Written by a leading author, this popular book explains schemas - a key early childhood concept - in an accessible manner, making it perfect for any early childhood course.

In her new edition of this popular book, Cathy Nutbrown presents evidence of continuity and progression in young children′s thinking. She shows, with detailed observation, that they are able and active learners. She considers aspects of children′s patterns of learning and thinking - or schemas - and demonstrates clearly how children learn in an active, dynamic and creative way. This book makes schema theory explicit in practice. Supported by numerous detailed examples and the discussion of difficult theoretical issues, it illustrates children′s learning in areas such as literacy, maths and science. This new edition includes: - discussion on the need for professional development - changes in early years pedagogy - more discussion of theories of learning in relation to curriculum and teaching practices - new examples of children′s drawings - new suggestions for using stories to support schemas. Threads of Thinking is for early years practitioners who wish to support and develop children′s learning. Professor Cathy Nutbrown is Director of Studies in Early Childhood Education at the University of Sheffield.

The author reviews children's patterns of learning and thinking (schemas), how to support early schematic development, and implications for curriculum, assessment and working with parents.

Learn how to connect your curriculum planning to children's interests and thinking. With this book, educators will discover a systematic way for using documentation to design curriculum that emerges from children's inquiries, what they wonder, and what they want to understand. Get strategies for designing a classroom environment at the start of the year to facilitate emergent inquiry curriculum. Each chapter guides teachers to document and reflect on their thinking through each of the five phases of a cycle of inquiry process, including observing, interpreting the meaning of the play they see, and developing questions to engage children.

In this revolutionary book, a renowned computer scientist explains the importance of teaching children the basics of computing and how it can prepare them to succeed in the ever-evolving tech world. Computers have completely changed the way we teach children. We have Mindstorms to thank for that. In this book, pioneering computer scientist Seymour Papert uses the invention of LOGO, the first child-friendly programming language, to make the case for the value of teaching children with computers. Papert argues that children are more than capable of mastering computers, and that teaching computational processes like de-bugging in the classroom can change the way we learn everything else. He also shows that schools saturated with technology can actually improve socialization and interaction among students and between students and teachers. Technology changes every day, but the basic ways that computers can help us learn remain. For thousands of teachers and parents who have sought creative ways to help children learn with computers, Mindstorms is their bible.

See how Cognitive Coaching principles have been woven into schools, systems, and classrooms and get a complete look at the ongoing process of implementing and sustaining coaching. Ideal for teachers, administrators, staff developers, and district leaders familiar with Cognitive Coaching, this resource shows you what practitioners who have actually learned and used Cognitive Coaching think about its applications.

What characteristics do children need to become motivated to learn? How do children’s experiences and relationships affect their cognitive development? How do you provide learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of every child in your care? The Thinking Child thoughtfully discusses the key principles of children’s cognitive and intellectual development alongside descriptions of everyday practice. It clearly explains the cognitive strategies that children use to learn new knowledge, the development of cognitive milestones such as symbolism, memories and the imagination, metacognition and creativity along with research into how the brain processes information. Throughout the book, the author considers the key characteristics of effective learning and shows how play is one of the primary mechanisms that children use to access new knowledge and to consolidate their emerging ideas and concepts. These characteristics are then applied to integral aspects of early years practice to show how pracitioners can: motivate children to learn new knowledge about themselves and the world around them; help children to develop their own ideas creatively and use this knowledge as a base to learn new things; reflect on their own teaching methods to encourage children’s engagement, motivation and creativity through effective observation and planning; engage with parents and carers to help support children’s learning at home whilst maintaining the values of the family; celebrate the uniqueness of each child and provide learning experiences that are appropriate for individuals with particular learning needs, be they physical, emotional or cognitive to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed. Emphasising the importance of understanding the theory that underpins children’s cognitive development, this accessible text shows practitioners how they can use this knowledge to provide learning opportunities that nourish children’s thinking and creative skills.