This concise text will help your students get to grips with the core academic skills they need to succeed at written assignments, including critical thinking, reading, note-making and assignment planning. It also equips students with practical strategies for reflecting on their learning and placement experiences and using observational data from their placements in written assignments. Chapters incorporate subject-specific examples and activities, which make it easier for students to develop these skills and apply them to their own work. This engaging book will be an essential companion for all students of education, childhood studies and related disciplines.