibly and informatively, emphasising through the use of case studies the practical aspects of the subject, whilst retaining strong theoretical underpinnings throughout.

This book gives information, ideas and principles for music with three to five year olds that are both down-to-earth and up-to-date. Written in a style which is engaging and readable, it integrates recent theory and practice illustrating the discussion with examples and ideas taken from real life. Chapters in this inspiring and engaging book show practitioners how to:connect with the educational concepts and principles of using music in early years settingsrecognise and understand children’s musical starting points foster creativity through musicsupport listening and communication through musiclearn the key areas of listening, singing, using instruments and dancingdevelop children’s musical understandingwiden opportunities for music through resources, new technologies and visiting artist projects. Early years practitioners and students will find this a valuable introduction to music with young children. More experienced practitioners will find the contemporary ideas a source of inspiration. Books in this series address key issues for early years practitioners working in today’s Foundation Stage environments. Each title is packed full of practical activities, support, advice and guidance, all of which is in line with current government early years policy. The authors use their experience and expertise to write accessibly and informatively, emphasising through the use of case studies the practical aspects of the subject, whilst retaining strong theoretical underpinnings throughout.

Written by a highly acclaimed expert in the field, this practical and accessible book addresses all the critical aspects of effective nursery management. From leadership skills and one-to-one skills, developing and monitoring the curriculum; and staff training and appraisals, to astute financial management; marketing strategies and evaluating your nursery's service, this new, fully revised edition of Essential Nursery Management recognizes the huge changes that have taken place in public policy and parental awareness which have inspired practitioners to strive for quality and sustainability in their child care provision. Supported by real-life case-studies, examples of policies, procedures and rotas that can be adapted by the reader, Essential Nursery Management takes a close look at the political and social context in which child care services are provided today and asks:What do parents expect?What do employers want for their workforces?What rights do children have?How can child care providers work together for the benefit of children and families?This book will be invaluable to anyone wishing to fully engage with the demanding role of managing any early years settings, whether as part of studying at GNVQ or Foundation degree level or in day-to-day practice.

Written by a highly acclaimed expert in the field, this practical and accessible book addresses all the critical aspects of effective nursery management. From leadership skills and one-to-one skills, developing and monitoring the curriculum; and staff training and appraisals, to astute financial management; marketing strategies and evaluating your nursery's service, this new, fully revised edition of Essential Nursery Management recognizes the huge changes that have taken place in public policy and parental awareness which have inspired practitioners to strive for quality and sustainability in their child care provision. Supported by real-life case-studies, examples of policies, procedures and rotas that can be adapted by the reader, Essential Nursery Management takes a close look at the political and social context in which child care services are provided today and asks:What do parents expect?What do employers want for their workforces?What rights do children have?How can child care providers work together for the benefit of children and families?This book will be invaluable to anyone wishing to fully engage with the demanding role of managing any early years settings, whether as part of studying at GNVQ or Foundation degree level or in day-to-day practice.

How can early years practitioners help young children to become not only numerate but aspiring mathematicians who love numbers, shapes and mathematical comparisons? The introduction of the Foundation Stage has led to practitioners seeking ways to teach maths which are more in line with the creative and playful ways young children learn other subjects. Linda Pound draws on current thinking about children's mathematical development to show how you can encourage and enhance the numeracy skills of any child in the early years by linking maths to every-day life situations and making it a playful and enjoyable cross-curricular activity.This highly practical and engaging text includes chapters on: why maths is often seen as 'hard' and what practitioners can do to help young children be more successful exploring shapes, space, measures and patterns how to make maths more fun and playful, using games, humour, stories and rhymes using music and dance to enhance mathematical understanding encouraging children to see the connection between maths and everyday experiences through, for example sorting, matching and guessing creating an environment for mathematical development, indoors and outConcluding with a chapter on how practitioners and parents can become more confident in their use of maths, this user-friendly text, packed full of ideas, is essential reading for practitioners in any early years setting. Students on Early Education courses will also find much here to inspire them.

