Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child: Time for Slow Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education

by Alison Clark

This book explores the relationship with time in early childhood by arguing for the valuing of slow pedagogies and slow knowledge. Alison Clark points to alternative practices in Early Childhood Education and Care that enable a different pace and rhythm, against the backdrop of the acceleration in early childhood and the proliferation of testing and measurement. Diverse approaches are explored to enable an ‘unhurried child’ and less hurried adults.

Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child is divided in three parts. Part 1, Reasons to be slow, looks at the pressures in Early Childhood Education and Care to speed up and for children to be ‘readied’ for the next stage. The book then explores different relationships with time for young children and educators. Part 2, Slow pedagogies and practices, explore some of the forms slow practices can take including outdoors, in the studio, in everyday routines, through stories, in pedagogical documentation and in ‘slow’ research. Part 3, Moving forward, shows what a ‘timefull’ approach to ECEC can look like, whilst debating the challenges and possibilities that exist.

The book serves as a catalyst for urgent discussion about the need to slow down in early childhood education and teacher education and explores case studies of where slow early childhood education are already happening. It will be a key reading for researchers, practitioners and policy-makers about the relationship with time in early childhood and the importance of taking a longer view.

Genres: Education

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2022

Reviews

[Alison Carratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although aimed at Early Childhood Education I look forward to using Slow Pedagogy in my Complex Needs ASN Classes. Throughout this book Alison Clark cleverly links Slow Pedagogy, Froebelian Principles and Play. This has allowed me to make connections with the prior knowledge I have gained while completed recent CPD and leading SIP-Play in the school I work. The book is full of research and practical examples. While promoting the values of Slow Pedagogy it is realistic about the challenges that will be faced when adopting these principles and gives practical advice for these situations. The book has been structured into three clear sections 1. Reasons to be slow, 2. Slow Pedagogies and practices and 3. Moving forward. Although I read it cover to cover this structure does allow you to dip into the section that is most relevant to you.

[June O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A key book on why children need to be allowed to enjoy a slow paced childhood . The constant rush to achieve targets set by adults is damaging for children, limiting their right to play which is a fundamental need and right.

[Peter Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a little repetitive, but slow pedagogy is probably the most resonant & impactful one ill take away from this semester.