Landscape as playscape : learning effects from playing in a natural environment on motor development in children

Landscape as playscape : learning effects from playing in a natural environment on motor development in children

Author: Ingunn Fjørtoft

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9788250203549

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Book Synopsis Landscape as playscape : learning effects from playing in a natural environment on motor development in children by : Ingunn Fjørtoft

Download or read book Landscape as playscape : learning effects from playing in a natural environment on motor development in children written by Ingunn Fjørtoft and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Handbook of Research on Using Motor Games in Teaching and Learning Strategy

Handbook of Research on Using Motor Games in Teaching and Learning Strategy

Author: Gil-Madrona, Pedro

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2022-05-06

Total Pages: 511

ISBN-13: 1799896226

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Motor games are incredibly useful in enhancing education and developing critical skills; they can entertain, produce pleasant emotions, improve moods, and increase the level of relationships. Motor games allow social, emotional, and cognitive development as well as the acquisition of motor skills such as knowledge and mastery of body, postural control and adjustment, and improvement of coordination. However, it is essential to select the appropriate game for each context to achieve the desired learning in all students. Further research on the opportunities, challenges, and future directions of motor games in education is necessary to successfully implement them. The Handbook of Research on Using Motor Games in Teaching and Learning Strategy presents significant advances in motor game education and collects research evidence that uncovers the certainties and testifies to the educational power of motor games in various situations and specific contexts that promote the learning of participants. Covering topics such as emotional physical education and educational mediation, this major reference work is ideal for researchers, academicians, educators, practitioners, and students.


Book Synopsis Handbook of Research on Using Motor Games in Teaching and Learning Strategy by : Gil-Madrona, Pedro

Download or read book Handbook of Research on Using Motor Games in Teaching and Learning Strategy written by Gil-Madrona, Pedro and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2022-05-06 with total page 511 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Motor games are incredibly useful in enhancing education and developing critical skills; they can entertain, produce pleasant emotions, improve moods, and increase the level of relationships. Motor games allow social, emotional, and cognitive development as well as the acquisition of motor skills such as knowledge and mastery of body, postural control and adjustment, and improvement of coordination. However, it is essential to select the appropriate game for each context to achieve the desired learning in all students. Further research on the opportunities, challenges, and future directions of motor games in education is necessary to successfully implement them. The Handbook of Research on Using Motor Games in Teaching and Learning Strategy presents significant advances in motor game education and collects research evidence that uncovers the certainties and testifies to the educational power of motor games in various situations and specific contexts that promote the learning of participants. Covering topics such as emotional physical education and educational mediation, this major reference work is ideal for researchers, academicians, educators, practitioners, and students.


Urban Biodiversity and Ecological Design for Sustainable Cities

Urban Biodiversity and Ecological Design for Sustainable Cities

Author: Keitaro Ito

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-03-23

Total Pages: 375

ISBN-13: 4431568565

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This book highlights various designs for urban green spaces and their functions. It provides an interesting meeting point between Asian, European and North America specialists (researchers, planners, landscape architects) studying urban biodiversity; urban biodiversity and green space; relations between people and biodiversity. The most important feature of this book is the unique point of view from each contributor towards “the relationship between nature and people in urban areas”, in the context of the ecosystem and biodiversity in urban areas and how to manage them. All chapters explore and consider the relationship between humans and nature in cities, a subject which is taking on increasing importance as new cities are conceptualized and planned. These discussion and examples would be useful for urban ecology researchers, biologists, city planners, government staff working in city planning, architects, landscape architects, and university instructors. This book can also be used as a textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate city planning, architecture or landscape architecture courses.


Book Synopsis Urban Biodiversity and Ecological Design for Sustainable Cities by : Keitaro Ito

Download or read book Urban Biodiversity and Ecological Design for Sustainable Cities written by Keitaro Ito and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-03-23 with total page 375 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book highlights various designs for urban green spaces and their functions. It provides an interesting meeting point between Asian, European and North America specialists (researchers, planners, landscape architects) studying urban biodiversity; urban biodiversity and green space; relations between people and biodiversity. The most important feature of this book is the unique point of view from each contributor towards “the relationship between nature and people in urban areas”, in the context of the ecosystem and biodiversity in urban areas and how to manage them. All chapters explore and consider the relationship between humans and nature in cities, a subject which is taking on increasing importance as new cities are conceptualized and planned. These discussion and examples would be useful for urban ecology researchers, biologists, city planners, government staff working in city planning, architects, landscape architects, and university instructors. This book can also be used as a textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate city planning, architecture or landscape architecture courses.


