Child Development: Books

This volume spells out more fully the principles undergirding developmentally appropriate practice and guidelines for making decisions in the classroom for young children.

"Child Development offers 296 illustrated articles examining contemporary issues in the field of child and adolescent development. It features the latest research on growth and development during the prenatal, infant, toddler, preschool, middle childhood and adolescent periods. Appendices include an annotated list of Web sties and 40 tables of current statistical data.

Vygotsky's approach to development: the social origins of individual mental functioning -- Play in Vygotsky's theory -- Children with serious learning and behavior problems -- The relation between learning and development: comparing Vygotsky's theory with other prominent perspectives -- Vygotsky's theory in early childhood classrooms -- A vision for early childhood education.

Early childhood educators need to be cognizant of the disconnect between public policy and classroom practice--the success of children they teach depends on it. This book analyzes how ineffective practices are driven by unexamined public policies and why educators need to challenge their thinking in order to make a difference in children's lives. A very complex story about public policy and the importance of teaching is told while entertaining and engaging the reader throughout.

Kathleen Berger's portrait of the scientific investigation of childhood and adolescent development helps bring an evolving field into the evolving classroom. Guided by Berger's clear, inviting authorial voice, and page after page of fascinating examples from cultures around the world, students see how classic and current research, and the lives of real people, shape the field's core theories and concepts. In addition to Berger's exhaustive updating of the research, this edition is notable for its thorough integration of assessment throughout (learning objectives, assessments after each section, expanded end-of-chapter quizzes) all aligned with national standards.

Designed to help students grasp the complexity of child development, Developmental Profiles: Pre-birth Through Twelve,5E highlights major characteristics for each of the developmental domains in a concise, non-technical, point-by-point format. Developmental profiles and case studies have been expanded to include middle childhood, and sections featuring children's daily routines. Patterns have been incorporated to help students, parents, and teachers comprehend the interrelated nature of development and translate emerging skills into everyday behavior. Updated content reflects current information about prenatal care and brain research. Information on safety allows students to recognize important safety considerations at each developmental stage and gives suggestions for appropriate adult supervision. Every chapter includes objectives, key terms, updated and more in-depth case studies, and each section offers tips on promoting children's curiosity and learning.

This a streamlined foundations book that introduces early childhood students to the field. This unique book is organized to answer four key questions: What is the field? Who is the child? Who is the teacher? and What is being taught? The four sections address the essentials of early childhood education, emphasizing multiculturalism and developmentally appropriate practice.