Synopses & Reviews
The primary strength of BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND, 8TH EDITION, is its blend of simplicity and depth. In a clear and easy-to-understand style, the book's five sections lay out basic questions any student of early childhood education would want answered. At the same time, the chapters present key concepts, the latest research, and practical examples so that questions are thoroughly answered. Coverage of the current Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) are woven throughout the text and highlighted by new margin icons and DAP footnotes for easy reference. Diversity and development are also integrated throughout the text, enabling readers to understand that issues of age, gender, race/ethnicity, ability, and family are part of every aspect of teaching and learning. Every chapter has an article by an educator that highlights a relevant topic, showing students of early childhood education that there are many authoritative and experienced voices to learn from, both from the past and present. Finally, through its tone, numerous visuals, and carefully crafted pedagogy, the book is accessible to and respectful of readers with a range of abilities and learning styles.
Synopsis
Beginnings and Beyond, Foundations in Early Childhood Education, 7e, is the most comprehensive foundations book on the market. With the blend of a simple approach to learning, and the depth required to practically apply the material, this book will appeal to all levels of students, and teachers. Diversity and development are woven throughout the material and are highlighted by chapter icons within the margin for easy reference. This feature helps the reader to understand that issues of age, gender, race/ethnicity, ability, and family are part of every aspect of teaching and learning. This comprehensive, yet easy to understand approach makes this an excellent book for a foundations course, curriculum course, or reference for teachers at all levels.
About the Author
Ann Gordon has been in the early childhood field for over 40 years as a teacher of young children, of parents, and of college students. She has taught in lab schools, church-related centers, and private and public preschool and kindergarten programs. While at Stanford, Ann was at the Bing Nursery School for 11 years and was a lecturer in the Psychology Department. For 10 years she also served as an adjunct faculty member in four colleges, teaching the full gamut of early childhood courses. Ann served as executive director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools for 14 years, where more than 1100 early childhood programs were a part of her network. She is now consulting in the areas of early childhood curriculum governance and professional development.Kathryn Williams Browne has been a teacher most of her adult life: a teacher of young children for 20 years, a guide for parents of the families she served, and, more recently, a parent educator since 1990 and an instructor of college students for more than 15 years. Her work with children includes nursery school, parent cooperatives, full-day child care, prekindergarten and bilingual preschools, and kindergarten and first grade. Kate's background in child development research led her to choose ECE, because one needs to be with children to truly understand child development. While a Head Teacher at Bing Nursery School and a lecturer with Stanford University, Kate developed a professional relationship with Ann Gordon, which blossomed into work in teacher and parent education. Recent work as a consultant and public elementary School Board Trustee has offered Kate new perspectives into schools, reform, and collaboration. Perhaps most important, Kate has been teaching in two community colleges over the last decade. Working closely with her students, she has been given constructive insights that inform BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND in every revision.
Table of Contents
'I feel the depth of coverage is fine and do not feel that any other content should be added. We are pleased with the way the text is organized and depth of coverageThe authors writing styles are conducive for a variety of professional and educational levels. These authors have managed to capture the hearts and spirits of the students throughout the years. In fact, used books are hard to come by on our campus because students typically keep this book for further reference. It becomes their early childhood education guide and bible!\"This project is very user friendly offering charts which help reiterate ideas presented in each chapter.\" - Leann Curry, M.Ed., Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX\"This textbook is very clear and readable. It is written so that the students can comprehend the subject matter.\" Patricia Weaver, M.Ed., Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC\"The content is this book is amazing. It is a wonderful choice for a teacher licensure program at a four year college in which students take one or two courses in early childhood education. This text has it all.\"
Stacey York, M.A., Minneapolis Community College and Technical College, Minneapolis, MN'