Connecting Paradigms of Motor Behavior to Sport and Physical Education

Connecting Paradigms of Motor Behavior to Sport and Physical Education

Author: Kaivo Thomson

Publisher: Tallinn University Press

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 277

ISBN-13: 9985587049

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“Connecting Paradigms of Motor Behaviour to Sport and Physical Education” presents recent articles that examine theoretical and empirical research on the learning and teaching of motor skills. The development of the book is based on the effect of synergism – a phenomenon whereby the cooperative interaction of multiple psychological, pedagogical, and biological ideas, drawn from the systemic model, produces an outcome that is superior to that which could be expected from knowledge derived from the independent contributions of these disciplines. For students, researchers and teachers working in the fields of sports and physical education, this book should promote a deeper understanding of previous knowledge, and provide exposure to ideas that frame new perspectives related to the acquisition of skills and motor learning.


Book Synopsis Connecting Paradigms of Motor Behavior to Sport and Physical Education by : Kaivo Thomson

Download or read book Connecting Paradigms of Motor Behavior to Sport and Physical Education written by Kaivo Thomson and published by Tallinn University Press. This book was released on 2010 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Connecting Paradigms of Motor Behaviour to Sport and Physical Education” presents recent articles that examine theoretical and empirical research on the learning and teaching of motor skills. The development of the book is based on the effect of synergism – a phenomenon whereby the cooperative interaction of multiple psychological, pedagogical, and biological ideas, drawn from the systemic model, produces an outcome that is superior to that which could be expected from knowledge derived from the independent contributions of these disciplines. For students, researchers and teachers working in the fields of sports and physical education, this book should promote a deeper understanding of previous knowledge, and provide exposure to ideas that frame new perspectives related to the acquisition of skills and motor learning.


Designing Low Carbon Societies in Landscapes

Designing Low Carbon Societies in Landscapes

Author: Nobukazu Nakagoshi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-05-09

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 443154819X

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This book focuses on three major means of achieving a low carbon society: conservation of the ecosystem complex, changes of arrangement of landscapes, and creation of biodiversity. There are specific countermeasures to be taken for carbon absorption in the three types of landscapes—urban, cultural, and natural—because their carbon balances differ. Urban landscapes are promising sites because they have the potential for greening and the creation of biodiversity. Cultural landscapes in the tropics had not been actively researched until recently, but this book now presents a collection of several cases focused on those areas. Natural landscapes had existed in abundance in developing countries; later, nature protection areas were designated to coexist with development. Now, however, developmental pressure has penetrated into those nature protection areas, and landscape ecological projects are urgently required to preserve them. As a result of global warming, abnormal weather phenomena including super typhoons have occurred frequently in recent years. The major underlying cause is the higher concentration of greenhouse gases released by human activities. As well, major natural absorbers of CO2 such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs are shrinking, and the human impact is causing the ecological balance to deteriorate. Controlling CO2 emissions and expanding the CO2 absorbers are keys to reducing total CO2. Low carbon societies can be established by maintaining the original CO2 balance through integration of multiple tools, with contributions from diverse fields such as physics and chemistry, physiology and humanities, and education. On the basis of an international consensus, the environment must be protected no matter what sacrifices are required. As this book demonstrates, achieving a low carbon society is a top priority, and landscape conservation is the first step in ecological research toward that goal.


