Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

`This book is useful for students and lecturers of early childhood. It provides concise overviews of relevant research of early childhood development, theories of play and can be utilised as a contemporary, reference book by a range of professionals′ - Debate

`The chapter on young children becoming symbol users make a valuable contribution to the literature, and I shall be inspired and haunted in equal measure by the plea that epitomises this book and its story′ - Marian Whitehead, Early Years

`It′s an excellent and easy-to-read text to read, blending theory and research with practice. Each chapter format is clear, with the key themes outlined at the beginning the main body, followed by useful and thought-provoking questions for good practice to ponder and relevant further reading at the end′ - Nursery World

`

Tina Bruce clearly loves children and delights in their development. She has produced an academic work which is both sensitive and stimulating but decidedly unpreachy′ - Kirsty Wark, Broadcaster

This book shows how adults can support children and actively help them develop their learning in early childhood. Drawing on traditional approaches as well as recent research and theories, Tina Bruce shows the need for balance in early years education and care between the biological and socio-cultural aspects of the development of learning. The book includes a wide range of examples from practitioners, including nursery teachers, health visitors, and community workers.

Features include:

- what does it mean to develop learning ?

- learning by doing real things

- how language helps

- creativity and imagination

- diversity and inclusion.

This book is essential for students, practitioners and tutors of Foundation Degrees and Early Childhood Studies Degrees.

The 0-8 series edited by Tina Bruce , deals with essential themes in early childhood, which concern practitioners, parents and children.

Titles in the 0-8 series

Marian Whitehead: Developing Language and Literacy with Young Children Second Edition

Rosemary Roberts: Self-Esteem and Early Learning Second Edition

Cath Arnold: Child Development and Learning 2-5 - Georgia′s Story

Pat Gura: Resources for Early Learning

Chris Pascal and Tony Bertram: Effective Early Learning: Case Studies in Improvement

Mollie Davies: Movement and Dance

Second Edition

John Mathews: Drawing and Painting

Second Edition

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Background
• Holistic Services for Whole Children
• How Does Learning Develop?
• Mind and Brain
• A Sense of Self
• Social and Cultural Development
• Communication
• Talk
• Doing Real Things
• Why Is Play Important?
• The Essentials of Play
• Using Symbols
• Learning in Childhood and Beyond
• Charlie's Day

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Reading about education in other countries is enlightening. Although Scotland would not seem to have a culture too different from that of the US, its history and emphasis on early childhood education provide another perspective on teaching young children. Bruce's book emerges from the work of a consortium of programs that offer services to a diverse cultural mix of children and their families. These experiences, reflected in vignettes and photographs, provide the backdrop for a discussion of educational policy and practice. Several chapters on play and language focus on the importance of providing a context in which children can develop their own ideas and questions. Adults should be sensitive guides and not formal instructors according to this view. Incorporating research on brain development as well as a review of some of the major developmental theorists, the author encourages integrating new and older ideas to achieve a dynamic educational approach. Each chapter offers an overview, information and examples, and closes with a number of questions to encourage further examination of teaching practices. This format makes the book an ideal one for staff discussions, helpful to new practitioners as well as the more experienced. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduate collections and above. S. Sugarman Bennington College

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Tina Bruce is a freelance consultant and visiting professor at the London Metropolitan University