A Critical Companion to Early Childhood
Early Childhood Curriculum
In this stimulating and provocative book the editors have drawn together a diverse and international range of respected authors, each of whom has taken a critical approach to the contentious question of how you define and achieve quality early childhood services. It is a book designed to provoke and promote critical dialogue and discourse amongst practitioners and students through critical engagement with the position of the authors within the text. I believe anyone who reads this book will be inspired and motivated to challenge and extend their thinking and professional practice, adopting the critical stance which lies at the heart of quality services for children and families.
Professor Chris Pascal, Director of Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC)
Early childhood is a complex and important area of study where it is important to develop your critical thinking and reflect upon key issues. This book will help do both.
It explores interrelated topics such as:
- Child development
- Play
- Safeguarding
- Professionalism
- Curriculum and Policy
Each chapter will not only engage with what you need to know but help you develop your academic skills.
The book also comes with lots of online resources and include:
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Podcasts from the authors of each chapter so you can better understand the key concepts
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PowerPoints to help you revise the essential information
- Journal articles related to each chapter provide further reading
Michael Reed and Rosie Walker are both Senior Lecturers in Early Childhood at the Institute of Education, University of Worcester.
Supplements
This text is excellent for students on a range of Early Childhood programmes from foundation degree to MA level for some aspects of reflection and critical thinking.
The strength of the text is that it is edited with many voices and contemporary perspectives. The golden thread that runs through the text is the critical and reflective elements for each section.The text helps readers to think through rather than how to do.
Students need to understand how the the formative years impact on the adult behaviours and experiences which additionally impacts on the Communities. There is a very good section relating to reflective practice that students will find beneficial
Great text for first years to Early Childhood Studies learning how to reflect critically on issues
Reiterates to second year students the need to reflect critically
I really enjoyed this book, as it is supportive of a range of subjects that I teach. I was really able to embed some of this knowledge within tutorial support sessions, such as critical thinking.
This would be a useful addition to the reading list - especially for those trainees who have a subject specialism within the early years.
A recommended read to my students who have found it useful in supporting their studies. The online resources are valuable too. Easy to navigate and locate information within the book, therefore student friendly.
A valuable book to have on the shelf - particularly liked the companion site - such as good idea!
I am a contributor to this book, therefore I am declaring my bias. nevertheless, this book has been well-received by students.
Very good source for Early Years Teacher Status students.
