Approaches to Early Childhood Education

Thanks. The book was in good condition and received just in time for school. Natalye Delegal

Rooparine and Johnson have created a fifth edition of their rather original format (compared to many other early childhood texts). Not a whole lot has changed from the previous version other than a face lift to the layout (which is still in crisp black and out). If unfamiliar with their book, R & J's book has four sections. First, there is an intro section that somewhat tries to rush through the history of early childhood education, infant/toddler care, Head Start, and the unfamiliar (to novices) Portage Model. I thought this was a lot to cover in four chapters because some of these parts (Infant/Toddler Care) may require a little more expansion in terms of developmental basics. The second section covers general issues of early childhood with a fine section on culturally relevant pedagogy. Again the section seems rushed as if they are trying to jam a lot into a small space. Parts 3 and 4, on the other hand, are well done as they cover the familiar early childhood curriculums (High/Scope, Reggio, Montessori) and the more unfamiliar, fascinating ones (Bank Street, Project Approach, Waldorf). A very intriguing chapter is the one on "Tools of the Mind" (A Vygotskian Approach). If you have never examined Vygotksian in such detail, please prepare to be impressed and inspired. Overall, a good text...but, at times, I am not quite sure if the authors are trying to create a intro text, a curriculum text, or a "seminar" type text. I think it is a fine read, but not necessarily a good fit for a college classroom setting.