Routledge Library Editions: Early Years – serie

This 15-volume set has titles originally published between 1929 and 1994 and is an array of scholarship on the early years of children, from birth to age seven. The set focuses on learning and education but also contains titles with perspectives on child development, parenting and various other issues in the area of early years. Individual volumes examine nurseries (both in the home and the school), playgroups, language development, teaching of mathematics and other curriculum subjects. This collection will be a great resource for those interested in the history of early years and education.

Originally published in 1981 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the birth of the Pre-school Playgroups Association, Parents and Playgroups brings together three wide-ranging reports which examine the role of the playgroup movement, its underlying philosophy and the contribution made by both playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups to the lives of thousands of mothers and children throughout Britain at the time.Formed following a letter to the Guardian in 1961, the PPA together with its sister organization the Scottish PPA had a membership of approaching 16,000 playgroups, serving nearly half a million children. Yet there had been very little research into the workings of the movement until 1975, when Barclays Bank funded a major research project which resulted in the three reports Parental Involvement in Playgroups, Mother and Toddler Groups and Patterns of Oversight published in this volume.The many questions explored and debated include:How should the playgroup movement develop in the 1980s and after?What do parents contribute to playgroups – and what do playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups offer in return?Should Social Service Departments take over the running of playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups? Do local authorities give playgroups enough support? Or does statutory ‘oversight’ inhibit flexibility and imaginative development?Are playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups too middle-class oriented – and do they work equally well in different kinds of neighbourhood?How do playgroups compare with nursery schools?As Lady Plowden writes in her Foreword, ‘the three studies will serve as an introduction to the developed thinking of the association, and point to further areas of research. They describe something increasingly vital in our present society, which is so often rootless and purposeless, as the group studying parental involvement says "one of the greatest strengths of the playgroup movement is that overall it is a positive force in a largely negative society."’In the words of Max Patterson, President of the Scottish PPA: ‘This is a valuable set of studies… There is a challenge in the material to those with power to effect change. The experience and hard-earned knowledge of the Playgroups Association raises important questions for all whose interest is family and pre-school child.’

Originally published in 1981 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the birth of the Pre-school Playgroups Association, Parents and Playgroups brings together three wide-ranging reports which examine the role of the playgroup movement, its underlying philosophy and the contribution made by both playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups to the lives of thousands of mothers and children throughout Britain at the time.Formed following a letter to the Guardian in 1961, the PPA together with its sister organization the Scottish PPA had a membership of approaching 16,000 playgroups, serving nearly half a million children. Yet there had been very little research into the workings of the movement until 1975, when Barclays Bank funded a major research project which resulted in the three reports Parental Involvement in Playgroups, Mother and Toddler Groups and Patterns of Oversight published in this volume.The many questions explored and debated include:How should the playgroup movement develop in the 1980s and after?What do parents contribute to playgroups – and what do playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups offer in return?Should Social Service Departments take over the running of playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups? Do local authorities give playgroups enough support? Or does statutory ‘oversight’ inhibit flexibility and imaginative development?Are playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups too middle-class oriented – and do they work equally well in different kinds of neighbourhood?How do playgroups compare with nursery schools?As Lady Plowden writes in her Foreword, ‘the three studies will serve as an introduction to the developed thinking of the association, and point to further areas of research. They describe something increasingly vital in our present society, which is so often rootless and purposeless, as the group studying parental involvement says "one of the greatest strengths of the playgroup movement is that overall it is a positive force in a largely negative society."’In the words of Max Patterson, President of the Scottish PPA: ‘This is a valuable set of studies… There is a challenge in the material to those with power to effect change. The experience and hard-earned knowledge of the Playgroups Association raises important questions for all whose interest is family and pre-school child.’

Originally published in 1994, the aim of the authors was to provide a comprehensive introduction to recent advances in research which had been made in learning and teaching in the early years of schooling at the time. Emphasis is placed on how subject knowledge is constructed or acquired, and the organization of teaching to promote the learner’s active construction of meaning through the integration of new knowledge with existing understanding. The National Curriculum is founded in subject knowledge, though little examination appears to have been made of this in terms of how subject matter is transformed into the content of teaching that young children can understand. It this remains for the teacher to develop instruction through the creation of a curriculum content and sequence which both reflects and advances the structure of existing forms of representation, problem-solving and knowledge which the child brings to the school. The whole thrust of the book challenges the conventional early years ideology with its emphasis on child-centred, concrete and empirical approaches to learning, with a view of teaching which is concerned with making sense of children’s understanding, and allowing their active construction of knowledge and information-processing to develop expertise in context.