Book Synopsis Designing Low Carbon Societies in Landscapes by : Nobukazu Nakagoshi

Download or read book Designing Low Carbon Societies in Landscapes written by Nobukazu Nakagoshi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-05-09 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book focuses on three major means of achieving a low carbon society: conservation of the ecosystem complex, changes of arrangement of landscapes, and creation of biodiversity. There are specific countermeasures to be taken for carbon absorption in the three types of landscapes—urban, cultural, and natural—because their carbon balances differ. Urban landscapes are promising sites because they have the potential for greening and the creation of biodiversity. Cultural landscapes in the tropics had not been actively researched until recently, but this book now presents a collection of several cases focused on those areas. Natural landscapes had existed in abundance in developing countries; later, nature protection areas were designated to coexist with development. Now, however, developmental pressure has penetrated into those nature protection areas, and landscape ecological projects are urgently required to preserve them. As a result of global warming, abnormal weather phenomena including super typhoons have occurred frequently in recent years. The major underlying cause is the higher concentration of greenhouse gases released by human activities. As well, major natural absorbers of CO2 such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs are shrinking, and the human impact is causing the ecological balance to deteriorate. Controlling CO2 emissions and expanding the CO2 absorbers are keys to reducing total CO2. Low carbon societies can be established by maintaining the original CO2 balance through integration of multiple tools, with contributions from diverse fields such as physics and chemistry, physiology and humanities, and education. On the basis of an international consensus, the environment must be protected no matter what sacrifices are required. As this book demonstrates, achieving a low carbon society is a top priority, and landscape conservation is the first step in ecological research toward that goal.


The SAGE Handbook of Outdoor Play and Learning

The SAGE Handbook of Outdoor Play and Learning

Author: Tim Waller

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2017-06-19

Total Pages: 707

ISBN-13: 1526415518

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A coordinated and comprehensive volume of international research on this subject edited by members of the well-established European Early Childhood Education Research Association Outdoor Play and Learning SIG (OPAL).


Book Synopsis The SAGE Handbook of Outdoor Play and Learning by : Tim Waller

Download or read book The SAGE Handbook of Outdoor Play and Learning written by Tim Waller and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2017-06-19 with total page 707 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A coordinated and comprehensive volume of international research on this subject edited by members of the well-established European Early Childhood Education Research Association Outdoor Play and Learning SIG (OPAL).


Exploring Outdoor Play in the Early Years

Exploring Outdoor Play in the Early Years

Author: Trisha Maynard

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)

Published: 2014-06-16

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 0335263399

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Outdoor play is a significant and essential aspect of a young child's development and enjoys a renewed emphasis in early years practice, in keeping with the core principles embedded within the early years tradition. However, this emphasis may sit uneasily alongside a requirement to focus on the development of literacy and numeracy skills and supporting outdoor play can raise a number of thorny issues such as freedom, safety and risk. This book challenges the reader to consider: Why outdoor play is seen to be of significance within early childhood Whether this view is justified (what are the benefits of outdoor play?) The implications for practitioners who may be facing conflicting pressures in their work with young children In particular, the writers skilfully blend theory, research and practical guidance to address three important issues: What constitutes 'good' outdoor provision for young children and babies? How do we respect and respond to the young child in outdoor provision? How do we support risky play within the bounds of a statutory curriculum or regulatory regime? Incorporating chapters from internationally renowned authors working in this field, this book is recommended both for practitioners involved in early years education and care and for students at foundation, degree and post-graduate levels. "This is a thought provoking book that draws on research to encourage the reader to reflect on the essence of outdoor play in early childhood. Recognising that within our society assumptions are made about outdoors and about childhood, this book challenges the reader to reflect on outdoor provision from a number of perspectives. The outdoor environment matters to young children. This book not only makes the case for outdoor play, it considers what that actually looks like in the UK and internationally, and asks us to reflect on the implications for our own working practices. Maynard and Waters set out to provoke critical reflection and inspire practitioners; they have certainly achieved their aim and this book is a welcome addition to the debate about outdoors in the early years." Gail Ryder Richardson, Early Years Consultant and Trainer, Outdoor Matters! Contributors: Valerie Huggins, Sara Knight, Helen Little, Trisha Maynard, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter, Alison Stephenson, Helen Tovey, Sue Waite, Jane Waters, Jan White, Karen Wickett, Helen Woolley and Shirley Wyver.


