Understanding Early Childhood: Issues and Controversies

by HelenPenn (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2004

  $3.35

  'This book should be essential reading for every student of Early Childhood Studies who wants to approach this rapidly expanding field of study with an open mind' - Eva Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, University of Bristol, UK. 'This book makes a unique and significant contribution to the international study of early childhood. Using an analytical but accessible style, it addresses several of the most persistent conventional wisdoms in the field, bringing a wide and creative range of material from a variety of disciplines and diverse cultures to bear. Early childhood educators and researchers, policy makers and advocates...will welcome this thoughtful book' - Martha Friendly, Director, Childcare Resource and Research Unit, University of Toronto, Canada.'This is a very readable account of theories and approaches in early childhood care and education. It challenges us to re-examine the origins and underpinnings of established practice. It takes an international perspective and will be valuable for training new teachers and for ongoing teacher development' - Linda Biersteker, Head of Research, Early Learning Resource Unit, Cape Town, South Africa. Drawing on research evidence from across the world, this book offers a wide-ranging perspective on the ways in which we understand and study young children.The book summarizes current debates in child development, and looks at different ways of understanding early childhood and the various methods used to gain understanding, featuring: personal memories of childhood; neuro-scientific and genetic interpretations of childhood; cultural perspectives; and, chapters on history, health and child rights. Understanding Early Childhood concludes with an analysis of everyday practices in working with young children from across the world. It is key reading for early childhood students and practitioners working with young children.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $3.35

  Review of the first edition: 'This book should be essential reading for every student of Early Childhood. Helen Penn is a highly regarded academic who has the rare ability to write simply and lucidly about complex issues. This eagerly awaited new edition provides a lively critical overview of the field. Highly recommended' - Professor Trisha Maynard, Head of the Department of Childhood Studies, Swansea University, UK. Understanding Early Childhood provides students with a clear, user-friendly introduction to a number of difficult concepts and theories in early childhood education. Drawing on research evidence from various countries and reviewing studies about children from different disciplines - including anthropology, economics, history, psychology and sociology - it offers broad and insightful perspectives on the ways in which we understand and study young children.Revised and updated throughout, this second edition covers contemporary theories and debates in a concise and accessible style. It's unique features include: A critical discussion of child development; a broad interdisciplinary approach; a general overview of theoretical approaches and research methodologies; new coverage of global trends about childhood; an important new chapter on the economics of early education and care; updates on the relevance of neuroscience and genetic research to early childhood; 'What to read next' at the end of each chapter; and, the ability to be used by varying levels of students. This book concludes with a postscript on the theme of interdisciplinary thinking and a critique of current policy initiatives in the UK. Understanding Early Childhood is key reading for early childhood students and practitioners working with young children.