Language and Literacy in the Early Years
by Marian R Whitehead
(Sage, 0 7619 4470 2, 18.99, 020 7324 8500)
Reviewed by Ros Bayley, educational consultant and trainer The world of early years care and education has changed beyond all recognition since the second edition of this book was published in 1997. In this, the third edition, the author rises to the challenge of writing for a larger range of practitioners and early years settings. It is a splendid book and anyone willing to give it time and attention will be abundantly rewarded.
The author resolutely rejects simplified views of communication, language and literacy and quick approaches for teaching it. She reasserts the complexity and the joy involved in supporting children's development as communicators, speakers, writers and readers.
The first four chapters cover aspects of linguistics. They make for fascinating reading, written with great authority and unravelling the complexity and beauty of language. By the time you have finished reading you are left with huge admiration for the child as a competent learner.
The following chapters are devoted to literacy. In each section the author explains the developmental processes that lead to becoming literate. She does this with great skill and clarity, synthesising and summarising her ideas throughout, which really helps the reader to internalise the main ideas. At the end of each section there are helpful 'Teaching and Learning Suggestions'. This empowering book should be a 'must' for anyone working with nought to eight-year-olds.
