An Introduction to the Foundation Phase

Early Years Curriculum in Wales

Amanda Thomas, Alyson Lewis

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Year: 2016
• ISBN:
  9781474264303
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education Curricula

An Introduction to the Foundation Phase provides a practical guide to understanding and implementing the Foundation Phase in any early years setting in Wales. The experienced author team discuss and reflect upon a play based approach to learning and the importance of collaboration between various members in any early years settings. Students are introduced to key topics including: key theories of influential thinkers within early years education, both past and present; international curricula and perspectives on play and how Welsh curriculum compares; effective classroom practice; observational techniques; methods of assessment and how to be a reflective practitioner. Through interviews with different stakeholders, including educational ministers, policy advisors, practitioners and parents, An Introduction to the Foundation Phase concludes by discussing the challenges and complexities of putting policy into practice and considers implications for the future of early years education. Making links between theory, policy and practice is vital for a future workforce and this core text provides a solid foundation for any student within early years. Illustrative case studies, activities, reflective tasks and suggestions for further reading are provided throughout. Online resources for lecturers and students are also included.

Table of contents

• FC
• Half title
• Also Available from Bloomsbury
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• List of Illustrations
• Introduction
• Part l Making Sense of Theory and Policy
• 1 Understanding the Foundation Phase
• 2 Influential Thinkers in Early Childhood Education, Past and Present
• 3 International Perspectives on Play
• 4 Characteristics of Effective Classroom Practice
• Part ll Making Sense of Theory into Practice
• 5 Observational Techniques
• 6 Methods of Assessment
• 7 Planning for Purposeful Play in the Foundation Phase
• 8 Being Reflective: Skills and Techniques
• Part lll Challenges and Complexities of Policy into Practice
• 9 Stakeholder Perceptions
• 10 Practice and Pedagogy
• 11 Testing in a Play-based Curriculum
• 12 The Future of Early Years Education in Wales
• Final Thoughts …
• Glossary
• Bibliography
• Index