Middle Childhood Development: A Contextual Approach is a new and integrative resource for practitioners who work with children ages 6 through 12. With a focus on the historical and cultural context of middle childhood and on developmental pathways, this text explores the ways in which middle childhood is considered both a stage of development and a transitional period.
An Emphasis on Application
- Current research is translated into practical applications for educators, parents, and other professionals. See the feature "Guideposts for Working with School-age Children" for examples.
- In addition, “Stop and Reflect” questions embedded in the text also allow readers to integrate and apply the chapter content to their own lives.
An Integrated Discussion of Research and Theories
- Based on recent research findings, the authors provide suggestions on what to expect and how to interact with children in middle childhood.
- Rather than one abstract introductory chapter, psychological theories of development are applied throughout the text to address particular chapter content in integrated sections called "Theoretical Viewpoints." Each chapter also has a cumulative table of the theories presented in that chapter.
- Each chapter includes key research on the ecologies of home, school, and community highlighted in separate sections called "Contexts of Development."
- In each chapter, pedagogical boxes called "Roadmap to Understanding Theory and Research" and "Roadmap to Successful Practice" are included that alert students to key illustrations of chapter content.