Book Synopsis Exploring Outdoor Play in the Early Years by : Trisha Maynard

Download or read book Exploring Outdoor Play in the Early Years written by Trisha Maynard and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2014-06-16 with total page 178 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Outdoor play is a significant and essential aspect of a young child's development and enjoys a renewed emphasis in early years practice, in keeping with the core principles embedded within the early years tradition. However, this emphasis may sit uneasily alongside a requirement to focus on the development of literacy and numeracy skills and supporting outdoor play can raise a number of thorny issues such as freedom, safety and risk. This book challenges the reader to consider: Why outdoor play is seen to be of significance within early childhood Whether this view is justified (what are the benefits of outdoor play?) The implications for practitioners who may be facing conflicting pressures in their work with young children In particular, the writers skilfully blend theory, research and practical guidance to address three important issues: What constitutes 'good' outdoor provision for young children and babies? How do we respect and respond to the young child in outdoor provision? How do we support risky play within the bounds of a statutory curriculum or regulatory regime? Incorporating chapters from internationally renowned authors working in this field, this book is recommended both for practitioners involved in early years education and care and for students at foundation, degree and post-graduate levels. "This is a thought provoking book that draws on research to encourage the reader to reflect on the essence of outdoor play in early childhood. Recognising that within our society assumptions are made about outdoors and about childhood, this book challenges the reader to reflect on outdoor provision from a number of perspectives. The outdoor environment matters to young children. This book not only makes the case for outdoor play, it considers what that actually looks like in the UK and internationally, and asks us to reflect on the implications for our own working practices. Maynard and Waters set out to provoke critical reflection and inspire practitioners; they have certainly achieved their aim and this book is a welcome addition to the debate about outdoors in the early years." Gail Ryder Richardson, Early Years Consultant and Trainer, Outdoor Matters! Contributors: Valerie Huggins, Sara Knight, Helen Little, Trisha Maynard, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter, Alison Stephenson, Helen Tovey, Sue Waite, Jane Waters, Jan White, Karen Wickett, Helen Woolley and Shirley Wyver.


Varied Perspectives on Play and Learning

Varied Perspectives on Play and Learning

Author: Ole Fredrik Lillemyr

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2013-09-01

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 1623964172

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This book brings together an international group of researchers reporting on their work about play and early childhood education across 13 countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, Germany, Hong Kong, United States of America, India, The Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, China and Australia. It contributes to growing international conversations about play and the role of play in early childhood education. Each of the chapters in this anthology reflects different directions in research as well as a range of approaches to reconceptualising play. Each researcher questions assumptions underpinning young children’s play and early childhood education and explores the implications of these questions for further research, practice and policy. Chapters report a wide range of innovative and transformative research, focusing on areas such as the play of infants and toddlers, the role of values in play, the complexity of connections between play and learning, motivation, the role and understandings of early childhood educators in promoting children’s play, risky play and the impact of Westernised approaches to play in different contexts. This book argues for the importance of children’s play at a time when there is a great deal of pressure to increase the academic focus of early education and to eliminate play that could be deemed risky. Several authors note moves towards pedagogies of play and explore the potential links between play and learning in early education settings. The research reported in this book is a timely reminder of the value of play, for and of itself, as well as the learning potential of play. It provides a pathway into the debates about the role and value of play in early years education for students, researchers and policy-makers.


Book Synopsis Varied Perspectives on Play and Learning by : Ole Fredrik Lillemyr

Download or read book Varied Perspectives on Play and Learning written by Ole Fredrik Lillemyr and published by IAP. This book was released on 2013-09-01 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together an international group of researchers reporting on their work about play and early childhood education across 13 countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, Germany, Hong Kong, United States of America, India, The Maldives, Sri Lanka, Singapore, China and Australia. It contributes to growing international conversations about play and the role of play in early childhood education. Each of the chapters in this anthology reflects different directions in research as well as a range of approaches to reconceptualising play. Each researcher questions assumptions underpinning young children’s play and early childhood education and explores the implications of these questions for further research, practice and policy. Chapters report a wide range of innovative and transformative research, focusing on areas such as the play of infants and toddlers, the role of values in play, the complexity of connections between play and learning, motivation, the role and understandings of early childhood educators in promoting children’s play, risky play and the impact of Westernised approaches to play in different contexts. This book argues for the importance of children’s play at a time when there is a great deal of pressure to increase the academic focus of early education and to eliminate play that could be deemed risky. Several authors note moves towards pedagogies of play and explore the potential links between play and learning in early education settings. The research reported in this book is a timely reminder of the value of play, for and of itself, as well as the learning potential of play. It provides a pathway into the debates about the role and value of play in early years education for students, researchers and policy-makers.


