All children are different, they look different, sound different, behave in different ways and crucially they learn differently. It is a constant challenge in Early Years settings and Reception classes to provide opportunities that are relevant and valuable for all the children in their care. Being able to recognise and identify schemas in young children enables practitioners to plan a play-based curriculum that allows for individualised learning based around each child's interests that will support the next steps of their development. Drawing on current research, the book clearly explains what schemas are and how they can be indentified in children. It then looks at how settings can plan to incorporate schemas into their schemes and topics and provides real life examples of schematic learning in practice.

What are schemas and why should you know about them? How can schemas be identified in young children? What does schematic learning look like and how does it meet the needs of individual children? All children are different, they look different, sound different, behave in different ways and crucially they learn differently. It is a constant challenge in Early Years settings and Reception classes to provide opportunities that are relevant and valuable for all the children. Being able to recognise and identify schemas in young children enables practitioners to plan a play-based curriculum that allows for individualised learning based around each child’s interests that will support the next steps of their development. Drawing on current research, the book clearly explains what schemas are and how they can be identified in children. Looking at how settings can plan to incorporate schemas into their schemes and topics and providing real life examples of schematic learning in practice, features include: Examples of schemas alongside descriptions of common behaviour patterns A chapter on using schemas to support children with additional needs Photocopiable key checklists to help identify different schemas Guidance on developing schemas to support children in their next steps Advice on using schemas to aid the transition to Key Stage 1 Including case studies and photographs to illustrate practice, this highly practical book aims to inspire practitioners, teachers and students to be creative in the way they work with children and ensure the best for those in their care.

Providing a deeper understanding of how two-year-old children learn, Understanding Schematic Learning at Two highlights how a schematic pedagogy can be used to recognise and support two-year-old children's thinking and understanding of the world around them. Over a 16-week period four children's individual experiences and stories are constructed, providing detailed written and photographic evidence of the unfolding schematic learning journeys of each. Following the children from nursery setting to their home environments, readers gain a greater understanding of how, even at such a young age, children are intrinsically motivated to select resources from the environment to support their schematic pursuits. The book focuses on the importance of an appropriate environment and informed pedagogy to support two-year-old children's schematic explorations and the significant role adults play in developing these. Beginning by highlighting the important links between learning opportunities, environment and the role of the adults, Brierley and Nutbrown briefly trace the origins of schema and provide an overview of some definitions and characteristics of schemas. This leads to an exploration of how the early years landscape has been influenced through a research, practice and government policy initiatives, concluding that future focus must foreground how children learn. Understanding Schematic Learning at Two highlights how recognising and valuing young children's schemas can provide their supportive adults with the opportunity and ability to acknowledge two-year-old children's capability to actively construct and develop an understanding of the world they live in.

What are schemas and why do they matter? Again! Again! provides an introduction to understanding and supporting schemas and schema play in young children. Practitioners will find an overview of schemas with guidance on where they fit within the EYFS. There are examples of schemas, with illustrations and descriptions of common behaviour patterns, and these are set within the general context of child development. The intention is to help early years practitioners identify schemas and to understand both how important they are and the vital role they play in the growing child's learning. The aim is to help the reader understand how they can develop, plan and resource activities which support children's learning through experiment and play.

Observing and understanding schematic behaviour confidently is vital for anyone working with or looking after young children. This guide explains what schemas are, stripping back the technical language often used to describe them, and how to interpret and extend schematic behaviour to benefit the child. It looks specifically at 12 different schemas, such as connection, rotation and transportation, and includes case studies, interpretation of the observations and practical ideas for how to use this information to aid children's learning, development and play. Making schemas and schematic behaviour more understandable, this book will give early years practitioners and parents the confidence to identify schemas and plan future learning opportunities to support children based on this knowledge.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! 'This exciting book will greatly enhance understanding of learning throughout the early years, and reinforces the importance of responsive professionals who understand children's schemas. Atherton and Nutbrown have brought together socio-cultural and cognitive learning theories with ease, and their metaphors are brilliantly evocative' -Dr Anne Meade, Consultant 'This book is drawn from a study carried out with rigour and contains several gems, such as the 'bike and slide exploration'; the idea of adults engaging in 'a dialogue of conceptual correspondence' with children; and tables outlining 'what the children might have been thinking'. A great read!' -Dr Cath Arnold, Pen Green Early Years Centre 'This is an exciting and illuminating account of babies and toddlers, following their schema fascinations with determination and competence, as they continually explore and experiment and come to know their world. This book captivated me. It should be in every early childhood education setting' -Pam Cubey This is the first book to focus specifically on Schemas and children under three. The authors trace the development of schemas from motor level through to symbolic representation, and show how to use schema theory to understand young children's learning and behaviour. This accessible and student-friendly book includes: -activities and discussion points -links to policy and practice -descriptive observational material -a look at the ethics of this kind of research -numerous photographs and illustrations -suggestions for follow-up reading The book is aimed at early childhood professionals and practitioners in ECEC settings, as well as those on initial training courses, teacher education, Early Years courses, and higher degrees.

Written for early years practitioners and students, Planning Play and the Early Years provides full-colour, fully illustrated guidance through the process of planning and providing play opportunities for children aged 0-5 years.