This new publication written by Nancy Stewart and published by
Early Education (www.early-education.org.uk) provides early
years practitioners with a clear and well timed message about
`the best ways to be enabling partners in children’s learning to
learn’ (p17). Chapter 1 provides an introductory overview and
the theoretical and research context. It includes a helpful
table that illustrates how the various approaches, such as
Reggio Emilia, Te Whariki, and the psychological theorists,
including Vygotsky and Piaget, contribute to our understanding
of the three characteristics of effective learning as defined in
the revised EYFS curriculum (to be statutory in England from
September 2012). Chapters 2, 3, and 4 are a detailed exploration
of the three characteristics; playing & exploring, active
learning, creating and thinking critically. Each chapter
includes reference to research, case studies and key messages
for practitioners regarding the environment, and their own role
in supporting children’s learning with