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, Lev Vygotsky, and Janice E. Hale, as well as discussion of attachment theory. 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, Third Edition, builds the bridge between theory and best practices in early childhood education to support your genuine enjoyment with children by helping you understand more about the ways they grow and learn.