How can early years practitioners help young children to become not only numerate but aspiring mathematicians who love numbers, shapes and mathematical comparisons? The introduction of the Foundation Stage has led to practitioners seeking ways to teach maths which are more in line with the creative and playful ways young children learn other subjects. Linda Pound draws on current thinking about children's mathematical development to show how you can encourage and enhance the numeracy skills of any child in the early years by linking maths to every-day life situations and making it a playful and enjoyable cross-curricular activity.This highly practical and engaging text includes chapters on: why maths is often seen as 'hard' and what practitioners can do to help young children be more successful exploring shapes, space, measures and patterns how to make maths more fun and playful, using games, humour, stories and rhymes using music and dance to enhance mathematical understanding encouraging children to see the connection between maths and everyday experiences through, for example sorting, matching and guessing creating an environment for mathematical development, indoors and outConcluding with a chapter on how practitioners and parents can become more confident in their use of maths, this user-friendly text, packed full of ideas, is essential reading for practitioners in any early years setting. Students on Early Education courses will also find much here to inspire them.

Shortlisted for the Nasen Book that supports SEN and Disability Issues Award 2008Are children who are exposed to more than one language from birth at an advantage or a disadvantage when starting school?Supporting Multilingual Learners in the Early Years examines the theoretical, ideological and practical issues involved in the education of children speaking two or more languages coming to settings which are predominantly monolingual. The book examines current research and thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of being multilingual and tackles complex topics such as: what being multilingual implies in terms of prior learning and why this matters in educationthe importance of respect for diversity and encouraging children to be proud of their language and culturepractical ways to help young children acquire English ways of working with parents who themselves have little or no English the differences and difficulties involved in a child learning an additional language so early on in their livesstrategies for exploring the learning of multilingual learners and a review of the resources and activities that could help.Sandra Smidt views multilingualism as a cognitive advantage and shows how Early Years practitioners can use interactive styles of learning to focus on the benefit that the many cultures and languages in the classroom can bring to children’s learning and development.Written in a highly accessible tone, this book offers practitioners a mix of practical case studies and examples in which theory is embedded and its importance explained. Students of early childhood education will also appreciate the author's carefully structured approach to the topic, as she includes summary boxes, glossaries and points for reflection in each chapter.

Shortlisted for the Nasen Book that supports SEN and Disability Issues Award 2008Are children who are exposed to more than one language from birth at an advantage or a disadvantage when starting school?Supporting Multilingual Learners in the Early Years examines the theoretical, ideological and practical issues involved in the education of children speaking two or more languages coming to settings which are predominantly monolingual. The book examines current research and thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of being multilingual and tackles complex topics such as: what being multilingual implies in terms of prior learning and why this matters in educationthe importance of respect for diversity and encouraging children to be proud of their language and culturepractical ways to help young children acquire English ways of working with parents who themselves have little or no English the differences and difficulties involved in a child learning an additional language so early on in their livesstrategies for exploring the learning of multilingual learners and a review of the resources and activities that could help.Sandra Smidt views multilingualism as a cognitive advantage and shows how Early Years practitioners can use interactive styles of learning to focus on the benefit that the many cultures and languages in the classroom can bring to children’s learning and development.Written in a highly accessible tone, this book offers practitioners a mix of practical case studies and examples in which theory is embedded and its importance explained. Students of early childhood education will also appreciate the author's carefully structured approach to the topic, as she includes summary boxes, glossaries and points for reflection in each chapter.

Jenny Mosley's quality circle time model involves establishing an on-going, timetabled process of circle-meetings for adults and children. As a basis for teaching relationship skills, enhancing self-esteem and building a positive behaviour management and anti-bullying policy, circle time will not only increase confidence and "emotional intelligence" in pupils, but should also contribute towards a positive whole-school ethos.Fully updated in light of changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage, this highly practical book will explain how to put the principles for early years education into practice through well-structured and purposeful circle time lesson plans. Jenny Mosley, the UK's leading expert on circle time, provides accessible guidance on: incorporating the curriculum for personal, social and emotional development enabling children to understand universal moral skills developing young children's emotional intelligence helping children to practise problem-solving skills.Each chapter in this book explains circle time in a 'why? what? how?' format, and includes tick-sheets, bullet-pointed pages and examples showing how the theory works in practice. This is an invaluable and fun tool for developing young children's understanding of their feelings and relationships.

