The importance of high quality early childhood education is now universally recognized, and this quality crucially depends upon the practitioners who work with our young children, and their deep understanding of how children develop and learn. This book makes a vital contribution to this understanding, providing authoritative reviews of key areas of research in developmental psychology, and demonstrating how these can inform practice in early years educational settings. The book's major theme is the fundamental importance of young children developing as independent, self-regulating learners. It illustrates how good practice is based on four key principles which support and encourage this central aspect of development:Secure attachment and emotional warmthFeelings of control and agencyCognitive challenge, adults supporting learning and learning from one anotherArticulation about learning, and opportunities for self-expressionEach chapter includes:Typical and significant questions which arise in practice related to that area of developmentAn up-to-date review of key research, including insights from observational and experimental work with young children, from evolutionary psychology, and from neuroscientific studies of the developing brainPractical exercises intended to deepen understanding and to inform practiceQuestions for discussionRecommended further readingThis book provides an invaluable resource for early years students and practitioners, by summarizing new research findings and demonstrating how they can be translated into excellent early years practice.
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