| Description |
"This should be essential reading for anyone involved in the training and professional development of early years practitioners... It is an impressive analysis of the historical and contemporary 'big ideas' that have influenced societies ' and practitioners' views of children and the nature of the curriculum. There are powerful sections on parents and communities ... I particularly liked the stimulating 'ideas galleries' with their statements from researchers, policy-makers and practitioners around the world." Nursery World, October 2004 This key textbook introduces students and practitioners to a wide range of different approaches to early childhood. It provides practical strategies for developing and implementing early learning experiences that promote excellence and equity for children. The book presents the latest research and thinking about good practice, discusses how various philosophies and beliefs influence decisions in early childhood education, and identifies the key thinkers behind each approach. By examining different perspectives, the book helps early childhood practitioners to navigate their way through competing views, make informed choices, and be critically reflective in their work. In an accessible, lively and user-friendly way, it explores issues such as:
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| Author Biography |
| Table of Contents |
Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction PART 1: Models of the learner Reflecting on the learner Models of the learner: Conforming to nature, conforming to culture Models of the learner: reforming through interaction between nature and culture Models of the learner: Transforming culture and nature Models of the learner: Critical reflections PART 2: Positions on the early childhood curriculum Reflecting on the early childhood curriculum Curriculum position: conforming to society Curriculum position: reforming society Curriculum position: transforming society Curriculum positions: critical reflections PART 3: Curriculum contexts Reflecting on contexts Curriculum contexts: parents and communities Curriculum contexts: becoming an early childhood professional Curriculum contexts: critical reflections References Index |
