Understand theories of childhood to make your days with children smoother, your job easier, and your program stronger.

This best-selling resource provides clear, straightforward introductions to the foundational theories of John Dewey, Maria Montessori, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lev Vygotsky. Each chapter highlights a theorist’s work and includes insight on how the theory impacts teaching young children today. Discussion questions and suggested readings are included to help you gain an understanding of what it means to apply each theory to your work with children.

Theories of Childhood, Second Edition:

Builds the bridge between theory and best practices in early childhood education
Supports your genuine enjoyment with children by helping you understand more about the ways they grow and learn
Includes new understandings of Vygotsky’s work
Applies the five theories to the realities of the twenty-first century