Creating a Learning Environment for Babies and Toddlers
- Ann Clare - Early Years Consultant
Infant/Toddler Development
Understanding the factors that contribute to a positive learning environment is vital for those working with children from birth to 3 years. Using extensive case study material, Ann Clare focuses on the experiences of babies and toddlers in various care settings, and the role adults play in developing creative and supportive environments. The effect on speech and language development is explored, with reference to recent research and initiatives. Information gathered from parents and childcare workers helps provide a deep consideration of parents' childcare choices.
Topics covered include:
- The emotional environment
- The role of adults in the environment
- The physical environment
- The creative environment
- Parents and the environment
- Observing and questioning
This detailed study of current research and literature provides an invaluable source of information for those planning to work with babies and toddlers, as well as experienced childcare providers wanting to reflect on the care and learning they offer children and families.
'Highly recommended. Ann Clare challenges some widely used theorists and successfully argues the importance of interactions between adult carers and our youngest children, in an appropriate early childhood environment. This text is absolutely current and relevant to the Early Years Sector. A wonderful contribution from a new researcher and writer'
- Chelle Davison, Senior Lecturer in Early Years Professional Practice, Leeds Metropolitan University
'The book includes a large number of case studies that illustrate practice in the two nurseries that the author worked with while gathering her research data. The text is fully up to date and makes reference to recently published reports and reviews that have been instrumental in shaping current early years policy developments'
-Early Years Update
'This text is very current and wholly relevant to the early years sector...The book includes extensive case study material and honest quotes from practicing practitioners, which help to make this academic read very accessible'
-Martine Horvath, Early Years Educator
Useful for students working with under 5s.
An excellent text to address aspects of the module entitled Infant and toddler years.
This book was suitable for the module, effective learning environments. Although my students found the information limited, the content was appropriate for the assignments as supporting literature.
Relevant to many aspects of the course and learners found this book both enlightening and inspiring. Very good quality of information and learner feedback rated in highly.
Overall an interesting study that focuses on an area not very well covered in early years. Quality of presentation was good, with good use of question points etc. greater links to theory would be helpful, as qualitative studies like this are only useful if they make connections.
A well presented informative book. The author gives clear information to enable practitioners to understand the importance of providing an enabling environment for very young children. Babies and toddlers need the very best environments to enable them to thrive and learn.
The book does focus well on very young children and would provide additional reading for the students.
good to access a book which underlines the importance of the environment for the youngest children
An essential book for all those working with babies and young children. The case studies complement the text and the research explored by the author is honest and refreshing.
