Theories and Approaches to Learning in the Early Years

′This admirable book covers key historical and contemporary theories which underlie different approaches to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The authors have devised an excellent format which locates approaches to practice in a clear theoretical framework and also invites practitioners to engage in critical reflection, to develop their own distinct practices. This is a much needed strategy in a field where practitioners have often lacked the critical edge which could put them in the driving seat of their own practice. Thus, the inclusion of critique at the end of every chapter allows the reader to take a measured look at the often persuasive but subtly different approaches that ECEC has advocated′ -
Journal of Early Childhood Research

′Critical thinkers, concerned with influencing critical issues, such as so-called ‘schoolification’ and ‘school-readiness’ will appreciate in this book the pivotal positioning of learning through play. In the final chapter the editors reiterate the importance of play in theories of early childhood learning and challenge current political trends towards the ‘schoolification’ of learning in the early years′ -
ESCalate

As today’s graduates become the leadership and management of tomorrow’s world of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) they are well advised to proceed to the book store for their own copy of ‘Theories and Approaches to Learning in the Early Years’.

′Some very complex theories are presented in a refreshingly accessible and highly reader friendly way in this fairly academic text...The discussion points in each chapter are particularly helpful in supporting and facilitating critical thinking, whether you are starting out in early education studies, or keeping up-to-date with the latest thinking′ -
Early Years Educator

′This is a well-organised and timely overview of the ‘big picture’ in Early Childhood Education and Care theory and practice, written by champions in their fields, highly accessible and offering real food for thought in beginning to inter-connect the complexities of ECEC. An excellent introductory text ′ -
Pat Broadhead,
Professor of Playful Learning and Leeds Metropolitan University and Chair of TACTYC

′The authors are to be congratulated on presenting complex theories in a highly accessible form. Early childhood students and practitioners will find this an invaluable introduction to the wide range of theories underpinning research and practice in the field′ -
Sue Rogers, Head of Department Learning, Curriculum and Communication,
Faculty of Children and Learning, Institute of Education

Sue Rogers, Head of Department Learning, Curriculum and Communication, Faculty of Children and Learning, Institute of Education

Balanced and accesible. A good introduction to learning theory. -- Dr Elise Alexander * drupal *
This is a very useful book and students have enjoyed it -- Dr Gabriella Brundrett * drupal *
A good range of theories and approaches is considered and the depth of analysis is stronger than in many similar books. The inclusion of further reading at different levels increases the usability fo the book. In some cases a more critical approach to critique would have been welcomed e.g. discussion of Montessori. -- Dr Ros Garrick * drupal *
Excellent resource for use with the FdA ECS students..Also an excellent resource to support tutors working with levels 2 and 3 childcare students.
Level 3 students should be encourseged to use this resource as it is a well presented book with accessible language and provides a route through to developing a good understanding of the theory that supports their practice. Using it within the classroom environment has enabled tutors to model researching techniques to support development of this practice effectively too. -- Linda Ellis * drupal *
Book is concise and well presented with easy to understand relevance to theory and practices. -- Maria Panter * drupal *
Structured well which gives readers an opportunity to understand theoretical approaches to learning. Text very useful for returning and exprienced practitioners. Plenty of opportunites for them to reflect on their practice. -- Miss Alyson Lewis * drupal *
An excellent book for students studying at a higher level, that want to have a more indepth understanding of theoretical concepts. -- Miss Alyson Lewis * drupal *
This book is really clear and helpful and organized. This works well as a introductory text. -- Miss Amy Smith * drupal *
This was a really good text to engage with and I feel students will be able to read and elicit information easily. -- Miss Annette Trilk * drupal *
A fabulous introduction for Level 4 undergraduate students. -- Miss Kerry Moakes * drupal *
This book covers foundation theories in relation to Froebel, Montessori and Waldolf. It also covers comtemporary theories including The highscope approach, Paley, Forest schools and Te Whariki. It is a useful for students to use as supplementary reading for their studies in early years -- Miss Leanne Warwick * drupal *
This book highlighted some of the key learning approaches that students discuss within the process of them completing there Foundation Degree. It is ideal for getting students to consider some of the more contemporary theories which are often not thought of due to it being current or recent practice. The discussion questions are really good for encouraging students to think about the theory in question. -- Miss Natalie Gibson * drupal *
This is a useful text for those studying alternative approaches to education in the early years. Chapters explain, explore and critique Froebel, Montessori, Waldorf, High Scope and Forest Schools. Case studies and questions to think about allow the individual to respond to the variations of 21st century education in the early years. -- Miss Rebecca Bolan * drupal *
A really useful which looks critically and analytically at a number of theories and approaches to learning in the early years. A very helpful text for undergraduates. -- Miss Sandra Lyndon * drupal *
This book is essential for any learners doing their foundation degree.
It also introduces level 3 learners to curriculum′s such as Te Whariki and gives them a solid background on different theories and approaches used internationally. Which is great for the optional unit of CACHE, 17. -- Miss Sophie Wilson * drupal *
Impressive and comprehensive book which I shall certainly encourage my students to investigate -- Mr Andrew Holmes * drupal *
Essential reading for Childhood degree courses. Pound and Millar have brought together the essence of theroy and it′s impact on the Early Years.
I am confident my students will certainly make use of further reading recommendations. For me, the chapter on Froebel today makes the book an essential text. -- Mr John Bartlett * drupal *
This text has an excellent layout and is accessible and well set out. The content is extremely readable and the text is an excellent introduction/extension to learning theories. -- Mr John Humphreys, MEd,MA * drupal *
Text is ideal for my foundation degree students. There is a good discussion of each theory, and the chapters cover areas that were previously quite difficult to get information on. I feel that these books could take undergraduate thinking on a long way. -- Mr Mark Wilkins * drupal *
Again, not so relevant for the course listed here - though I will recommend the Forest Schools chapter, which is clearly written and has a helpful critique. Also a very interesting chapter on psychoanalytic influences on early years practice which is ideal supplemental reading for another module (Working with Children & Families). -- Mr Martin Harmer * drupal *
An accessible approach to complex theoretical perspectives and concepts.

