Top five books for primary education

Starting a degree can be intimidating, especially with so many books out there to choose from. You will get free access to some core texts online via the university once you’ve joined, so in this blog I will do my best to highlight the best books to access from the ARU Library (or buy second-hand if you want to get a head start) which may help you in your first year.

1. Learning Theories Simplified:... and how to apply them to teaching – Bob Bates (2019)

   This book is easy to access, giving you an excellent overview of all the theories you will need for your degree, and more.

2. An Introduction to Child Development – Thomas Keenen, Subhadra Evans & Kevin Crowley (2016)

   A lot of this degree involves the development of children, and this book covers it all: how they grow physically, psychologically, socially and morally, and how we think they learn. It goes into excellent detail, is really balanced and well-researched, yet easy to read..

3. Research Methods: the basics – Nicholas Walliman (2018)

   A little more difficult to access than the previous two books, but a gift once you start to study research methods. It will give you answers to a lot of the questions you have!.

4. The Curriculum: theory and practice – A. V. Kelly (2009)

   Really helpful in your first semester for your pedagogy assignment. Although Kelly has some clear views on the subject, this book has some excellent pointers and useful information that you may find valuable!

5. The Child in Society – Hazel Wright (2015)

   This book focuses on the concept and construction of “childhood”. It also looks at the main theories of childhood, their place in society, their development in all areas of their life, and much more. Another book that will become very useful for your assignments!

As you can see, the ARU library will give you most of what you need, so if you are on a strict budget you can get a great quality of information without buying any books.