This title, by Ann Browne, focuses on the teaching of writing at Key Stage 1 and before and fully addresses the National Literacy Strategy at this level. The text fully reflects the requirements of the ITT National Curriculum, whilst addressing the latest research findings on the development of literacy skills in the primary years.

Uses well-known children's stories as starting points for activities introducing language and literacy, mathematics, sandplay, nature study and creative work.

Developing Language and Literacy: Effective Intervention in the Early Years describes successful intervention programmes to improve the phonological skills, vocabulary, and grammar of young children at risk of reading difficulties. Presents two structured intervention programmes to provide support for young children with language and literacy difficulties Describes clearly how to improve the language and foundation literacy skills of young children in the classroom Includes information about how to assess research, and how to monitor and design intervention strategies for use with individual children Helps teachers to develop an understanding of the intervention and research process as a whole Additional journal content to support this title is available click here

Written to support early years professionals who are fascinated by the complexities and implications of early development, this fully updated second edition explains why children need to play and offers practical guidance on how best to support children’s development and learning through play. Based on a wealth of research in the field, this accessible and engaging book explores why children behave as they do at different ages and stages in their development and shows how play can complement and enhance their social, emotional, perceptual, motor and intellectual development. The author shows how detailed observations of children at play can lead to providing the most appropriate learning opportunities for children with different aptitudes and abilities. Topics discussed include: the learning potential within different play activities; how emotional intelligence and children’s self-esteem contribute to overall development; supporting children that find it difficult to play; gender bias; the nature versus nurture debate; using observations to ensure appropriate play experiences; ideas and strategies for carrying out small-scale research. With suggestions for practitioner activities, and for action research questions that can be used for continuing professional development, this text is ideal for practitioners and students wanting to fully understand how play can enhance children’s overall development.

This truly innovative, practical book supports primary schools in rethinking where teaching and learning in primary science and technology should take place, and in promoting the nature of pupil independence in choosing when and why to take their learning outside the classroom boundaries. This approach builds on the good practice begun in Foundation Stage and ensures that children's personal capabilities are further developed in relation their understanding and skills in science by working in the school environment.

Nigel Kneale is perhaps best known for his pioneering work in television fantasy, notably the creation of Quatermass, and his landmark adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 for the BBC. This book is the first in-depth study of another, arguably lesser known but equally as important, Kneale creation: the 1976 Folk Horror anthology television series, Beasts. Each of the six episodes of Beasts was a standalone supernatural drama exploring themes and ideas prevalent throughout Kneale’s work, all within the confines of a lowly British television budget. From pilot episode Murrain to cult favourite Baby, Beasts charted an uncanny British landscape, where the ghost of a dolphin haunts an aquarium and a supermarket is plagued by a mysterious animalistic presence. In researching and writing this book, author Andrew Screen was given rare access to Kneale’s original scripts and production paperwork and provides an exclusive account of Kneale’s trials and tribulations in developing the series. There are also interviews with members of cast and crew, a discussion of episode treatments that were prepared but never realised — and the reasons why Kneale abandoned these at an early stage. Moreover, each storyline is contextualised with real life developments and events, exploring the mythological and cultural inspirations that place the series within its immediate historical framework. Written with full permission from the Kneale estate, THE BOOK OF BEASTS is a comprehensive overview of a cult television series and its enduring impact on viewers today. With a foreword by Johnny Mains.