Frances Atherton: PhD student

Email: f.atherton@chester.ac.uk

Supervisor: Professor Cathy Nutbrown

Working Title of thesis:
How are young children under three years of age pursuing their schemas?

Details:

The study aims to identify patterns in thinking of young children under three years of age. Their consistent `forms´ of thought (schemas), evident in their actions, speech and representations will be explored and the developmental route of young children´s schematic behaviour revealed, as they immerse themselves in active, play – based explorations.

Through observations taken in a day care centre and in focussed conversations with practitioners and parents, the complex nature of young children´s distinct repeated behaviour patterns, revealed as they travel on their learning journeys, is exposed.

Practitioners are able to intervene in young children´s play in a more attuned way if schemas are identified, for as Athey (2007) warns, if there is a concentration on content in the learning environment, then a coming to know and understand young children´s forms of thought can be missed.

To offer responsive learning environments which nourish and enrich young children´s schemas, supported though informed interaction, demonstrates a respect for the active nature of young children´s thinking and learning