Originally published in 1994, the aim of the authors was to provide a comprehensive introduction to recent advances in research which had been made in learning and teaching in the early years of schooling at the time. Emphasis is placed on how subject knowledge is constructed or acquired, and the organization of teaching to promote the learner’s active construction of meaning through the integration of new knowledge with existing understanding. The National Curriculum is founded in subject knowledge, though little examination appears to have been made of this in terms of how subject matter is transformed into the content of teaching that young children can understand. It this remains for the teacher to develop instruction through the creation of a curriculum content and sequence which both reflects and advances the structure of existing forms of representation, problem-solving and knowledge which the child brings to the school. The whole thrust of the book challenges the conventional early years ideology with its emphasis on child-centred, concrete and empirical approaches to learning, with a view of teaching which is concerned with making sense of children’s understanding, and allowing their active construction of knowledge and information-processing to develop expertise in context.

In its discussion of the three levels of teaching and learning – whole school philosophy, classroom policy and specific teaching frameworks – Educating Young Children, originally published in 1992, addresses the twin themes of teacher ethics and pedagogic theory. In developing their argument the writers draw on both empirical classroom research and philosophical analysis, as well as the work developed within the Roehampton Institute MA programme in which they were both tutors at the time.

In its discussion of the three levels of teaching and learning – whole school philosophy, classroom policy and specific teaching frameworks – Educating Young Children, originally published in 1992, addresses the twin themes of teacher ethics and pedagogic theory. In developing their argument the writers draw on both empirical classroom research and philosophical analysis, as well as the work developed within the Roehampton Institute MA programme in which they were both tutors at the time.

Originally published in 1955, Toys, Play and Discipline in Childhood is an expansion and development of the author’s earlier title Play and Toys in Early Years. It examines the areas of toys, play and discipline in a child’s life from babyhood, up to school-age children. The author had spent 25 years teaching children between the ages of 2 and 12 years and had come to realize how closely linked play and discipline are in the development of young children. At the time there were very few books that dealt with play, and parents needed advice and help in catering for their children’s needs. Written at a time where nursery education was still a relatively new concept, this book would have been an invaluable resource for both parents and nursery teachers. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.

Originally published in 1955, Toys, Play and Discipline in Childhood is an expansion and development of the author’s earlier title Play and Toys in Early Years. It examines the areas of toys, play and discipline in a child’s life from babyhood, up to school-age children. The author had spent 25 years teaching children between the ages of 2 and 12 years and had come to realize how closely linked play and discipline are in the development of young children. At the time there were very few books that dealt with play, and parents needed advice and help in catering for their children’s needs. Written at a time where nursery education was still a relatively new concept, this book would have been an invaluable resource for both parents and nursery teachers. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.

Originally published in 1989, Play, Exploration and Learning was a valuable contribution to the evaluation of nursery practice in Britain at the time, this ‘natural history’ of the activities of children and caring adults presents a comparative study of four types of provision for the under-fives: nursery schools, nursery classes, playgroups and day nurseries. All four types of provision are seen as happy, busy, caring environments, but they vary greatly in terms of staffing levels, training and material provision.The authors look at the ‘play’ of three- to five-year-old children and the activities of the adults who care for them. They examine in detail children’s choices of materials and their use of them, with special attention given to the way language is used by both children and adults during play. They also describe adults’ expectations of the various provisions and the values of the activities pursued in them. Of special interest is the emphasis placed by adults upon fantasy play, and the often large discrepancy between expectation and practice. Also covered are the difference in the play activities of part-time and full-time nursery school children, and the transition from pre-school to first school.The book will still be of historical interest to pre-school practitioners, to developmental psychologists and to educational administrators.

Originally published in 1989, Play, Exploration and Learning was a valuable contribution to the evaluation of nursery practice in Britain at the time, this ‘natural history’ of the activities of children and caring adults presents a comparative study of four types of provision for the under-fives: nursery schools, nursery classes, playgroups and day nurseries. All four types of provision are seen as happy, busy, caring environments, but they vary greatly in terms of staffing levels, training and material provision.The authors look at the ‘play’ of three- to five-year-old children and the activities of the adults who care for them. They examine in detail children’s choices of materials and their use of them, with special attention given to the way language is used by both children and adults during play. They also describe adults’ expectations of the various provisions and the values of the activities pursued in them. Of special interest is the emphasis placed by adults upon fantasy play, and the often large discrepancy between expectation and practice. Also covered are the difference in the play activities of part-time and full-time nursery school children, and the transition from pre-school to first school.The book will still be of historical interest to pre-school practitioners, to developmental psychologists and to educational administrators.

