`I found this book to be clearly written and exceptionally well organized. Each chapter is prefaced with a glossary of key terms. The book will be invaluable for students, early years professionals and support staff, working to develop spoken language, reading and writing with young children and their families' - Child Language Teaching and Therapy. `This empowering book should be a must" for anyone working with nought to eight-year-olds' - Nursery World. `Marian Whitehead valuably reminds us what the organization and interpretation of curriculum statements is all about. The book forces the reader to attend to the voice of the child against the encroachment of inappropriate curriculum demands'- TACYTC. 'This Third Edition of Marian Whitehead's book Language and Literacy in the Early Years is a welcome update of an already key text for early years educators. This new edition reflects continuing research over the last 20 years in the field of language and literacy development whilst also embracing recent developments and initiatives which have influenced early years education. Marian has broadened the context of early years education beyond the classroom, acknowledging the variety of settings and professionals who are now involved in educating and developing young children from birth onwards. The text relates theory and practice in an easily readable form with particularly helpful sections on key terminology and summaries within each chapter. A most useful, practical text which no early years practitioner should be without' - Jacqueline Barbera, Director of Undergraduate ITT, Liverpool Hope University College. This Third Edition of Language and Literacy in the Early Years has been updated to reflect current professional interests and the latest developments in the field. The book provides comprehensive coverage of issues in language, literacy and learning, focusing on the age range from birth to eight years. The author emphasizes the joy and creativity involved in supporting young children's development as speakers, writers and readers. While taking account of current initiatives and programmes, the author supports flexible teaching methods in what is a complex teaching and learning process. This book is essential reading for primary and early years students and practitioners in the field of language and literacy including nursery nurses, classroom assistants and Foundation Stage teachers."