Inclusion in the Early Years by Cathy Nutbrown and Peter Clough
(Sage, 19.99, 020 7324 8500, ISBN1412908140) Reviewed by Janice McKinley, Area SENCO
This is a very interesting and quite thought-provoking book that uses key research studies from the UK and Europe to explore inclusion in its broadest definition, rather than just focusing on special educational needs.
Each chapter looks at a different aspect of inclusion, and ends with a summary and workshop scenario. The book begins by exploring cultures of inclusion in the early years, and looks at a number of research studies based around inclusion for young children who have learning difficulties.
The key initiatives by Government are examined, along with early intervention, the role of parents, and practitioners' views on including children who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The authors' own research is included and describes practitioners' views on inclusion using role plays and scenarios. The results provide fascinating reading, and the subsequent workshops are bound to inform discussions and encourage early years practitioners to develop and reflect on their own practices.
I was surprised that a book about inclusion did not mention the social model of disability or the important anti- discrimination legislation that is included in the DDA 1995/2005. However, I will be recommending this book to colleagues and adding it to my essential reading list for students.
Play Culture in a Changing World
By Marjatta Kalliala
(Open University Press, 17.99, 01628 502720, ISBN0335213413)
Reviewed by Sue Griffin, early years and childcare consultant and writer This book provides an intriguing look at the world of children's play and how it is influenced by changes in society. It helps us to extend our understanding of children's play, and to value the part it has in their lives. 'Children don't play in order to learn, although they do learn while they are playing,' says the author, approaching this through observations and interviews with children, finding out what their play means to them.
She considers the strand of play characterised by competition and games with rules, and notes how make-believe play is influenced by changes in family life and the media. She also writes about 'dizzy play' - fooling around. There is a chapter on the separate and shared areas of boys' play and girls' play.
Tina Bruce worked with Marjatta Kalliala to make this book both meaningful and relevant for readers who have not experienced Finnish culture at first hand. They give us glimpses of Finnish society through discusions about 'pal parenting', 'emotional democracy' and how 'the dependence and neediness of a child are seen as a problem'.
Planning educational visits for the early years
By Anna Salaman and Suzy Tutchell
(Paul Chapman, 15.99, 020 7324 8500, ISBN 1412919274, )
Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant This book aims to enthuse readers to organise visits for children, aged three to seven years, to a range of locations and to explore their local built environment. The authors cover practical considerations for any trip, and discuss particular opportunities presented by museums, art galleries, the performing arts and zoos or farms. The chapters are organised to highlight good reasons to make this kind of trip, activities before the outing, the day of the visit and possible follow-up activities. This format should be especially useful for teams who feel less confident about planning outings.
A wealth of case studies offer accounts of visits made by early years settings. Some descriptions work particularly well to highlight young children's views and interests, which should guide adult comments and possible follow-up activities. This content balances up my concern that some activities and lists of questions to ask children risk being adult-dominated.
However, even experienced practitioners will find many useful ideas. I especially liked the chapter 'The Built Environment', with the idea of different 'trails' to shape local outings.
My reservation is that the authors include long lists that cross-reference adult-initiated activities to early learning goals for the end of England's Foundation Stage. A more general approach would have been inclusive of the rest of the UK and left more space for the views of children.
Our recommended choice
Nature's Playground
By Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield
(Frances Lincoln, 16.99, 020 7284 4009)
Reviewed by Deborah Sharpe, owner of Ravens Out-of-School club in Eastbourne, Sussex
This is a wonderful book which invites readers to enjoy the natural world with their children. It gives bundles of ideas, advice and information to help families and carers use natural resources to create art, games, projects, adventures and investigations. Safety tips and 'what you need'
boxes help with forward planning for excursions, and the activities are clearly explained. There are also beautiful photos and fun line drawings.
Chapters cover the four seasons, after-dark activities and those that can be enjoyed all year round. Children will learn to make outdoor monsters, ice mobiles or magic carpets while learning how to listen to the natural world. They will enjoy leaf pile games, nest building, following tracks and camouflaging themselves. They will explore, take risks and have outdoor adventures,as well as use natural resources to develop creative skills.
Childcare practitioners will love this inspiring resource to use with children from two-year-olds to teenagers.
