By Marion Dowling
(Paul Chapman, 1-4129-0691-1, 17.00, 020 7324 8500)
Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant This author has updated and revised what was already an informative and useful book. A wide range of practitioners will find support here to understand and create good practice for children in PSED.
Marion Dowling shares insights from research, but with enough explanation to inform readers, who can then decide whether they want to follow up references. Each chapter is completed with two sections, practical suggestions and professional questions, that will support reflective practice. There is a helpful chapter explaining the important concept of dispositions for learning, and the whole book rests upon the message that young children deserve and need time to learn and explore.
The author effectively interweaves feelings and thinking, bringing alive the point that the emotions, cognition and communication depend on one another to develop. There is a useful section covering the often overlooked issues around how children can become independent learners. Marion Dowling explores well the implications for ways that practitioners organise the learning environment and how they view an early years curriculum. Case studies further explain the perspective of children and the role of genuinely supportive adults.
A valuable book that will certainly go on my reading lists.
