Understanding Child Development

1: A focus on early childhood What, how and why in child development Reflective and knowledgeable practitioners 2: Explaining child development: considering nature and nurture Biological-maturation theories Environmental-learning theories 3: Explaining child development: cognitive and social perspectives Cognitive-developmental theories Socio-cultural theories 4: Research as a source of information and ideas Different ways to study children Planning and interpretation in research Linking research with practice 5: Social and emotional development: the foundation The importance of attachment Emotional literacy Dispositions: where feeling meets thinking 6: The importance of physical skills and movement Physical development and children's experiences Learning through the senses The importance of outdoor learning 7: Understanding and supporting children's communication How do children learn spoken language? Early social interaction The learning journey towards literacy 8: Thinking and learning Very young thinkers The sounds of the children thinking Working within the zone of proximal development 9: Children's behaviour: adults' reactions Individual differences and experience The journey towards pro-social behaviour Social behaviour and play 10: Children as part of a social and cultural community Childhood experienced in a time and place Early years provision in context Children within families and a ommunity Using further resources

Jennie Lindon is a Chartered Psychologist who runs her own business in training and consultancy. Jennie has worked extensively with early years, educational and playwork services for children and their families. She has also worked with residential and foster carers.