Search results for ""Author Cath Arnold""

Observation of young children, their development, and planning for next steps is a fundamental requirement of early years practice. Awareness of appropriate techniques, understanding what you are observing, as well as what it all means in terms of planning for learning is an essential yet difficult skill to acquire. This is a very practical book on observing young children that supports you in preparing a child observation case study. Taking a step-by-step approach the book covers the whole process beginning with choosing a child to study before discussing the fundamentals of child observation.It includes invaluable guidance on:The ethics of your study Appropriate techniques and tools for gathering data Observations that are useful How to select material to include Analyzing or interpreting the information Potential pitfallsThe book includes many examples of good observations, which help show how your own observations can be evaluated, analyzed and used. In addition there is a fully worked example of a child observation case study in the penultimate chapter. If you are studying early years or early childhood studies at foundation, undergraduate or Master's degree level then this book will really help you get to grips with how a good child observation study unfolds and develops. Cath Arnold works at the Pen Green Centre, an internationally renowned Children's Centre in Corby, UK. She is author of Observing Harry (Open University Press 2003). "This is a fascinating and accessible new book on child observation case study for students and professionals. Cath Arnold integrates theoretical perspectives and practical examples of observations with remarkable clarity in this comprehensive guidance to child case study."Shirley Allen, Senior Lecturer Early Childhood Studies, Middlesex University "It is quickly evident to the reader that 'Doing Your Child Observation Case Study' is steeped in the expertise and extensive experience of its author. The practical guidance it offers is likely to prove invaluable for childhood studies students and early career researchers in the field. Yet Cath Arnold's 'step-by-step guide' goes far beyond the practical. She shines vital light on the complex nuances of values, beliefs, ethics and rights inherent in child case study and addresses with clarity and credibility the crucial role that theory can play in supporting our understanding of children's actions. This text is an excellent addition to the childhood studies bookshelf."Dr Jane Murray, Centre for Education and Research, University of Northampton, UK "Cath Arnold has provided a rich resource for those who want to understand more about children, their wellbeing and their learning. This detailed approach to child observation offers guidance on why, how and what to observe, and how to interpret what is observed."Professor Cathy Nutbrown, Head of The School of Education, The University of Sheffield "'Doing Your Child Observation Case Study' shows us the way to be well informed practitioners able to offer children a really rich learning experience." Dr. Margy Whalley, Director of the Research, Development and Training Base at the Pen Green Centre and Centre for Children and their Families

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This book is about Gabby, an inquisitive girl who leads her own learning very effectively with support from the adults in her life. The author, her grandmother, draws on seven years of data from diaries, photos and Gabby’s own writing to consider her development and learning when cared for by both her parents and grandparents. Gabby builds on her experiences with her Latvian mother, English father and her elder sister as she faces and deals with transitions as she grows up.The chapters are presented in a chronological order as a ‘running record’ going from 0-1 year right through to 6-7 years and can be analysed through a range of theories and frameworks. With chapters considering theory and the data separately the reader can reach their own conclusions on child development before exploring the author’s analyses. Each chapter also considers the relevance of Ofsted’s Intent, Implementation and Impact framework and other theories and schemas.This book about one child's early development and learning is a fascinating insight into how young children learn for those studying or working in the early years field. It includes access to an online learning centre of video clips to bring the descriptions to life and provide further insight into Gabby’s development."This book is a testament to the power of quiet, attentive observation and its application to a range of disciplines beyond the therapeutic. ‘Observing Gabby’ will be of interest to Early Years practitioners who are keen to provide a setting conducive to holistic education, and those interested in the links between emotional well-being and learning."Sarah Fielding, Infant Observation"This carefully structured text will be helpful for anyone teaching or studying child development particularly with the addition of video materials to view alongside the book."Mary Briggs FRSA, CMathTeach, APECS, SFHEA, FCCT, Principal Lecturer and Programme Lead for Childhood and Education (ECS and Ed Studies), Oxford Brookes University, UK"This rich account of Gabby’s early childhood development takes the reader on an inspiring journey."Shirley Allen, School of Health and Education, Middlesex University"I would heartily recommend this book to any early years practitioner, who wants to better understand child development, improve the quality of their child observations and to develop their skill in linking the two seamlessly."Andrea Layzell, Project Lead and Tutor, Bradford Birth to 19 Teaching School AllianceDr Cath Arnold has worked in the field of Early Childhood for over 40 years, as a practitioner/teacher, researcher, lecturer and author. Her particular interests include child study; schemas and parental involvement. This is her fifth book focussing on close observation of the spontaneous actions of young children.

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