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TALKING AND THINKING FLOORBOOKS
Using 'Big Book' Planners to consult children

By: Claire Warden
Mindstretchers, Perthshire. 2006
Paperback, 84 pages
Recommended retail price:$59.95
ISBN: 0 954488 36 0

In this publication, the author shows how the process of using Talking and Thinking Floorbooks TM has evolved to foster consultation with young children and how that process has developed advanced thinking in the children who have been exposed to her methods. She begins the process by looking at the ethos of the centre and the different learning styles used by children. She then shows how these can be incorporated into recording in the Floorbook. She gives very concrete examples of how children are consulted and how the knowledge that they have can be recorded. These experiences can be either child or adult initiated, but, throughout, it is the process of consultation and respect for children’s responses that is shown to be of greatest importance.

Warden also gives examples of using Talking Tubs to stimulate ideas, Talking and Thinking Trees to record the learning that is taking place and Consultation Boards to track how a project is developing. While the process sounds time consuming, the author stresses that the process is carried out with the children and is part of the everyday planning process. She also suggests that the Talking and Thinking Floorbook TM is a resource that remains with the centre and is available for both present and future children to use as a reference. Warden presents an exciting process which sees children as competent and respected citizens and which allows each child to present their knowledge of the world in a way which encourages experimentation and equality.

This is a very practical publication, and, with its step by step instructions and photographic documentation is a must have for any-one who is experimenting with ways to document the process of consultation and children’s learning.

Helen Inglis

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