This lively and informative text examines children's first experience of non-fiction during the pre-school and foundation years. Its careful consideration of different kinds of quality non-fiction, including books, posters, charts and computer software will provide a helpful framework from which early years teachers can work.

Annotated lists, notes, and suggestions for further reading make this is an ideal source of inspiration and stimulation placing literacy teaching in a fresh, modern context.

This book offers a rich resource of information, with illustrated case studies and many examples of children's responses to non-fiction providing:

• coverage of pre-school and foundation years for children up to six years of age
• references to research findings on the place of non-fiction in early years
• references to the National Literacy Strategy, Early Learning Goals and the National Curriculum for English
• a substantial glossary of terms relevant to non-fiction reading and writing.

The author's zest and expertise helps to give this book an infectious enthusiasm that will permeate the classroom, providing the nursery and primary school teacher, student teacher, or classroom assistant with an invaluable guide and resource tool.

About the Author

Margaret Mallett is currently Visiting Tutor in Primary English at Goldsmiths College, London. Her previous book with RoutledgeFalmer, Young Researchers: Informational Reading and Writing in the Early and Primary Years, won her the UKRA author award in 2001.

Reviews

'A very good and thorough study on several accounts. Detailed, clearly written and full of examples it makes an interesting read.'- School Librarian Journal

'Thoughtful and reflective, and can also be put to versatile and practical use.' - TES Teacher

'A 'must have' for adults involved in the education of Foundation Stage and Key Stage One children. It is...a rich resource for student teachers and staff working in the early years for the first time.' - English 4-11

'This fresh new look at non-fiction for early years successfully combines a comprehensive evaluation for currently available sources with creative ideas that interface with 'real world' research-based theory...This book would be of interest to anyone interested in children's early literacy and a valuable resource on any staffroom shelf.' - International Journal of Early Years Education

'An inspirational and perceptive guide...An outstanding resource for anyone involved in early years literacy.' - BfK

'A very good and thorough study on several accounts. Detailed, clearly written and full of examples it makes an interesting read.... a coherent account of how to introduce very young children to information texts and help them to take their first steps in informational reading and writing'.- School Librarian Journal

'Thoughtful and reflective, and can also be put to versatile and practical use.' - TES Teacher

'A 'must have' for adults involved in the education of Foundation Stage and Key Stage One children. It is of particular value as a rich resource for student teachers and staff working in the early years for the first time.' - English 4-11

'This fresh new look at non-fiction for early years successfully combines a comprehensive evaluation for currently available sources with creative ideas that interface with 'real world' research-based theory. In focusing on the range and quality of the sources that teachers select and the importance of meaningful context, Mallett illuminates much about how children's thinking and language develop. This book would be of interest to anyone interested in children's early literacy and a valuable resource on any staffroom shelf.' - International Journal of Early Years Education

'An inspirational and perceptive guide ... An outstanding resource for anyone involved in early years literacy.' - BfK

Book Information
ISBN 9780415253376
Author Margaret Mallett
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 380g