Jenny Mosley's quality circle time model involves establishing an on-going, timetabled process of circle-meetings for adults and children. As a basis for teaching relationship skills, enhancing self-esteem and building a positive behaviour management and anti-bullying policy, circle time will not only increase confidence and "emotional intelligence" in pupils, but should also contribute towards a positive whole-school ethos.Fully updated in light of changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage, this highly practical book will explain how to put the principles for early years education into practice through well-structured and purposeful circle time lesson plans. Jenny Mosley, the UK's leading expert on circle time, provides accessible guidance on: incorporating the curriculum for personal, social and emotional development enabling children to understand universal moral skills developing young children's emotional intelligence helping children to practise problem-solving skills.Each chapter in this book explains circle time in a 'why? what? how?' format, and includes tick-sheets, bullet-pointed pages and examples showing how the theory works in practice. This is an invaluable and fun tool for developing young children's understanding of their feelings and relationships.

Review of the first edition:'This book provides a very accessible approach to building a better understanding of young children and their development and will be an interesting and useful read for both experienced early years practitioners and for students who are just beginning to build their practical experience.' - Early Years UpdateThis highly practical and fully updated new edition is full of case studies and helpful advice on how to enhance our understanding of very young children. Through working with many practitioners in different settings, Christine Macintyre offers down-to-earth strategies to enhance the learning of children in their care, and asks:What are the key influences in encouraging children to achieve their potential?Are the four aspects of children’s development equally important and how do they interact?Does the play - based curriculum truly cater for children with a range of abilities and interests e.g. gifted and talented children and those who need extra support?What new ways are there of enhancing learning?How can we be sure that parents appreciate how we support their children in all aspects of their development?With examples and case-studies drawn from a variety of real-life nursery practices, these interesting and thought-provoking scenarios will help enhance and develop the practice of all students and early years teachers.

Review of the first edition:'This book provides a very accessible approach to building a better understanding of young children and their development and will be an interesting and useful read for both experienced early years practitioners and for students who are just beginning to build their practical experience.' - Early Years UpdateThis highly practical and fully updated new edition is full of case studies and helpful advice on how to enhance our understanding of very young children. Through working with many practitioners in different settings, Christine Macintyre offers down-to-earth strategies to enhance the learning of children in their care, and asks:What are the key influences in encouraging children to achieve their potential?Are the four aspects of children’s development equally important and how do they interact?Does the play - based curriculum truly cater for children with a range of abilities and interests e.g. gifted and talented children and those who need extra support?What new ways are there of enhancing learning?How can we be sure that parents appreciate how we support their children in all aspects of their development?With examples and case-studies drawn from a variety of real-life nursery practices, these interesting and thought-provoking scenarios will help enhance and develop the practice of all students and early years teachers.

I know there is something wrong, but what?How do I know if outside help for this child is needed?How do I tell parents that their child could have a learning difficulty?These are questions that most nursery workers will have to face during their careers, and questions which this new edition of Identifying Additional Learning Needs sets out to answer. Based on the experiences of real children and typical situations in early years settings, this book will be an invaluable companion for early years practitioners who care for and educate young children with additional learning needs.Attention Deficit Disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism are some of the difficulties explained in depth, with detailed suggestions to help support children with these special needs. Chapters in this fully revised new edition: explore the process of early identification; show how to make inclusion a reality in the nursery; tackle the complex issue of dealing with parents; discuss techniques for skilled and informed observation and assessment. Include developmental charts to allow a child’s progress to be monitored and celebrated. Each chapter has an explanation section supported by a set of practical strategies to support both the child and the practitioner. Throughout this lively and informative book, Christine Macintyre uses case studies to highlight the importance of listening to young children and shows how making time for listening is vital to providing exactly the right level of help and support.

