Peer-reviewed article

Inclusive pedagogies for early childhood education

Henrietta Kelemen · 13 Oct 2023

Abstract

This book is a volume of studies in which a collection of theoretical studies and empirical research can be read that explores inclusive pedagogy what can be observed in the everyday practices of early childhood educationthat reinforces learning and supports the acceptance of the diversity of disability and culture.The book starts with the words of the editors, in which they formulate their thoughts on the relevance and importance of the book: "This essential textbook explores inclusive pedagogies by presenting theoretical viewpoints and research on everyday practices in early childhood education that affirm diversity about learning, disability, and culture."(p. 1)The table of contents provides an opportunity to review the title and author of the studies included in the volume, and it is also possible to see on which page each study begins.In addition, a List of figures subsection appears, which describes the title and page number of the figures appearing in the studies; Contributing authors subsection, where you can read a short biography of the authors of the studies published in the book, as well as an introduction written by the editors: Inclusive pedagogy as an ethics of responsibility and care.In the Introduction the editors, Carmel Conn and Alison Murphy talk about the concept of inclusion, and inclusive pedagogy and describe the importance of this book: "We hope these chapters will contribute to the ongoing conversation about best practices suitable for all children in early childhood education and serve to highlight the importance of close attention to the ways in which we think about and engage with them as learners."(p. 7).In their reading, "inclusion is the result of people coming to know each other, accepting the other as they are and adjusting to people's different ways of being in the world."(p. 2), and inclusive pedagogy "focuses specifically on educational practices, but also the ideas, values, and knowledge that shape and justify these".After clarifying the conceptual background, the editors briefly present the further structure of the book, as well as the essential ideas of each study.The volume consists of two large parts.It is entitled PART I: Theoretical perspectives on inclusive pedagogy, in this part inclusive pedagogy, is scrutinized from a theoretical approach, and in PART II: Using research to develop inclusive pedagogies, relevant empirical research