Teaching young children: choices in theory and practice. Glenda MacNaughton and Gillian Williams. (Open University Press, 18.99, ISBN 0 335 21106 2, 01628 770 224)
Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant
These authors have produced a creatively structured book to support early years practitioners. The introductory chapter explains well how teaching appears complex, yet most of the process is built through continuous use of simple interactions with children and the willingness of practitioners to reflect on their own behaviour.
The first chapters focus on how supportive practitioners may organise their setting. Other chapters highlight specific skills of communication and social interaction with children. Readers will find good ideas on modelling, how to listen well and wise use of questions. The final chapters describe more complex ideas like co-construction, empowering and scaffolding.
The authors' clear written style and generosity with examples bring alive ideas that have become the staple of early childhood studies. They offer clear definitions, and links to practical techniques, for concepts (such as deconstruction) that otherwise can be wreathed in fog. The final sections of each chapter will enable readers to revisit ideas and reflect on application to their own practice.
My criticism is that chapter 26 on 'Reinforcing' perpetuates the confusion between negative reinforcement and punishment. Many writers who take the social constructivist approach have lost the key behaviourist concept that reinforcement always increases the likelihood of the given action.
