Understanding Behaviour in the Early Years

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The word 'behaviour' is often taken to only refer to inappropriate behaviour. However, by opening out our thinking and recognising behaviour as a means of communication we are much more likely to be able to support children’s development more effectively. This book offers essential guidance on:

  • promoting positive behaviour in the early years
  • recognising the complexities of understanding behaviour and the impact it has on children’s social development
  • creating positive partnerships with parents to develop a shared confidence in interpreting children’s behaviour
  • enabling children’s learning about their own and others’ thinking in the context of their social connections
  • practical suggestions for building on existing effective practice and creating an environment that supports children’s emotional wellbeing

Ages: 0-8 years

Understanding Behaviour in the Early Years

About the Authors

Kay Mathieson

Dr Kay Mathieson has worked in Early Years and primary settings for many years. This has included supporting children with additional needs, especially behaviour, and their families. She completed her PhD research into the development of social competence in young children at Sussex University. She worked part time with the National Strategies as an Early Years Regional Adviser until 2011 when she became a Director of Linden Learning, an ethical educational training and consultancy business.
Picture of Bridie Raban

Bridie Raban

Bridie Raban was the Foundation Mooroolbeek Professor of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Melbourne. She is currently an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and in 2021, she was awarded an Honorary University Fellowship by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Her past research has focused on language and literacy development, teacher change and development, curriculum and assessment for the early childhood years and quality provision. She was the first Professor of Early Childhood Education in Victoria and the second in Australia, and before this she was Professor of Primary Education (Early Years) at the University of Warwick and President of the UK Reading Association.