A pioneer of nursery education in inner-city areas, Margaret McMillan changed the course of British educational history. While many are aware of the various social reforms she initiated, few are familiar with the life of the woman herself. Originally published in 1989, working from her own fresh collection of Margaret McMillan’s letters and newspaper articles, Dr Bradburn tells in full the inspiring story of a cultured woman who found a new motivation.Born in America into a middle-class family in 1860, Margaret McMillan spent most of her life in Britain struggling to improve the lot of the poor and needy. Outraged by the living and working conditions of labourers in Victorian England, she turned her moral indignation into effective action by throwing herself into a campaign for a more just and compassionate society. She was a colleague of Keir Hardie, a founder member of the Independent Labour Party, and worked wholeheartedly from the 1890s for the betterment and advancement of the human race. J. B. Priestley, who knew Margaret McMillan when she was a member of the Bradford School Board, later described as ‘one of those terrible nuisances who get things done and do more good than a load of bishops’.In the light of discussions on the urgent need for urban renewal and improvements in nursery education at the time of original publication, a review of the innovative work of Margaret McMillan was timely. This well-documented biography gives fascinating glimpses of a remarkable pilgrimage whose results have not been effaced by time.

A pioneer of nursery education in inner-city areas, Margaret McMillan changed the course of British educational history. While many are aware of the various social reforms she initiated, few are familiar with the life of the woman herself. Originally published in 1989, working from her own fresh collection of Margaret McMillan’s letters and newspaper articles, Dr Bradburn tells in full the inspiring story of a cultured woman who found a new motivation.Born in America into a middle-class family in 1860, Margaret McMillan spent most of her life in Britain struggling to improve the lot of the poor and needy. Outraged by the living and working conditions of labourers in Victorian England, she turned her moral indignation into effective action by throwing herself into a campaign for a more just and compassionate society. She was a colleague of Keir Hardie, a founder member of the Independent Labour Party, and worked wholeheartedly from the 1890s for the betterment and advancement of the human race. J. B. Priestley, who knew Margaret McMillan when she was a member of the Bradford School Board, later described as ‘one of those terrible nuisances who get things done and do more good than a load of bishops’.In the light of discussions on the urgent need for urban renewal and improvements in nursery education at the time of original publication, a review of the innovative work of Margaret McMillan was timely. This well-documented biography gives fascinating glimpses of a remarkable pilgrimage whose results have not been effaced by time.

Originally published in 1929, Nursery Life 300 Years Ago is about the childhood of a seventeenth-century Dauphin of France, taken from the journal of Dr. Jean Heìroard, physician-in-charge and other contemporary sources, which is used as a medium for describing the education, toys and other social aspects of childhood at that time. A fascinating glimpse into the historic study of children.

Originally published in 1929, Nursery Life 300 Years Ago is about the childhood of a seventeenth-century Dauphin of France, taken from the journal of Dr. Jean Heìroard, physician-in-charge and other contemporary sources, which is used as a medium for describing the education, toys and other social aspects of childhood at that time. A fascinating glimpse into the historic study of children.

Originally published in 1980 The Verbal Games of Pre-school Children states that in the course of acquiring language, every child recognizes that verbal interaction is a powerful tool which can be used to interpret and manipulate the world.During the last previous two decades developments in the study of both language acquisition and linguistic theory had begun to illustrate that the acquisition of a first language involves considerably more than the mere learning of grammatical structure. This view of learning had led researchers gradually to see children as more than grammarians devising grammatical constructs. The tendency at the time was to see the child as an active partner in what are essentially games of communication and invention during which the rules of usage as well as the rules of grammar are discovered.This study is based on extensive and detailed observation of the verbal interaction of two pre-school children, and as such offers far-reaching ideas and conclusions concerning the manner in which all children determine the role of language in their lives, whilst simultaneously learning how to piece it together.

