Early Childhood Studies degree - how do I write an introduction to my first assisgnment? HELP!!!

[Calista]

I've gone ahead with starting a foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies, it's something I've wanted to do for ages and I'm really enjoying it - up till now!!

My first assignment is about the developing child, and I'm darned if I seem to have forgotten all about essay writing, as I haven't had to do it for a long time! I've got my books in front of me, an an outline of what I'm suppose to be discussing, but I can't figure out how to word my introduction. I keep getting verbal diarrhoea and I'm sure it's not meant to that detailed...

Can anyone give me some pointers on what you're supposed to put in an introduction?

I've tried to start this assignment 3 times and I'm starting to think I'm not up to this course

Why not do the body of the essay then go back to the introduction when you have more info, it may be easier then.

Use the essay title - "In order to discuss the (something from title) I will / it is neccessary to examine a and b and c. [a, b, c being the main issues in your essay] insert a sentence about each. When these are looked at it becomes clear that d and e. {ie your conclusion]

Thanks Donbean and hatstand
I think once I get started properly I'll be on a roll (that's what used to happen just over 10 years ago anyway, but I might've got a bit rusty now!)