Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Problem-solving and thinking in the early years

Murray, J. (2013) Problem-solving and thinking in the early years. In: Beckley, P. (ed.) The New Early Years Foundation Stage: Changes, Challenges and Reflections. Maidenhead: Open University Press / McGraw Hill Education. pp. 141-152.

Item Type: Book Section
Abstract: The shaping of young children’s early experiences prior to starting school provides ‘the initial stage of organised instruction’ of the ‘pre-primary tradition’ (Bennett, 2005: 11) in a context where education is regarded as preparation for work (DfE, 2010). Focus on ‘school readiness’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (DfE, 2012) reflects this approach, yet the EYFS (DfE, 2012) also emphasises ‘creating and thinking critically’ for children aged birth to five years (p. 7), aligning with the ‘social pedagogic tradition’ in which young children enjoy significant autonomy (Bennett, 2005). The ‘school readiness’ agenda is a government reaction to employers’ concerns (DfE, 2010): the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 2011) expresses disquiet regarding school leavers’ abilities in literacy, mathematics and problem-solving. However, whilst there is significant focus on literacy and mathematics in the statutory EYFS (DfE, 2012), there is relatively little emphasis on problem-solving. This chapter addresses the nature of young children’s problem-solving and the thinking processes that young children may adopt to find solutions. The chapter concludes with examples of young children’s problem-solving behaviour and thinking in their settings and at home.
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1139 Early childhood education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1140 Preschool education. Nursery schools
Creators: Murray, Jane
Editors: Beckley, Pat
Publisher: Open University Press / McGraw Hill Education
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Education, Training and Skills
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Special Needs Education and Research
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > Early Years
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Education and Research
Research Centres > Centre for Education and Research
Date: 20 September 2013
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 141-152
Title of Book: The New Early Years Foundation Stage: Changes, Challenges and Reflections
Place of Publication: Maidenhead
Number of Pages: 216
Language: English
ISBN: 9780335246984
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5756

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