"There are three reasons why this book deserves to be taken seriously. The first is because it concerns ‘play’, and this is a challenging and multi-faceted subject. The second reason is because it examines play during the first three years of life, which is a crucial period for the developing child in many aspects (i.e. physical, emotional, cognitive, etc.). The third reason is the book’s virtues, the most important of which are the clarity of thought displayed by its authors, the systematic descriptions of play contexts and play between children and adults, and the accessible style in which it is written.” International Journal of Early Years Education Key Times for Play takes a broad look at the importance of play for children from birth to three and sets play within the framework of a child's whole development. The book combines theory and practice and is illustrated by many examples from direct observation of children. Key Times for Play is organised in relation to key characteristics of children from birth to three, each of which are looked at in relation to how very young children play. The implications of this for how adults interact with young children and how they provide, support and develop play experiences is a major focus. A key theme of the book is the emphasis on a holistic approach to young children's play. Play is therefore looked at in relation to all aspects of the child's day and the separation of play and work and care and education is challenged. Key Times for Play is suitable for the student undertaking a level three qualification, but wishing to continue onto a degree course. It is a challenging text for these levels, but because it keeps a practical approach, it remains accessible to the reader.

Applause! Applause! And wasn't it easy! Even non-musical teachers will love using this simple musical play. Children will bring stories to life through drama, music, art, language, and gross motor activities. Each book contains a CD (print books) or audio files (eBooks) and a resource guide loaded with songs, music, and step-by-step directions for classroom use or performance. The CD and audio files contain both songs with lyrics, and piano accompaniment only. This play is loaded with wonderful music and catchy lyrics that children will want to sing again and again!

"This timely book will help teachers in KS1 to implement authoritative recommendations on transition from recent reviews of primary education, and convince senior managers and parents of the value of starting from the child. Its well-grounded arguments coupled with practical guidance will foster the development of principled and confident professional judgement." Wendy Scott, President, TACTYC "Julie is an excellent writer, leading her reader through the difficult arguments about what really matters in our work with young children. She explores the tensions around the different 'drivers' in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One teaching with sensitivity but with the same clear vision she shows in her earlier books. This is an important book for students, lecturers and teachers - and a must for heads and subject co-ordinators." Nick Swarbrick, Westminster Institute of Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK "Your common-sense, authoritative, warm and inspirational words...remind me beyond all doubt of why I went into teaching." Key Stage 1 teacher This practical book offers a series of strategies for promoting learning that meets the needs and interests of Key Stage 1 pupils, ensuring that the move from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1 is a positive one. It includes:Suggestions for implementing the recommendations of the Rose ReviewDescriptions and case studies of good practice that stem from established principles of learning and teachingReflective practice prompts at the end of each chapter Julie Fisher considers recent evidence about how children learn and questions whether current practice in Key Stage 1 optimises these ways of learning. Challenging the reliance on teacher-directed activity, she asks whether introducing more child-initiated learning could offer children a more appropriate balance of learning opportunities. Key issues include: The place of play in Key Stage 1Organising the learning day to include child-initiated activity Observation and assessmentPlanningThe role of the teacher This essential book is indispensable reading for students and practitioners in both the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.

Ebook: Life-Span Development

"I hope this book will inspire early years practitioners, lecturers and trainers to stop and think in the hustle and bustle of daily practice, to take a fresh look at the play of these very young children. This book does not claim to have all the answers but seeks to challenge practitioners to observe closely and respond to babies as they begin to play."Elinor Goldschmied, author of People under Three: Young Children in Day Care This book focuses on the need to equip practitioners to meet the play needs of children in today’s early years settings. With babies and very young children increasingly being cared for in out-of-home care settings, it is essential for early years practitioners to be responsive and reflective to ensure that these young children’s needs are met in an appropriate way. Beginning to Play explores the young child’s right to a high quality, multi-sensory play environment where play really can begin. It builds on Goldschmied’s concept of Treasure Basket play, which involves a wide variety of everyday objects gathered together to stimulate all five senses of babies and young children. The book features detailed observations of babies beginning to play at and beyond the treasure basket. These observations support readers in offering rich play materials and experiences. Providing valuable insights and practical support, this reader-friendly book: Encourages practitioners to reflect on and review their own current practice. Supports readers in recognising and responding to babies’ signals and communication Emphasises the need for emotional well-being to enable babies and young children to begin to play and examines the effects of non-responsive care on babies and young children Beginning to Play is essential reading for practitioners working with children from birth to three, students on Early Childhood Studies courses, and other readers who are eager to increase their knowledge about children from birth to three.

"This accomplished book represents an impressive and important extension of previous writing in the field and is sure to expand practitioners’ understanding of the fascinating medium that is the treasure basket." Janet Moyles, Professor Emeritus, Anglia Ruskin University, UK Watching a child play with a Treasure Basket can give a powerful insight into the wonder of children’s minds; their developmental levels, interests, likes and dislikes; repeated patterns of behaviour; and even glimpses of a child’s personality. This book draws extensively upon observations of children’s play as well as contemporary and original research in neuroscience and sensory play, to offer fresh insights into the use and benefits of Treasure Baskets and sensory-rich play. The book demonstrates how babies through to primary school children, including those with special educational needs, can derive rich and meaningful hands-on learning from sensory-rich objects and the wider application of sensory play. Key features of the book: Discovering how sensory play presents opportunities for problem solving and meaning making as well as developing creativity and imagination Understanding the benefits and potential of sensory-rich play and its powerful effect upon brain development and memory Learning about the role of the adult in supporting and maximising sensory-rich play Gaining insights from a range of case studies and activities If you have already witnessed deeply absorbing Treasure Basket play in action and marvelled at children’s fascination and focus, then this book helps explain something of the ‘behind the scenes’ processes in action. For those who have not yet encountered this deceptively complex play, this book whets the appetite, giving a taste of what Treasure Baskets and sensory-rich play have to offer. This timely and empowering book is written for practitioners and students working with babies through to primary-aged children.

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