Very useful for childhood studies students. -- Mr Phil Prescott * drupal *
A useful and timely exploration of theory and practice - this is a very readable and accessible book which will furnish the reader with a broad overview of some of the key theories of Early Childhood Education. The discussion points encourage reflection and application in the reader and are a helpful addition to the text. -- Mrs Abigail Gosling * drupal *
Fantastic book giving a good insight into the different theories and approaches to learning in the Early Years. Easy to follow and understand with a good flow throughout. A book that will be recommended to aid my students learning on the foundation degree. -- Mrs Alison Farrell * drupal *
I will be using this very informative book across a range of levels in the childcare and early years education courses I teach. I will be recommending it to my level 2 and level 3 students. -- Mrs Amanda Thomas * drupal *
Detailed book covering much course content - for the more academic learner. -- Mrs Amanda Thompson * drupal *
I found the book very readable and the information very accessible for my students. The information is up to date and the "questions for discussion" very useful for starter activities to use in seminars" -- Mrs Angela Hodgkins * drupal *
I really like this book. Easy to use and good information -- Mrs Anita Williams * drupal *
A useful text for considering international perspectives on critical issues related to early years education. Will adopt for a module on international curricula studies. -- Mrs Anna Colgan * drupal *
This was a really good text to engage with and I feel students will be able to read and elicit information easily. -- Mrs Annette Trilk * drupal *
This book focuses on key theorists in Early Years Education. The book allows learners to evaluate and reflect upon the influence of these theories on current twenty-first century practice and curricula today. -- Mrs Cerys Summerhill-Davies * drupal *
This is highly recommended and entirely accessible to even the most nervous student of early childhood theory. The authors eloquently retain the central theme of playful learning throughout the text and admirably engage the reader in moving between historic theory and new debate. A must for critical classroom discussion. -- Mrs Chelle Davison * drupal *
A useful book for students detailing relevant theories and approaches to learning. It is a text that students will be able to ′dip′ in and out of when needed. -- Mrs Dawn Rigby * drupal *
This text is very much in support of the course content for Foundation degree yr1 students. The key theoretical perspectives are clearly outlined and supporting students′ understanding when applying theory to practice. Thank you. -- Mrs Eleonora Teszenyi * drupal *
Very good in giving overviews of the theorists. Recommended if studying the theory behind children′s learning -- Mrs Emma Griffiths * drupal *
An excellent text that covers a large range of different theories and approaches to teaching in the early years. Good links to current practice and research.Each chapter provides indepth critical analysis of each approach. I would fully recommend this text to support students and practitioners with their studies. -- Mrs Fiona Craig * drupal *
This will be a useful addition to the reading list for my Pedagogy Module. -- Mrs Gail Parker * drupal *
supports the students hugely in understanding how they can apply theory to practice. -- Mrs Gillian Sykes * drupal *
A consistent and accessible format ensures that complex theories and perspectives are clearly outlined for readers. Readers are encouraged to evaluate theories and to question their influence on current practice and children′s learning experiences. -- Mrs Hilary Morgan * drupal *
As Linda Pound addresses the key figures, philosophies and ideas in early childhood education , this book will be thumbed through over and over again as it covers such a wide range of theory which will fit with a range of modules on an early years foundation degree.
Students wil find the reflective questions at the end of a chapter useful. -- Mrs Jackie Braithwaite * drupal *
Great book. Ideal for Early Childhood Studies BA students and PGCert Early Years. Great to see the work of Paley acknowledged. Will certainly put on Essential list for next year. -- Mrs Jan Gourd * drupal *
This book has already become essential reading for the course I teach. Both I and the students have found it informative, easy to read and find the information needed.

I have found it is the book I am recommending to students who are looking to buy books. I have also requested it as a book for the college LRC so I can add it to my indicative reading list. -- Mrs Jane Wellock * drupal *
This is a clearly written book by two respected professionals. This is an ideal book to support students across the period of their study from the beginning when they review currrent theories through to the final year. Added to the Reading list.Thankyiu -- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
Excellent book from two expert professionals - a perfect supplement to our module Developments in EYC&E. Thankyou - it is on the reading list. -- Mrs Janet Harvell * drupal *
An accessible and useful text which clearly presents some of the more complex theories in a format that students will appreciate. -- Mrs Jean Bourne * drupal *
A useful resource to give additional reading material for the students -- Mrs Jo Saxby * drupal *
Good well explained text relevant to the BSc Chldhood studies -- Mrs Karen Burton * drupal *
This engaging book sets out clearly and accessibly, three key areas for analysis. Theoretical and analytical perspectives are closely referenced to key theorists, key historical influences on our early years education today are explored with a balanced rhetoric and this is complemented with a detailed analysis of more contemporary approaches. It will supplement and extend the reading for those students who wish to understand more, in depth, about the influences on early years practice. -- Mrs Karen Vincent * drupal *
A very good book that combines accessibility to a wide range of curriculum styles whilst at the same time giving enough of a flavour for the reader to go on.
The chapter on Te Whariki was especially useful for my purpose, an area not covered as frequently as many of the others. -- Mrs Kathryn Peckham * drupal *
Excellent book that addresses and informs on several of my units I am teaching on the Early Years Foundation degree and will be added to the booklist of recommended reading to my students in all years 1,2, & 3. -- Mrs Keris Bat...