Author Description

<p>Invaluable for anyone looking to understand young children’s thinking, this essential textbook helpfully combines introductions to theories about thinking with observations from real-life practice. The book explores underlying theories behind topics such as:</p><ul><li>the relationship between nature and nuture</li><li>models of cognitive development, with ideas from key thinkers such as Piaget, Vygotsky and Bruner</li><li>basic neuroscience and its application to early childhood</li><li>the social, emotional and cultural context of children’s development </li><li>emotional intelligence</li><li>language and thought, including the use of motherese and children’s talk in pretend play</li><li>whether children can think philosophically.</li></ul><p></p><p>The author accompanies every topic with observations from the classroom, supported by her own critical analysis linking theory to practice throughout. </p>