THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE AND LITERACY. By Marian Whitehead. (Paul Chapman Publishing, 14.99, 020 7374 0645)
Reviewed by Valerie Winter, NNEB
This compact book is a must-read for every early years practitioner. The vitally important subject of language and literacy is explored and explained in a clear and readable style.
A child who cannot use language will use behaviour and in this book all who are involved in early years will find quite specific strategies for encouraging and enabling language development from birth to eight years and beyond. Areas covered include health, special education issues, literacy at home, at school and in the environment, young bilinguals, and talking with parents/carers. I found the chapter on young bilinguals particularly useful.
The book's important message is how to enhance children's experiences and there-fore their learning. Each chapter reflects on the active role of practitioners in the development of language and literacy in conjunction with parents, carers and others. Each stage is explained with practical suggestions, examples of practice and observations and records. The author is sensitive to the need to encourage creativity in all areas of language and literacy.
I found this book exciting and informative and my practice has improved as a result. It should benefit anyone, like myself, studying for a BA degree in Early Childhood Education as well as teachers, nursery nurses and parents who know that participating in the journey children make from language acquisition to developing ideas into conversation is one of the joys of childcare.
