From the preface by Deborah Meier: "We have a long way to go to make John Holt's dream available to all children. But his books make it possible and easier for many of us to join him in the journey." In this enduring classic, rich with deep, original insight into the nature of early learning, John Holt was the first to make clear that, for small children, "learning is as natural as breathing." In his delightful book he observes how children actually learn to talk, to read, to count, and to reason, and how, as adults, we can best encourage these natural abilities in our children.

An ideal introduction to the pioneers of educational theory for anyone studying childcare, child development or education – whether at further or higher education level. The first edition of this book has been a best-seller for almost a decade, identified as one of the top ten books for students of child development or early childhood care and education. In this new edition, there is an increased emphasis on both what practice based on particular theories of learning looks like and on criticisms of each theory. A glossary is included in sections highlighting words and concepts particular to the theorist in question. Full-colour photographs are used to illustrate some aspects of each theory or approach. How Children Learn looks at a wide range of theorists and practitioners who have influenced current understandings of how children learn and what this means for work with young children. The book summarises the findings and ideas of famous giants such as Montessori and Piaget as well as the more recent ideas of writers and thinkers such as Howard Gardner and Margaret Donaldson. It begins by looking at the work and life of Comenius who is widely described as the father of modern education and looks at the theory behind different approaches to early childhood care and education such as Steiner Waldorf education, HighScope and Te Whariki. You will find this book invaluable in giving you a clearer picture of how ideas about children’s learning have developed over the past four centuries.

Explores the natural learning processes of children at the pre-school and primary grade level and describes the ways in which formal education damages and impedes the child's independent ability to learn.

"Ideas on children's literacy alone have gone through many changes from the 1890s to the current return to the phonics methods of the 1970s, and this book evaluates how each trend has evolved, as well as its current importance. How children learn - Book 2 provides an overview of the classical ideas on education as well as changes in educational reform during the 20th century - from the humanist and de-schooling movements to current current government policy and the Early Years Foundation Stage"--Back cover note.

Understanding How Children Learn is a vital part of working with children. Every child is unique and understanding differences in learning helps all to benefit. This book goes beyond simply understanding the work of key theorists and the various theories of learning to recognise what learning actually looks like and how it is best facilitated in any setting. Each chapter includes: Exercises to help you evaluate your understanding and practice Examples taken from real experiences to illustrate concepts beyond the theory Summaries to help you take the key messages from each chapter Suggestions for further reading to help push your own learning further. Looking at key topics such as brain development, technology in childhood and barriers to learning, this book will explain what learning really is. Why not also have a look at the companion title Learning Theories in Childhood to explore the key learning theories? Sean MacBlain is Reader in Child Development and Disability at the University of St. Mark & St. John, Plymouth.

This book summarises the ideas of educational theorists and psychologists of the last 60 years, from Elinor Goldschmied to Tina Bruce. It also looks at the important contemporary issues in early years education, from whether boys and girls learn differently to the role of the community in the early years setting.