Early years pedagogy is a deeply human, emotional activity as well as an intellectual and physical one. Drawing on key research, this book explores how ‘Work Discussion’ can offer a safe space for practitioners to reflect on their daily experience including the feelings that accompany the work. In facilitating honest and open conversations, it shows how sharing troubling dilemmas and experiences in a supportive environment can improve both the wellbeing of practitioners and the outcomes for children and their families.
This book explains the origins of Work Discussion, the results of a year-long evaluation of its impact in a large early years setting, and the accounts of five nursery leaders who have experienced using Work Discussion. Concluding with practical advice on preparing to go forward for training in facilitating Work Discussion groups in early years settings, chapters cover:
How to set up Work Discussion as a model of professional reflection
Structuring conversations and responding to difficult incidents and experiences
The benefits of Work Discussion for practitioners, children and families
Detailed case studies of Work Discussion in action.
Written by leading experts and including reflective questions throughout, this will be valuable reading for early years practitioners as well as managers wanting to support their staff’s mental health wellbeing.
Edited by:
Peter Elfer
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 246mm,
Width: 174mm,
Weight: 240g
ISBN: 9781032393377
ISBN 10: 1032393378
Pages: 116
Publication Date: 26 January 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
Professional and scholarly
,
ELT Advanced
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Part One: Relationships Matter Chapter 1. Let’s get serious about feelings in early years practice (Peter Elfer); Chapter 2. Introducing Work Discussion as an holistic model of professional reflection (Dilys Wilson) Part Two: Does Work Discussion work? A research evaluation from the perspectives of practitioners, children, and parents Chapter 3. Introducing the Research Evaluation (Peter Elfer) Chapter 4. The practitioners’ perspectives (Antonia Zachariou) Chapter 5. Does ‘Work Discussion’ work? How can we know if Work Discussion makes a difference for children (Sue Robson) Chapter 6. The parents’ perspective. What was learnt in the evaluation about working with parents and what matters to parents? (Sue Greenfield) Part Three: Five Nursery Managers talk about their experience of Work Discussion Chapter 7: Research into Practice. Inviting Nursery Leaders to try out Work Discussion: What did they make of it? Chapter 8. Christina’s story Chapter 9. Emily’s story Chapter 10. Lisa’s story Chapter 11. Sam’s story Chapter 12. Tricia’s story Part Four: What is involved in leading a Work Discussion group? 13. Building space to talk and think: Five Key Tasks for Work Discussion Facilitators (Ruth and Peter)
Peter Elfer is Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Education at the University of Roehampton. He has been a Trustee and Chair of Research for the Froebel Trust. His research has been focussed on the experiences of babies, young children, and practitioners in nursery settings.
