Teaching Early Years, Pendergast, Donna

It describes the key features of the Reggio Approach to early childhood including the environment, creativity, relationships and documentation. This new edition has been updated with the latest developments in this approach and includes new material on the thinking and work of Loris Malaguzzi and the future for educators in Reggio Emilia and the implications for practice in the UK. Features include:

• Examples from infant-toddler centres and preschools in Reggio Emilia.
• Key points to highlight the ideas that practitioners should consider when reviewing and reflecting on their practice
• Reflections that can be used as the basis for continuing professional development and action research.

Written to support the work of all those in the field of early education and childcare, this is a vital text for students, early years and childcare practitioners, teachers, Early Years Professionals, Children's Centre professionals, lecturers, advisory teachers and setting managers.

The book describes how educators in Reggio Emilia work with young children, and looks at the connections between the Reggio Approach and the revised Early Years Foundation Stage framework. It provides practical examples involving children of different ages in a wide variety of settings, helping the reader to see the connection between practice and theory.

This new edition has been fully updated to show the increasingly mirroring connections between the Reggio Approach and the principles and commitments of the recently revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Each chapter focuses on one important aspect of the Reggio Approach and includes:

• Practical examples involving children of different ages in a wide variety of settings, helping the reader to see the connection between practice and theory
• Questions to enable the reader to reflect on and develop his or her own practice in accordance with new statutory requirements
• References to sources of further reading and information.

This convenient guide will help early years practitioners, students and parents to really understand what the Reggio Approach can offer their setting and children.

The world of study at university can be a daunting and bewildering place for new students unfamiliar with the academic processes such as writing essays and presenting portfolios. This book offers clear and straight-forward explanations of how to prepare for study, how to work at higher education level and how to tackle assignments.

Covering all aspects of educational study, and based on the experiences of real education professionals, this new edition has been fully updated to include:

• Clear links to work-based practices throughout
• Advice for students with disability
• Guidance on using e-resources

• Tips for managing your learning and increasing motivation
• How to think critically
• Reflective practice

With case studies, tasks and opportunities for reflection, this accessible book has been specifically designed for those on Teaching Assistant, Early Years or related Foundation Degrees and will be an essential resource for those wanting to find the answers to study questions quickly and easily.

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 confidence
• Encouraging social interaction
• Mime and expression
• Speech and language
• Co-operation and teamwork
• Performance skills　

This 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.

Bringing the Steiner Waldorf Approach to your Early Years Setting is an excellent introduction to this philosophy. Janni Nicol clearly explains the history of Steiner Waldorf education, the role of play in learning and the key themes of rhythm, repetition and reverence with ideas for activities and resources. Practical examples throughout the book involving children of different ages in a wide variety of settings allow readers to see the connection between theory and practice.

This new edition has been fully updated to include:

• Clear comparisons between Steiner practice and the revised Early Years Foundations Stage (EYFS) requirements
• A section on the growth of international Steiner settings
• Information on celebrating festivals and outdoor environments

This convenient guide will help Early Years practitioners, students and parents to really understand what the Steiner Waldorf approach can bring to their practice and children.