Originally published in 1980 The Verbal Games of Pre-school Children states that in the course of acquiring language, every child recognizes that verbal interaction is a powerful tool which can be used to interpret and manipulate the world.During the last previous two decades developments in the study of both language acquisition and linguistic theory had begun to illustrate that the acquisition of a first language involves considerably more than the mere learning of grammatical structure. This view of learning had led researchers gradually to see children as more than grammarians devising grammatical constructs. The tendency at the time was to see the child as an active partner in what are essentially games of communication and invention during which the rules of usage as well as the rules of grammar are discovered.This study is based on extensive and detailed observation of the verbal interaction of two pre-school children, and as such offers far-reaching ideas and conclusions concerning the manner in which all children determine the role of language in their lives, whilst simultaneously learning how to piece it together.

Originally published in 1937, Number in the Nursery and Infant School surveys the teachings of Froebel, Montessori and Dewey, the prevalent theories in education at the time, and takes elements from each in order to outline a new method. The author was closely associated with infant-school work over a number of years. She also trained teachers for that purpose, carefully observing the results of different methods of teaching. The method described was in full accord with modern psychological theory of the time, today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.

Originally published in 1937, Number in the Nursery and Infant School surveys the teachings of Froebel, Montessori and Dewey, the prevalent theories in education at the time, and takes elements from each in order to outline a new method. The author was closely associated with infant-school work over a number of years. She also trained teachers for that purpose, carefully observing the results of different methods of teaching. The method described was in full accord with modern psychological theory of the time, today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.

Originally published in 1938, there were indications that the progress of nursery education in England would proceed rapidly in the next few years. The English Nursery School was written in response to the need, from people with a duty or interest in the area, for a single volume bringing together information relating to the growth, organization and function of the nursery school and nursery class as an integral part of our educational system. The author’s interest in the nursery school movement was developed by her personal association with pioneers such as Margaret McMillan and Grace Owen who were still involved with shaping the course of future developments in the field, which can still be felt today. This reissue shows where it all began.

Originally published in 1938, there were indications that the progress of nursery education in England would proceed rapidly in the next few years. The English Nursery School was written in response to the need, from people with a duty or interest in the area, for a single volume bringing together information relating to the growth, organization and function of the nursery school and nursery class as an integral part of our educational system. The author’s interest in the nursery school movement was developed by her personal association with pioneers such as Margaret McMillan and Grace Owen who were still involved with shaping the course of future developments in the field, which can still be felt today. This reissue shows where it all began.

Originally published in 1991, First Episodes: Pupil Careers in the Early Years of School is based on a four-year longitudinal study of pupils from two different catchment areas from the first days of their entry to primary school. Using qualitative methodologies of depth interviewing and ‘naturalistic’ observation, it attempts to examine the social construction of pupil careers in the dynamics of classroom life. Particular attention has been given to the longitudinal and continuing process in the formation of pupils over the first four years of schooling, especially in looking at the moment-by-moment processes of formulation as episode follows episode in the rapid flow of classroom life. It is suggested that teachers operate fundamental distinctions between ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ pupils and, in the ongoing processes of classroom life, a distinction between the episodic and the trans-episodic in their constructions of reality. Central to the analysis has been the notions of ‘relativity’ in the placement of boundaries in interpersonal relations. It is suggested that the casting of pupils within the framework of role (i.e. Other-role) is a central process at both episodic and trans-episodic levels.The book recommends a move away from the more usual notion of rule-transgression and its related ‘societal reactions’ so prominent in the literature on deviance. It is suggested that it is the role rather than the rule which is critical to the perception of deviation and the formulation of pupils in early schooling. In looking for temporal processes of ‘emergence’ it is suggested that there is continuing tension between the episodic and the trans-episodic in teachers’ formulation of children. It seems the construction of present reality as having continuity or discontinuity with previous ‘realities’ is critical.

Originally published in 1991, First Episodes: Pupil Careers in the Early Years of School is based on a four-year longitudinal study of pupils from two different catchment areas from the first days of their entry to primary school. Using qualitative methodologies of depth interviewing and ‘naturalistic’ observation, it attempts to examine the social construction of pupil careers in the dynamics of classroom life. Particular attention has been given to the longitudinal and continuing process in the formation of pupils over the first four years of schooling, especially in looking at the moment-by-moment processes of formulation as episode follows episode in the rapid flow of classroom life. It is suggested that teachers operate fundamental distinctions between ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ pupils and, in the ongoing processes of classroom life, a distinction between the episodic and the trans-episodic in their constructions of reality. Central to the analysis has been the notions of ‘relativity’ in the placement of boundaries in interpersonal relations. It is suggested that the casting of pupils within the framework of role (i.e. Other-role) is a central process at both episodic and trans-episodic levels.The book recommends a move away from the more usual notion of rule-transgression and its related ‘societal reactions’ so prominent in the literature on deviance. It is suggested that it is the role rather than the rule which is critical to the perception of deviation and the formulation of pupils in early schooling. In looking for temporal processes of ‘emergence’ it is suggested that there is continuing tension between the episodic and the trans-episodic in teachers’ formulation of children. It seems the construction of present reality as having continuity or discontinuity with previous ‘realities’ is critical.

