Teaching and Learning in the Early Years

by David Whitebread (Editor), Penny Coltman (Editor)

This best-selling text book provides a broad-ranging and up-to-date review of thinking and best practice within nursery and infant education. Written around the basic truth that an effective early years curriculum must start with the children, their needs and their potential, the contributors to this classic text acknowledge that learning must have a strong element of fun, wonder and excitement. Fully revised and updated in light of recent changes to the Early Years curriculum, with brand new chapters on assessment, communication, writing, creativity and diversity, the contributors address a range of fundamental issues and principles, Each chapter combines a review of important principles with practical and inspiring classroom examples throughout. It is essential reading for all Foundations Stage and KS1 trainee teachers, their tutors and mentors, and serving teachers working in the 3-7 age range who wish to reflect upon and develop their practice.

394 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 1996

Reviews

[Mairéad]

I first encountered this book during my undergraduate studies to be a primary school teacher over 15years ago! I recently rediscovered it on my bookshelf and thought it would be interesting to revisit it. Some sections have become outdated but the overall message of effective education being child centered is timeless. The idea that playful learning is incredibly powerful learning and the emphasis on educators focusing their planning on building children's interest in and capacity for learning, not on completing specific tasks for the sake of it, should be cornerstones to all teachers' practice.
A good reminder of the importance of knowing 'why' you're asking your pupils to undertake an activity, something that can unfortunately be lost by teachers trying to juggle the demands of an over saturated curriculum.