The first years of life lay the foundations for a child's future development and learning. Many countries have increased their financial support for provision of early childhood education and care (ECEC) over the past years. More recently, the focus of debate has been shifting from expanding access to affordable ECEC to enhancing its quality. A…

This book provides a holistic overview of what leads to success in foreign language learning at an early age and deepens our understanding of early foreign language learning. The studies use an array of methodological approaches to research learners aged between three and ten, as well as their parents and teachers, in instructional, minimal-input…

This collection of essays analyzes the history, philosophy, and politics of the forms of early childhood provision outside the home for young children in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In particular, the essays examine the extent to which that provision is considered educational and intended to…

Because computers fascinate young learners, they can be powerful teaching tools. Drawing on research conducted simultaneously by researchers in France, Spain, and the United States, this book shows how to use technology--specifically a word processor with voice synthesizer--to build literacy and encourage learning in elementary school students.…

This collection of papers presented at the 13th European Conference on Reading brings together a vast range of knowledge, research, and perspectives about literacy and its complex processes. The book explores topics including: (1) Literacy and critical thinking; (2) Working with learners at all levels, from young children to adolescents to…