Concept Cat

Teaching Concepts in the Early Years

Anna Branagan, Stephen Parsons

$305

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Routledge
30 May 2025

Pre-school & kindergarten; Primary & middle schools; Teaching of specific learning difficulties & needs; Teaching skills & techniques; Speech & language disorders & therapy

Conceptual vocabulary shapes children’s thinking in the Early Years and forms the foundation for later mathematical and scientific learning. However, these words are abstract and often tricky to learn – and to teach.

Concept Cat is a tried-and-tested, evidence-based approach that supports all young children’s learning of conceptual vocabulary. Vocabulary is taught in a structured and engaging manner with explicit teaching of vocabulary followed by implicit teaching in play-based learning. The resource provides:

A step-by-step guide to teaching 150 different concepts, using songs, stories and play-based activities A whole-class approach, which is accessible for a wide range of children, including those with limited language Guidance and resources for working with families to effectively support children’s learning Accompanying downloadable resources, including printable symbols of each concept, for immediate use in the classroom

Concept Cat is a complete guide to implementing this approach and an essential resource for Early Years educators, primary teachers and speech and language therapists. All you need is a cat toy to get you started!

By: Anna Branagan, Stephen Parsons
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 297mm, Width: 210mm,
ISBN: 9781032858784
ISBN 10: 1032858788
Pages: 220
Publication Date: 30 May 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Section 1: Introduction Section 2: Implementing Concept Cat Teaching Overview Engaging Families Focus Children Planning Involving Everyone in Concept Cat Concept Cat in Different Types of Settings Extensions and Applications FAQ Measuring Impact Section 3: Teaching Sequences Section 4: Appendices

Anna Branagan is a Speech and Language Therapist, trainer and author of practical language development resources for teachers and Speech and Language Therapists. Anna also works in Gloucestershire within a Youth Support Team supporting vulnerable young people. Anna has 30 years’ experience working for the NHS; most of this time has been working within schools and nurseries. Stephen Parsons is a Speech and Language Therapist, trainer and author of practical language development resources for teachers and Speech and Language Therapists. From 1996 to 2017, Stephen worked as a Speech and Language Therapy Service Manager in Hackney and the City of London. He is Chair of the Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) international committee and was Chair of NAPLIC, the UK association for professionals working with children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder, from 2016 to 2024.