I know there is something wrong, but what?How do I know if outside help for this child is needed?How do I tell parents that their child could have a learning difficulty?These are questions that most nursery workers will have to face during their careers, and questions which this new edition of Identifying Additional Learning Needs sets out to answer. Based on the experiences of real children and typical situations in early years settings, this book will be an invaluable companion for early years practitioners who care for and educate young children with additional learning needs.Attention Deficit Disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism are some of the difficulties explained in depth, with detailed suggestions to help support children with these special needs. Chapters in this fully revised new edition: explore the process of early identification; show how to make inclusion a reality in the nursery; tackle the complex issue of dealing with parents; discuss techniques for skilled and informed observation and assessment. Include developmental charts to allow a child’s progress to be monitored and celebrated. Each chapter has an explanation section supported by a set of practical strategies to support both the child and the practitioner. Throughout this lively and informative book, Christine Macintyre uses case studies to highlight the importance of listening to young children and shows how making time for listening is vital to providing exactly the right level of help and support.

Would you like to offer constructive, creative and exciting new dramatic learning experiences to the children in your setting?The importance of using drama to promote active and creative learning in the early years is widely recognised, and this fully updated second edition of Drama 3-5 will guide and inspire practitioners in all settings, allowing them to lead drama with confidence and enthusiasm. Young children participating in well planned drama activities learn to express themselves clearly and develop strong social skills, more self-confidence and a greater understanding of co-operation and team-work.Drama 3-5 contains a wide range of accessible activities and sample session plans, drawn from the author’s many years of extensive experience, which have all been fully and successfully tried and tested with children from 3-5 years. The book also explains the theory and value of all of the activities, as well as possible extensions and the ways in which they contribute to the learning objectives and goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage, allowing practitioners to encourage and assess children’s progress. Key chapters include:Building confidenceEncouraging social interactionMime and expressionSpeech and languageCo-operation and teamworkPerformance skillsThis book offers the tools and understanding needed for confident dramatic play and learning, making it an ideal companion to support every practitioner who wants to explore, develop and enjoy drama and have fun with their children.

Would you like to offer constructive, creative and exciting new dramatic learning experiences to the children in your setting?The importance of using drama to promote active and creative learning in the early years is widely recognised, and this fully updated second edition of Drama 3-5 will guide and inspire practitioners in all settings, allowing them to lead drama with confidence and enthusiasm. Young children participating in well planned drama activities learn to express themselves clearly and develop strong social skills, more self-confidence and a greater understanding of co-operation and team-work.Drama 3-5 contains a wide range of accessible activities and sample session plans, drawn from the author’s many years of extensive experience, which have all been fully and successfully tried and tested with children from 3-5 years. The book also explains the theory and value of all of the activities, as well as possible extensions and the ways in which they contribute to the learning objectives and goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage, allowing practitioners to encourage and assess children’s progress. Key chapters include:Building confidenceEncouraging social interactionMime and expressionSpeech and languageCo-operation and teamworkPerformance skillsThis book offers the tools and understanding needed for confident dramatic play and learning, making it an ideal companion to support every practitioner who wants to explore, develop and enjoy drama and have fun with their children.

This fully revised second edition of Observing, Assessing and Planning for Children in the Early Years provides a detailed analysis of what is meant by the observation of young learners and why this is so vital to early years practitioners and students. In this accessible and insightful text, Sandra Smidt examines the various theories of how young children develop and learn, which have been put forward by thinkers and writers across time and place so the reader has a genuinely global view of early childhood. She then highlights how important it is for practitioners in schools, nurseries and settings to think carefully about what they have seen and heard in light of what they, as adults, already know about the children and their learning.Also included in this text is a helpful ‘Try Your Hand’ section where readers are invited to make their own judgements about what they have read, as well as a section on observing and assessing not only the nursery-aged children but also babies and toddlers.