Communication for the early years : a holistic approach / edited by Julie Kent and Moira Moran.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface / Julie Kent and Moira Moran -- Introduction: A theoretical and ideological basis for the discussion of communication in the early years / Julie Kent -- Let's begin at the beginning / Carole Ulanowsky -- Communicating children's perspectives / Catherine Gripton -- Communication and learning dispositions : a formula for success / Sue Hobson and Caroline Farley -- Collaborative practice in communication for the early years : the learning from a research project / Julie Kent and Sarah McDonald -- Communicating through the environment / Catherine Gripton -- How a child's image is reflected and communicated through toys / Sheine Peart -- Supporting communication through the outdoor environment / Moira Moran -- The role of digital media in communication systems in early years settings / Helen Cazaly -- Conclusions / Moira Moran.

"Speech, language and communication are key to young children's well-being and development. At a time when communication contexts and modalities are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted, this key text considers how pedagogical approaches, environments and interactions can be used to develop and harness the voice of the child in the early years. Communication in the Early Years takes a broad, ecological systems approach to communication to present theoretical approaches and principles which map a child's communication experiences in the home, the early years setting, in the local community, through play, and engagement with digital media. Topics considered include: The role played by pedagogical leadership in the development of an effective communication environment; Aspects of the physical environment which encourage or inhibit communication; Effective communication in and between settings; The importance of toys and resources; Developments in digital communication and their impact on the child. Chapters consider perspectives of the child, family, and practitioner to encourage a holistic understanding of interaction and the role this plays in a child's development, while case studies, examples from practice and reflective questions inspire discussion, challenge thinking, and encourage the application of research in practice. An in-depth exploration of the factors which impact on the development of a child's communication skills, this will be key reading for students and practitioners in the Early Years, as well as those involved in their training and continued professional development"-- Provided by publisher.