Writing your own ‘Reflections on Early Years Issues’

Papers and responses already submitted to this section

Writing for the Reflections website

Do you have a burning issue that you would like to share with others? The purpose of the ‘Reflecting on Early Years Issues’ part of the TACTYC website is for authors to do just that in 1500-2000 words maximum. Whether you are an experienced writer or still working at the process, for most of us issues arise occasionally which make us very excited, very angry, very puzzled, challenged or which prompt us to find out what others think.

Papers in the ‘Reflections‘ section of the website can be experimental rather than polished in the way needed for the Early Years Journal. Authors can set out deliberately to gain a response from readers; in fact, we very much hope that this is what will happen! The papers can offer up-to-date but, as yet, unfinished research information, disseminate innovative practice, offer opportunity for academic discussion on a wide range of issues covering practice, research, curriculum or policy.

So whether you’re an early years practitioner, student, lecturer, trainer, teacher, adviser, consultant … whatever, why not have your say? Perhaps two or more of you could write collaboratively? What are the things that challenge you? Are they the same for everyone? What have you read that is worth commenting on to others: maybe it’s about new research, children’s perspectives, assessment or a current government initiative which commands your attention. Short papers on any early years topic can be accepted under the ‘Reflecting on Early Years Issues’ heading and we welcome them all. Supervisors – it’s a great way to introduce your research students to writing for academic journals. All papers submitted are refereed by at least three reviewers before acceptance. And we offer support for those early in their writing careers.

Authors are invited to submit articles between 1500 and 2000 words on any early years issue. A useable and useful format might be:

  • What is the issue?
  • Why is it important in early years?
  • Briefly, what is already been written on this issue? Do you agree/disagree?
  • What proposals/suggestions are you making for changes?
  • What questions needs raising/answering?
  • Or, you might want to tell us about some ongoing research in which you are involved.

See … it’s easy!! So get writing or encourage others you know with an ‘issue’ to write also. You don’t need to be a TACTYC member to write or respond to these papers – we’re pleased to hear from anyone who has something interesting to say!

Responding to the Reflections website

Anyone, including authors, can respond to the Reflections website. TACTYC‘s aim is to promote and sponsor debate amongst the early years community. Remember, TACTYC has a lobbying dimension and your comments and dialogues may inform the Executive’s responses to current issues. Articles that prompt considerable debate may also appear in the Early Years Journal.

TACTYC wishes to make it clear that articles and responses appearing on the Reflections website are written by individuals whose views do not necessarily represent those of TACTYC itself. Our aim is to promote debate on issues and not to act as a conduit for colleagues to be openly critical of others’ views.

Please send your contributions with the subject ‘Student Reflections’ to tactyc.org@gmail.com

Papers and responses already submitted to this section


Published: July 9, 2014 |

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