Originally published in 1956, Babies Growing Up aims to compress in to a brief yet readable form, the essentials of successful parentcraft at the time, bearing in mind the four elements of developing a new life – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It seeks to sum up the essence of the mothercraft advice given over the years through the pages of Woman’s Pictorial and Mother and Home, where some material had appeared previously. It is a comprehensive guide through a baby’s life from birth through the early years and today can be enjoyed as a historical look at parenting and child development in the 1950s.

Originally published in 1956, Babies Growing Up aims to compress in to a brief yet readable form, the essentials of successful parentcraft at the time, bearing in mind the four elements of developing a new life – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It seeks to sum up the essence of the mothercraft advice given over the years through the pages of Woman’s Pictorial and Mother and Home, where some material had appeared previously. It is a comprehensive guide through a baby’s life from birth through the early years and today can be enjoyed as a historical look at parenting and child development in the 1950s.

For many years, increasing stress has been placed on the importance of giving the under-sevens a good start in mathematics. Originally published in 1991, Mathematics for Young Children shows how children as young as four and five and of all abilities can be encouraged to carry out their own mathematical explorations whilst covering the content of a prescribed curriculum. A substantial part of the book is taken up with actual case-studies of children working with Marion Bird in a reception classroom, fully illustrated with examples of the children’s work. These case-studies are then analysed to show how a prescribed syllabus can be effectively covered through an investigational approach: a point which is of paramount importance to teachers concerned with the introduction of the National Curriculum. The role of the teacher, too, is examined carefully in order to identify those parts of a teacher’s repertoire which seems to be particularly fruitful in encouraging young children’s active mathematical thinking. Throughout, readers are encouraged to apply and amend ideas to suit their own particular circumstances.

For many years, increasing stress has been placed on the importance of giving the under-sevens a good start in mathematics. Originally published in 1991, Mathematics for Young Children shows how children as young as four and five and of all abilities can be encouraged to carry out their own mathematical explorations whilst covering the content of a prescribed curriculum. A substantial part of the book is taken up with actual case-studies of children working with Marion Bird in a reception classroom, fully illustrated with examples of the children’s work. These case-studies are then analysed to show how a prescribed syllabus can be effectively covered through an investigational approach: a point which is of paramount importance to teachers concerned with the introduction of the National Curriculum. The role of the teacher, too, is examined carefully in order to identify those parts of a teacher’s repertoire which seems to be particularly fruitful in encouraging young children’s active mathematical thinking. Throughout, readers are encouraged to apply and amend ideas to suit their own particular circumstances.

Originally published in 1935, Testing Children's Development from Birth to School Age highlighted the greatly increased interest in measuring the development of pre-school children by other means than the older, inadequate "intelligence tests". In the early part of the twentieth century the work done at the Psychological Institute of the University of Vienna under the general direction of Dr Karl Buehler had become favourably known throughout Europe and the United States. This was also especially true of the studies in child psychology directed by the authors Dr Charlotte Buehler and her one-time assistant, Dr Hildegard Hetzer. The book contains developmental tests for the first six years of life; techniques for testing small children; information on the construction of tests and the evaluation their results. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.

Originally published in 1935, Testing Children's Development from Birth to School Age highlighted the greatly increased interest in measuring the development of pre-school children by other means than the older, inadequate "intelligence tests". In the early part of the twentieth century the work done at the Psychological Institute of the University of Vienna under the general direction of Dr Karl Buehler had become favourably known throughout Europe and the United States. This was also especially true of the studies in child psychology directed by the authors Dr Charlotte Buehler and her one-time assistant, Dr Hildegard Hetzer. The book contains developmental tests for the first six years of life; techniques for testing small children; information on the construction of tests and the evaluation their results. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context.