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Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education
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Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education
A Guide for Students and Practitioners



December 2011 | 184 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

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 warmth
  • Feelings of control and agency
  • Cognitive challenge, adults supporting learning and learning from one another
  • Articulation about learning, and opportunities for self-expression

Each chapter includes:

  • Typical and significant questions which arise in practice related to that area of development
  • An 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 brain
  • Practical exercises intended to deepen understanding and to inform practice
  • Questions for discussion
  • Recommended further reading

This 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.

 
Introduction
 
Emotional Development
 
Social Development
 
Play, Development and Learning
 
Memory and Understanding
 
Learning and Language
 
Self-Regulation

'David Whitebread introduces us to a rich array of recent research into early child development, showing how children master the ability to regulate their own learning when adults respect and value their play. His writing models the balance of emotional warmth and cognitive challenge which best supports self regulated learning'
Rod Parker-Rees, Associate Professor in Early Childhood StudiesUniversity of Plymouth


'Despite covering a wide range of developmental psychology theories this is nevertheless a very practical book which students and experienced practitioners will find invaluable in helping to provide the best possible experiences for the young children in their care. It also provides a very effective guide to understanding the rationale behind the structure of the new EYFS framework'
Early Years Update


This is an easy read, a fascinating journey of discovery and I will use this book for my own purposes and it is already on our reading list to use with students.

Helen Bilton
University of Reading

Great book, important chapters that explain to students learning about Early childhood education, and how psychology underpins so much.

Dr Judy Sayers
School of Education, Leeds University
June 10, 2020

A great book which was very obviously written from a personal professional perspective which makes it engaging as well as informative for the reader.

Mrs Tracey Herbert
University Centre, Petroc
August 1, 2015

Sound coverage of cognitive development appropriate to new module commencing Sept 2016

Mrs Sally Tazewell
Dept of Care and Early Years, Weston College
November 30, 2015

This text book links well for the developmental units with clear information on many of the developmental psychologists, enabling students to link children's learning to theory, often a challenge faced by many students in their first year on a HND programme. The links to observations is useful, as is the reference to parenting styles which students discover during both development units and working with families. In the main, this is an excellent text for any student studying from level 3 and above as it links theory to practice beautifully, with clear diagrams and illustrations for easy reading.

Mrs Angela Mahon
Vocational Education , Manchester College of Arts & Techn.
October 13, 2015

Strongly suggest students purchase this book to support the Child Development module

Mrs Nicola Demetriadi
Childhood Studies : Early Years, Chichester University
October 2, 2015

This is a very interesting book which my students will find extremely helpful

Mrs Diane Forrester
Community Studies, Truro College
May 6, 2015

Very informative textbook

Mrs Diane Julie Forrester
Community Studies, Truro College
July 23, 2015

This book is really useful and will be utilsed in many modules on the Foundation Degree in Early Years. It gives students a clear background knowledge.

Mrs Claire Pescott
Dept of Care & Continuing Education, Ystrad Mynach College
March 26, 2015

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


David Whitebread

David Whitebread is Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology and Early Years Education in the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.David Whitebread will be discussing key ideas from Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education in the SAGE Early Years Masterclass, a free professional development experience hosted by Kathy Brodie. To sign up, or for more information, click here More About Author

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781412947138
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