Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky

Find solutions and guidance in your classroom today by looking at the theoretical foundations of early childhood care. An intensive look at the ideas of five groundbreaking educational theorists, Theories of Childhood examines the work of John Dewey, Maria Montessori, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lev Vygotsky in relation to early childhood. Each theorist’s ideas are presented to help teachers and students look to the theoretical foundations of early childhood care for solutions and guidance in classrooms today.
An easy-to-learn overview of the theorist opens each chapter. Author Carol Garhart Mooney then distills their work to reveal how it relates to child care and children. Dewy examines the realtionship of curriculum to life; Montessori, the need for carefully prepared classroom environments; Erikson, an approach to making children healthy and comfortable; Piaget, the knowledge of children’s thought processes; and Vygotsky, the importance of teachers and peers in learning.

Each point is then examined in detail, including examples and stories of how the theory applies in child care. Discussion questions and a recommended list of resources for further reading close each chapter.

Perfect for undergraduate programs, community college courses, and training workshops, or to help keep your staff aware of the theory behind good child care practice.