Description
Book Synopsis"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 id
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
