Just Discover! + Just Imagine! + Just Investigate! + Just Improvise!, 1st edition

Published by Pearson (January 1, 2004) © 2004

  • Sue Crook
  • Betty Farmer
  • Sue Elliott
  • Tracy Elliott
Products list
This pack contains 1 copy of Just Discover!, 1 copy of Just Imagine!, 1 copy of Just Investigate! and 1 copy of Just Improvise!

Just Improvise!

What is improvisation in an early childhood setting? Why is it important and what does it achieve?

Some of the advantages of improvising play materials are quite surprising and extend beyond encouraging creativity and imagination.

This book suggests how improvisation can be introduced into the play and learning setting. It offers practical ideas and includes a wide-ranging list of possible sources for improvised materials.

Both new and experienced childhood educators will find new ways and reasons to improvise in creating learning environments.

Just Investigate

What is science and what is technology within an early childhood program? Is technology just about computers?

The answer to these questions can be explored with the range of practical and creative science and technology experiences provided in Just Investigate!.

Topics include physical science, chemical science and basic technology.

This book includes something for everyone, from the new or inexperienced early childhood educator to those with more experience who are looking for new ways to extend the learning environment for children.

  • Variety of experiences for children from infants to Year 2 (8 years old)
  • Beautiful colour photographs of each experience illustrate how to set up experiences with scientific principles, developmental appropriateness and aesthetics in mind
  • Encourages the use of recycled, reusable, household and natural materials
  • Emphasises hands-on, play-based learning opportunities

Just Discover

How can we help children develop a connection with nature? The answer to this question can be explored with the range of practical and creative natural science experiences provided in Just Discover! Topics include plants, animals, the human body and environmental education.

This book includes something for everyone, from the new or inexperienced early childhood educator to those with more experience who are looking for new ways to extend the learning environment for children.

  • Includes a variety of experiences for children from infants to Year 2 (8 years):
  • Beautiful colour photographs of each experience illustrate how to set up experiences with scientific principles, developmental appropriateness and aesthetics in mind
  • Encourages the use of recycled, reusable household and natural materials
  • Emphasises hands-on, play-based learning opportunities
Just Imagine

The creative play experience is vital for the stimulation of children's imagination. It offers opportunities for children to learn, express themselves and interact with others.

Just Imagine! provides an understanding of how to establish stimulating and enjoyable creative play experiences for children up to the age of six.

Sue Crook and Betty Farmer offer insights into developing children's environmental awareness, as well as ideas for settings and suggestions for props.

Just Imagine! is a must for parents and professional childcare workers.


Just Imagine
  • Introduction - Somebody once imagined that man could walk on the moon
  • Materials and equipment
  • Defined play spaces
  • Attractive presentation
  • Adult's role
  • Solitary, parallel and group play
  • Age appropriateness
  • Some tips for getting the total environment to work

 

Just Discover
  • Connecting young children with nature
  • The birds and the bees - Animal science
  • How does your garden grow? - Plant science
  • How do we work? - Body awareness and human science
  • Green connections - Environmental science
  • Developing a science kit for biology
  • Something to think about
  • Resources and references
  • National resource organisations

 

Just Improvise!
  • Simplicity
  • Creativity and lateral thinking
  • Environmental education
  • Cultural and linguistic diversity
  • Gender equity
  • Aesthetics
  • Inclusion of children with varying abilities
  • Spensley St Primary School, Resources

 

Just Investigate
  • Introduction
  • Approaches to science and technology
  • The world around us - Physical science
  • Changing substances - Chemical science
  • How do things work? - Problem solving with technology
  • Tools and machines - Using technology
  • Developing a science and technology kit
  • Something to think about
  • Resources and references

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