ABSTRACT

Theories of Early Childhood Education provides a comprehensive introduction to the various theoretical perspectives influential in early childhood education, from developmental psychology to critical studies, Piaget to Freire. Expert chapter authors examine assumptions underpinning the use of theory in the early years and concisely explore the implications of these questions for policy and practice. Every chapter includes applications to practice that will assist students and professionals in seeing the relevance of the theoretical perspective for their teaching.

part I|70 pages

Developmental Theories

chapter 1|15 pages

Jean Piaget’s Constructivist Theory of Learning

BySandra Waite-Stupiansky

chapter 2|13 pages

Maria Montessori

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
ByPhyllis Povell

chapter 3|14 pages

The Eriksons’ Psychosocial Developmental Theory

ByElizabeth Jones, Sandra Waite-Stupiansky

chapter 4|13 pages

The Importance of Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory for Early Childhood Education

ByJonathan R. H. Tudge, Elisa A. Merçon-Vargas, Yue Liang, Ayse Payir

chapter 5|13 pages

The Vygotskian and Post-Vygotskian Approach

Focusing on “the Future Child”
ByElena Bodrova, Deborah J. Leong

part II|28 pages

Infant/Toddler Theories

chapter 6|14 pages

The Educaring Approach of Magda Gerber

ByRuth Anne Hammond

chapter 7|12 pages

T. B. Brazelton’s Developmental Approach to Learning

ByJoshua Sparrow

part III|30 pages

Behaviorist Theories

chapter 8|14 pages

The Work of B. F. Skinner

Effective Practices within Early Childhood Settings
ByKathleen M. Feeley

chapter 9|14 pages

Ole Ivar Lovaas

A Legacy of Learning for Children with Disabilities
ByEmily A. Jones, Sally M. Izquierdo, Caraline Kobel

part IV|61 pages

Critical Theories

chapter 10|18 pages

Mikhail Bakhtin

Dialogic Language and the Early Years
ByE. Jayne White

chapter 11|16 pages

Educative Experiences in Early Childhood

Lessons from Dewey
ByDenise D. Cunningham, Donna Adair Breault

chapter 12|15 pages

The Whole World is a Chorus

Paulo Freire’s Influence
ByElizabeth P. Quintero