Julie Cigman Livres

Drawing on four boys writing projects involving over 80 practitioners, this timely book shows how we can help boys to become confident and capable writers by supporting them to write in ways that make sense to them - on the move, outside and inside, in dens, in bushes, in mud, or sprawled on the floor dressed as superheroes. While the boys are playing, practitioners can help them to find pressing reasons to write, reasons that make sense to them. They can then practice the formal skills of writing in an open-ended and unpressured way. Of course, girls also like to play in the mud and in dens and will also benefit from the ideas described.

Boys do less well than girls in all areas of learning in the EYFS and continue to lag behind girls in assessments throughout their school careers. This book draws on current research to provide practical advice on the ways Early Years practitioners can create positive learning environments for boys. It explores how best to match provision to boys' learning styles to support their progress in communication and literacy, while aiding their physical, personal, social and emotional development. Giving clear guidance on helping boys to meet high expectations in a playful and creative way, it is an essential read for anyone working to create a positive foundation for boys in Early Years education.