Thinking Children: Learning About Schemas (debating Play)

• What are schemas and how can they be used effectively to enhance learning?
• How can adults best support schema learning to extend children's thinking?

This book explores the frequently observed schemas of young children - patterns of behaviour from which understanding and growth is derived - and draws out the nature of this learning.

It is essential that adults working with young children are able to recognise and identify schema learning, and understand the opportunities for learning, as well knowing how to support and develop the schema appropriately, in order to extend children's thinking. Good observations skills are a key element and the book features a Child Observation Schedule.

Rich with case studies and examples, the authors provide an accessible insight into:

• The theory behind schemas and memory development
• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Supporting schema learning
• Schemas and early literacy

They show how schema learning is enhanced when children can choose what they play with and for how long in a varied play environment, and emphasize the important role of the adult in supporting schema-related learning.

Thinking Children will help you feel more confident and knowledgeable about extending schema learning, whether you are a student on a course in early childhood or whether you are a more experienced practitioner in an early years setting.

Anne Meade is an Adjunct Research Associate of Victoria University of Wellington, an Honorary Research Fellow of the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, and Research Leader for the Centres of Innovation Programme with the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

Pam Cubey was formerly Senior Lecturer and Professional Development Facilitator at Wellington College of Education, New Zealand, Research Associate for the Centres of Innovation Programme, Researcher with the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, and carried out a needs analysis of early childhood provisions for the Tongan government.