Understanding Child Development 2nd Edition: Linking Theory and Practice

Summary:
Understanding Child Development 2nd Edition is the new edition of the bestselling, user-friendly book for those studying for Early Years Foundation Degrees, Early Childhood Studies Degrees, and S/NVQ Levels 3 and 4 in Childcare Learning and Development. Jennie Lindon explains all the key approaches to studying child development in a straightforward way that helps students understand the links between theories and their learning and practice.

Throughout the book:

- Key terms are explained in language that students can understand
- 'Making the connection' features link what is being learned to settings and practice
- There is guidance on observations and students own research, to apply what has been learned.

Anyone pursuing Early Years Professional Status will find this an invaluable resource, whilst experienced practitioners in the whole range of early years settings will find it supports continuing professional development.

• Fully updated to take account of new EYFS standards, legislation and research
• Packed with features that break down concepts and apply them to child care settings
• Hugely experienced, bestselling author Jennie Lindon

Table of Contents:
1: A focus on early childhood
What, how and why in child development
Reflective and knowledgeable practitioners
2: Explaining child development: considering nature and nurture
Biological-maturation theories
Environmental-learning theories
3: Explaining child development: cognitive and social perspectives
Cognitive-developmental theories
Socio-cultural theories
4: Research as a source of information and ideas
Different ways to study children
Planning and interpretation in research
Linking research with practice
5: Social and emotional development: the foundation
The importance of attachment
Emotional literacy
Dispositions: where feeling meets thinking
6: The importance of physical skills and movement
Physical development and children’s experiences
Learning through the senses
The importance of outdoor learning
7: Understanding and supporting children’s communication
How do children learn spoken language?
Early social interaction
The learning journey towards literacy
8: Thinking and learning
Very young thinkers
The sounds of the children thinking
Working within the zone of proximal development
9: Children’s behaviour: adults’ reactions
Individual differences and experience
The journey towards pro-social behaviour
Social behaviour and play
10: Children as part of a social and cultural community
Childhood experienced in a time and place
Early years provision in context
Children within families and a ommunity
Using further resources

About the Author(s):
Jennie Lindon is a Chartered Psychologist who runs her own business in training and consultancy. Jennie has worked extensively with early years, educational and playwork services for children and their families. She has also worked with residential and foster carers.

Readership:
Early Years Foundation Degrees, Early Childhood Studies Degrees, and S/NVQ Levels 3 and 4 in Childcare Learning and Development