Children and Childhoods 1

Children and Childhoods 1

Author: Peter Whiteman

Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Published: 2011-10-18

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 1443834831

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The early years of life are fast gaining prominence around the world. It is well documented that investment in early childhood results in exceptionally high returns in multiple arenas; greater than those resulting from enterprise focused on later periods in people’s lives. This book presents current early years research that reflects the transdisciplinary nature of childhood. The first in the Children and Childhoods series, this volume examines multiple perspectives, places and practices that constitute early childhood. The many facets of how children and childhoods are seen, where they are enacted and how they are played out are explained through explorations of playgrounds, hospitals, museums, child care centres and other locations. Similarly diverse are the methodologies that underpin these investigations. Children, practitioners, families and researchers all contribute to this cornucopia of children and childhoods.


Book Synopsis Children and Childhoods 1 by : Peter Whiteman

Download or read book Children and Childhoods 1 written by Peter Whiteman and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. This book was released on 2011-10-18 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The early years of life are fast gaining prominence around the world. It is well documented that investment in early childhood results in exceptionally high returns in multiple arenas; greater than those resulting from enterprise focused on later periods in people’s lives. This book presents current early years research that reflects the transdisciplinary nature of childhood. The first in the Children and Childhoods series, this volume examines multiple perspectives, places and practices that constitute early childhood. The many facets of how children and childhoods are seen, where they are enacted and how they are played out are explained through explorations of playgrounds, hospitals, museums, child care centres and other locations. Similarly diverse are the methodologies that underpin these investigations. Children, practitioners, families and researchers all contribute to this cornucopia of children and childhoods.


Early Years Foundations: Critical Issues

Early Years Foundations: Critical Issues

Author: Janet Moyles

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)

Published: 2014-01-16

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 0335262651

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The new edition of this best selling book looks critically at the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and draws attention to issues that underlie the EYFS and the implications for children from birth to five. With its questions for reflection and discussion, further reading and useful websites, Early Years Foundations is essential and informative reading for students studying any early years or early childhood course, or working towards Early Years Teacher Status. Among the many challenges facing early years professionals, there are continual dilemmas arising between perceptions of good practice, the practicalities of provision and meeting OfSTED requirements. This exciting and innovative new edition supports practitioners in thinking through their responsibilities in tackling some of the many challenges they encounter, for example, that children are still perceived as 'deficit' in some way and in need of 'being school ready' rather than as developing individuals who have a right to a childhood and appropriate early education. Chapters explore the rationale behind early years practice based on theory and research, covering important topics including: Prime and specific areas of learning and development Observation and assessment Pedagogy Working with parents Difference and diversity Contributors: Sue Bingham, Gill Boag-Munroe, Liz Brooker, Helen Clarke, Anne Cockburn, Rosie Flewitt, Jan Georgeson, Michael Jones, Lilian G. Katz, Caroline Leeson, Paulette Luff, Jayne Osgood, John Parry, Jane Payler, Karen Phethean, Linda Pound, Anne Rawlings, Jonathan Rix, Sue Rogers, Anita Soni, Suzy Tutchell, Judith Twani, Jane Waters, David Whitebread "Early Years Foundations: Critical issues is a timely and valuable edition for the early childhood bookshelf, offering high quality scholarship combined with deep understanding of early childhood practice. This is a book that values early childhood practitioners as critical partners and experts in young children's learning and development. At a time of fluctuating policy, the authors remind us of the need to advocate for what matters in early childhood and they suggest ways that we can provide excellent experiences for young children with potential to enhance their lives for the long term." Jane Murray PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Northampton, UK "There seems to be a proliferation of publications currently in the field of early years education and care but this book stands out amongst the crowd for a number of reasons. In particular, the status of the three editing authors means that the content of the book is to be trusted to be both informed and thorough in its attention to detail, and this second edition has been carefully updated to incorporate recent reforms and initiatives. The editing authors' insistence on the creation of an early years text that centres on a critically reflective review of contemporary policy and research can only help to build the argument for a better future for young children's care and education. This is a book in which there are many chapters worthy of recommendation and which will form the basis for future debates and publications but Rogers' scholarly work on Enabling Pedagogy encapsulates some core research, essential to our understanding of our work with children, and is a strong and refreshing contribution, while Katz' notion of 'standards of experiences' for young children should give us all food for thought." Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK "This book is not another bland 'how to do it' manual to accompany the EYFS, it goes much further in offering a truly challenging critique. Helpfully contextualised within the changing policy and political context, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the curriculum framework and is written by someone with recognised expertise in the field. The strengths of the current EYFS are recognised but the issues and tensions are also made explicit with arguments backed up by theory and research evidence. This should be essential reading for experienced practitioners as well as Early Childhood Studies students." Denise Hevey, Professor of Early Years, University of Northampton, UK.


