The Parent and Child Group Handbook - A Steiner/Waldorf approach
By Dot Male
(Hawthorn Press, 16.99, ISBN 1-903458-46-3, tel: 01453 757040)
Reviewed by Janni Nicol, early childhood consultant (Steiner Waldorf) Steiner's insight into the spiritual, sensory, and intellectual needs of early childhood has inspired a unique parent and child group. We come to a new understanding of child development, the importance of imitation and example, and child-initiated play as integral to learning about the world.
This is a practical guide that covers the Steiner Waldorf approach to child development, including how to create a harmonious space with appropriate toys, structure a session incorporating rhythm, repetition and reverence, and create a community which supports parents and their children.
There are examples and ideas on the celebration of special occasions, seasonal festivals, how to make crafts and toys, the importance of a shared meal (including recipes), supporting play, movement games, songs, stories, puppet shows, appropriate toys, equipment registration and regulations.
This well-researched book is ideal for those who are looking for inspiration and a more holistic approach to childcare.
Managing Behaviour in the Early Years
By Janet Kay
(9.99, Continuum, tel: 020 7922 0880)
Reviewed by Camden Early Years Intervention Team
This pocket-sized paperback is a comprehensive guide to behaviour for early years practitioners. It has a clear structure and is easy to read. Another strength is the focus on what theory and research suggests a practitioner can do to support a child in their learning. This should encourage practitioners to plan and act, without becoming overwhelmed by aspects they cannot control, such as bereavement. The author also offers guidance on partnerships with parents and other professionals.
The clear headings enable the reader to 'dip' or return to particular issues. Managers would find ideas to support their behaviour policy framework and implementation.
The content proposes that children's behaviour is set in the context of their lives. The chapter on medical conditions that affect the usual sequence of behaviour development encourages practitioners to understand why and when things can go wrong, without rushing to label inappropriately.
Finally, the book considers combinations of factors for individual children and examines how needs can be met through good policies, observations and planning, with partnership support from parents and professionals.
The book refers to other studies and includes discussion points. Other professionals offering training on behaviour, such as Area SENCos, would find it a useful reference.
Child development: an illustrated guide - birth to 16 years (2nd edition)
By Carolyn Meggitt
(Heinemann, 12.99, ISBN 0435420488, 01865 311366)
Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant
This descriptive resource on child development is easy to access and generously illustrated with quality photos. Most of the content describes development within the first eight years of childhood. The user-friendly layout will enable students and practitioners to build and refresh their knowledge about child development and aspects of developmental assessment.
Two new chapters for eight-12 and 12-16 years will be useful for students, since the S/NVQ structure now requires basic understanding of changes from middle childhood through to mid-adolescence.
The chapter covering children with special needs offers a practical framework from which readers could find out more, including the main resources section. Despite the book's title, this chapter does not specifically extend to disabled older children and teenagers.
The book's strength lies with the descriptive material, and discussions that should be built on the briefer sections, such as advice about safety or moral and spiritual development. This edition has a new chapter for which the author has selected six theorists focusing on a stage development approach. However, the theories are not much connected with the rest of the book and contentious issues around factual support and opinion really need more exploration.