ABSTRACT

In the World Library of Educationalists international experts compile career-long collections of what they judge to be their most significant pieces – excerpts from books, key articles, salient research findings, major theoretical and practical contributions – so the world can read them in a single, manageable volume. Readers will be able to follow the themes and strands and see how their work contributes to the development of the field.

Educating Young Children: A Lifetime Journey into a Froebelian Approach draws together Professor Tina Bruce CBE’s most prominent writings from her accomplished 40-year international career in education centred on the Froebelian tradition.

Chosen to illustrate the changes that have occurred in Professor Bruce’s thinking and practices over the last four decades, carefully selected readings address key Froebelian themes such as literacy, play, inclusion and creativity. Short introductions are provided for each chapter and excerpt, helping readers to understand the significance of what is presented and explaining how this relates to other chapters in the book.

Including chapters from Tina Bruce’s best-selling books and articles, as well as leading journals, this collection offers a unique commentary on some of the most important issues in Early Childhood Education over the last four decades; it will be engaging and inspiring reading for anyone interested in the development and state of early years education in the UK and internationally.

chapter 1|21 pages

Gathering thoughts

chapter 2|14 pages

Teachers who inspired me

chapter 3|14 pages

What am I?

A Montessorian? Steinerian? Froebelian? Eclectic? Is it important?

chapter 4|32 pages

Which comes first, a philosophical framework, theory and research evidence or practice?

What do teachers and other practitioners working with young children need to bring out their best work?

chapter 7|50 pages

Play – a very complex thing

chapter 10|17 pages

Cultivating creativity

chapter 12|31 pages

Changing political climates

chapter 13|19 pages

How best to train teachers of young children