Arnold, C: Observing Gabby

This book is about Gabby, an inquisitive girl who leads her own learning very effectively with support from the adults in her life. The author, her grandmother, draws on seven years of data from diaries, photos and Gabby's own writing to consider her development and learning when cared for by both her parents and grandparents. Gabby builds on her experiences with her Latvian mother, English father and her elder sister as she faces and deals with transitions as she grows up.
The chapters are presented in a chronological order as a 'running record' going from 0-1 year right through to 6-7 years and can be analysed through a range of theories and frameworks. With chapters considering theory and the data separately the reader can reach their own conclusions on child development before exploring the author's analyses. Each chapter also considers the relevance of Ofsted's Intent, Implementation and Impact framework and other theories and schemas.

This book about one child's early development and learning is a fascinating insight into how young children learn for those studying or working in the early years field. It includes access to an online learning centre of video clips to bring the descriptions to life and provide further insight into Gabby's development.

Dr Cath Arnold has worked in the field of Early Childhood for over 40 years, as a practitioner/teacher, researcher, lecturer and author. Her particular interests include child study; schemas and parental involvement. This is her fifth book focussing on close observation of the spontaneous actions of young children.


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