 |
British Association for Early Childhood Education
Editorial and Contents of Autumn 2007 Journal
The Great British Summer Time … I can’t help thinking that one of the
authors in this edition was prophetic when she commented ‘the British
weather is an endless source of debate – we love to discuss it, we try to
predict it, we are always being surprised by it!’ As I have read through
this edition of Early Education I have been forcibly struck by the fact that
many of our current modern approaches are repackaged from a different
generation. Many of these new theories have qualities like the rain and they
keep returning with contemporary nuances and key points which add
challenging twists.
Margaret McMillan in 1914, in her open air nursery school in Peckham,
said, ‘the best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the
sky’. The early years sector is already comfortable with integrating the key
aspects of children’s development and learning into experiential, holistic
pedagogy with a real drive for outdoor play. Research continually backs up
the notion that young children (especially boys) learn best when engaged in
physical activity, and Marjorie Ouvry’s book Exercising muscles and
minds (NCB 2003) demonstrates how important access to quality, well-planned
outdoor play is to their overall development. Many of the points made by
these great exponents of our craft are captured in the pages that follow
although each article brings its own unique viewpoints to the fore.
Gail Ryder Richardson (the prophetic author of whom I spoke) echoes
Margaret McMillan’s sentiments when she emphasises that ‘being in direct
contact with the natural world, the weather and the seasons’ is pivotal to
the young child’s development. This affirming article also offers a plethora
of ideas and resources for learning in all weathers.
Melian Mansfield’s article about championing young children’s rights
prompted me to read in full for the first time the UN Convention on
Children’s Rights – all 40 articles. I was amazed by the depth of insight
contained within these articles which naturally translates into quality
practice for the early years. I hope this piece will likewise inspire you to
examine and allow these articles to influence your practice regardless of
your setting.
I was once again shocked by the findings of Unicef’s judgement that the UK
was the worst of the industrialised countries with regard to whether
children ‘feel loved, cherished, special and supported’, having heard it
first from Paddy Beels in her presentation at the Early Years
National Conference in May. Reading it again in her article here, I am
reminded how Unicef’s finding really challenges those of us with
professional responsibility. The gauntlet laid down to us is to continually
evaluate and develop our practice to meet the needs of each generation in
our rapidly changing world.
This very aspect is mirrored in Helen Huleatt’s reflections on
Friedrich Froebel’s words in The education of man 1826: ‘… protect the new
generation; do not let them grow up into emptiness’. It is breathtaking that
Froebel’s thoughts are echoing through the years and translating into
current accepted good practice openended and child-directed play,
interacting with nature. This article supports the challenge of childhoods
being squeezed out by consumerism, technology and academic pressure.
Jan Dubiel reminds us of the importance of appropriate assessment for
individual children to enable us to create high-quality environments both
inside and outside. The emphasis is on the individuality of each child’s
unique story to support their progress and development. In this edition of
Early Education we have much to celebrate and challenge us with the concepts
of a child-centred approach: reflective practice, parental involvement,
uniqueness of the child, links to nature and the great outdoors as essential
in early years experiences all fed by balanced assessment. The timeless
conclusion that links exist between early childhood experience and adulthood
emanates throughout these pages. Let us echo Dr Meffert’s words from
Helen Huleatt’s article when referring to Keilhau today: ‘There is a
magic here, a spirit of Keilhau that takes hold of you. You need a
motivating spirit, an inspiration, to work with young children’
May we all have the courage to live what we believe and achieve such noble
heights.
Sharon Beattie
Early Education Northern Ireland
Features
Getting outdoors – whatever the weather Gail Ryder Richardson
Early Childhood Forum: championing young children’s rights and entitlements
Melian Mansfield
Celebrating children – Froebel’s vision Helen Huleatt
Our children, their future Paddy Beels
Once upon a time in a child’s learning Jan Dubiel
Regulars
Editorial Sharon Beattie
Review Naomi McLeod & Lynne Kendall
Diary dates
Early Education is the leading national voluntary organisation for early
years practitioners and parents with members and branches in England,
Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Early Education promotes the right of
all children to education of the highest quality and provides support,
advice and information for everyone concerned with the education and care of
young children from birth to eight years.
Early Education is published three times a year [ISSN 0960-281X]
Editor Pat Gordon Smith
Advertising officer Jenny Rabin
Cover photo Emma Hertzberg
Designer Sue Clarke for Expression, IP23 8HH
<< back to journals
|
|
Education
