Editorials

The inequality generated by the Covid crisis
Mary Nolan, Editor, reflects on the pandemic and the way in which it has heightened inequality among very young children.

Globalisation and children’s learning
Mary Gauvain, Professor of Psychology at the University of California, USA, writes about the complexity and wonder of children’s thinking and of the important role that cultural experience plays in its development.

Articles

Just chatting with a baby is more than you might think
Robin Balbernie writes about how babies are biologically primed to make social connections, a straightforward survival mechanism that paves the way to the later attachment relationship.

The importance of play in early childhood
David Neale discusses growing support in the research community for the idea that play is an important part of early childhood. He shows that play is a phenomenon that may have an impact on children’s development in various implicit ways, while also being a good basis on which to develop more explicit educational approaches.

Playing with books: The road to literacy begins with reading during infancy
Michelle Brown describes how book reading during infancy is a powerful play activity that impacts children’s language and literacy achievement. A regular reading routine can increase caregiver-infant interactions and strengthen early language and social communication skills, providing a strong foundation for later literacy acquisition.

Play, music and movement
Helen Battelley observes how movement is at the very core of early childhood development. Securing core strength for primary muscle growth and development is fundamental for future health, strength and posture.

The importance of face-to-face play for infants’ social development
Carina de Klerk writes about how playful face-to-face interactions support the development of a bond between the infant and the caregiver, contribute to the development of infants’ sense of self, and support the development of their ability to copy others’ facial expressions.

STEM begins in infancy: Conceptual PlayWorlds to support new practices for professionals and families
Marilyn Fleer and colleagues examine the evidence and practices for supporting STEM thinking, learning and development in young children and illustrate how young children can be engaged in STEM. The article concludes with an evidence-based model suitable for educators and families to create a collective sense of being a STEM thinker in everyday life.

Playground Ideas
Playground Ideas was founded by Marcus Veerman in 2011. It is a non-profit organization that supports anyone, anywhere, to build a stimulating space for play using only local materials, tools, and skills.

Supporting parents with the Play & Learning Strategies Program (PALS)
Susan Landry describes the Play and Learning Strategies program (PALS) which supports parents to use effective responsiveness behaviors that build a trusting relationship between them and their child. PALS integrates attachment and socio-cultural theories that emphasize the key role of responsive parenting for children’s optimal development.

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