Supporting Creativity & Imagination In The Early Years

by Bernadette Duffy

This book draws on the author's experience of promoting young children's creativity and imagination in a variety of settings over the last twenty years. The settings include home and centre based care and this book draws on the practical experience of adults living and working with children in these settings. The aim of the book is to use real life examples of young children's development and their growing competence to show the richness of their creativity and imagination. Children's development across a wide range of creative and imaginative experiences are outlined and ways of planning and assessing children's progress are discussed. Insights from research are used to inform practice. This book is for all who take delight in the richness of young children's learning and want to find ways to extend their practice by supporting and promoting learning in a practical way.

"There are many riches in this book." - Contact

Bernadette Duffy originally trained as an early years teacher and during the last twenty years has worked in a variety of early years settings. These include a combined nursery centre, reception and year 1, nursery class, day nursery and nursery school.At present Bernadette is the head of the Dorothy Gardner Centre in Westminster. The centre receives many visitors from this country and abroad. Bernadette is in demand as a speaker, and has addressed many groups in this country and in Europe. She has contributed to a number of publications including Great Expectations: a curriculum for the under fives Westminster City Council.

Acknowledgements
Series preface
Introduction

Part one: What are creativity and imagination and why are they important?

The importance of creativity and imagination for society and young children
Defining creativity and imagination
Creative and imaginative areas of experience

Part two: How do creativity and imagination develop?

The development of creativity and imagination from birth to six years
The creative process

Part three: Theory into practice

The role of the adult
The organization of space, time and social contexts
Widening children's experiences
Planning, implementing, observing, recording and assessing
Conclusion
References
Index.