Book Synopsis Early Years Foundations: Critical Issues by : Janet Moyles

Download or read book Early Years Foundations: Critical Issues written by Janet Moyles and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2014-01-16 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The new edition of this best selling book looks critically at the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and draws attention to issues that underlie the EYFS and the implications for children from birth to five. With its questions for reflection and discussion, further reading and useful websites, Early Years Foundations is essential and informative reading for students studying any early years or early childhood course, or working towards Early Years Teacher Status. Among the many challenges facing early years professionals, there are continual dilemmas arising between perceptions of good practice, the practicalities of provision and meeting OfSTED requirements. This exciting and innovative new edition supports practitioners in thinking through their responsibilities in tackling some of the many challenges they encounter, for example, that children are still perceived as 'deficit' in some way and in need of 'being school ready' rather than as developing individuals who have a right to a childhood and appropriate early education. Chapters explore the rationale behind early years practice based on theory and research, covering important topics including: Prime and specific areas of learning and development Observation and assessment Pedagogy Working with parents Difference and diversity Contributors: Sue Bingham, Gill Boag-Munroe, Liz Brooker, Helen Clarke, Anne Cockburn, Rosie Flewitt, Jan Georgeson, Michael Jones, Lilian G. Katz, Caroline Leeson, Paulette Luff, Jayne Osgood, John Parry, Jane Payler, Karen Phethean, Linda Pound, Anne Rawlings, Jonathan Rix, Sue Rogers, Anita Soni, Suzy Tutchell, Judith Twani, Jane Waters, David Whitebread "Early Years Foundations: Critical issues is a timely and valuable edition for the early childhood bookshelf, offering high quality scholarship combined with deep understanding of early childhood practice. This is a book that values early childhood practitioners as critical partners and experts in young children's learning and development. At a time of fluctuating policy, the authors remind us of the need to advocate for what matters in early childhood and they suggest ways that we can provide excellent experiences for young children with potential to enhance their lives for the long term." Jane Murray PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Northampton, UK "There seems to be a proliferation of publications currently in the field of early years education and care but this book stands out amongst the crowd for a number of reasons. In particular, the status of the three editing authors means that the content of the book is to be trusted to be both informed and thorough in its attention to detail, and this second edition has been carefully updated to incorporate recent reforms and initiatives. The editing authors' insistence on the creation of an early years text that centres on a critically reflective review of contemporary policy and research can only help to build the argument for a better future for young children's care and education. This is a book in which there are many chapters worthy of recommendation and which will form the basis for future debates and publications but Rogers' scholarly work on Enabling Pedagogy encapsulates some core research, essential to our understanding of our work with children, and is a strong and refreshing contribution, while Katz' notion of 'standards of experiences' for young children should give us all food for thought." Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK "This book is not another bland 'how to do it' manual to accompany the EYFS, it goes much further in offering a truly challenging critique. Helpfully contextualised within the changing policy and political context, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the curriculum framework and is written by someone with recognised expertise in the field. The strengths of the current EYFS are recognised but the issues and tensions are also made explicit with arguments backed up by theory and research evidence. This should be essential reading for experienced practitioners as well as Early Childhood Studies students." Denise Hevey, Professor of Early Years, University of Northampton, UK.