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

by Carol Garhart Mooney

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, and Lev Vygotsky. 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, Second Edition:

Builds the bridge between theory and best practices in early childhood education
Supports your genuine enjoyment with children by helping you understand more about the ways they grow and learn
Includes new understandings of Vygotsky’s work
Applies the five theories to the realities of the twenty-first century
Carol Garhart Mooney has been an early childhood educator for more than forty years. She is also the author of Theories of Attachment, Use Your Words, and Swinging Pendulums.

Genres: Education, Parenting, Psychology, Nonfiction, Teaching, Childrens, Professional Development

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2000

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great --very basic and usable--overview of Big Ideas in Childhood Development. The takehome to-do for me as a parent (and not a preschool or daycare teacher) was to empower kids to do things for themselves-- get their own snacks, set up their own workspaces. And scaffolding-- knowing their abilities and hangups well enough to provide just-the-right support for progress.

Here's some good bits:

John Dewey, p5: "'I believe that education, therefore, is a process of living and not preparation for future living.'...Dewey thought that curriculum should grow out of real home, work, and other life situations."

Maria Montessori, p29: "the more we manage for children, the harder our jobs will be. Children have a passionate interest in real work. They love to watch the cook, the custodian, and the garbage trick at work. They always want to 'help.'"

Erik Erikson, p46: "Erikson believed that toddlers struggle to achieve balance between appropriate holding on and letting go.... Erikson thought that one of the main barriers for toddlers in accomplishing this task is over-controlling behavior from adults who thwart and resist the toddlers' growing demands for dependence and independence at this stage, they often shame the child for behavior which is actually developmentally appropriate."

p47: "Toddlers need to have reasonable opportunities for choice and control. At the same time they need consistent, firm, reassuring limits set by caring adults. Toddlers can easily be victims of their own strong feelings and sometimes do need us to step in."

[Phung Thanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

BTS loay hoay đi đọc từng nhà giáo dục rồi mới phát hiện ra cuốn này tổng hợp hết xừ nó cho mình.
Dewey: Thực dụng học phải có ý nghĩa ra được kết quả, học đi đôi với hành
Montessori: Cá nhân hóa học sinh, cho làm thật với điều kiện giáo viên kiểm soát được
Erikson: Ảnh hưởng tâm lý học Freud đến đạo đức và hành vi phạm tội
Piaget: Cách kiến thức ngấm vào trí não, quá trình hình thành theo suốt quãng đời con người
Vygotsky: Giống Piaget nhưng tập trung yếu tố xã hội
Trẻ em không phải người lớn thu nhỏ, trẻ em cũng là một con người, có tính dân chủ và có khả năng tích lũy tri thức như bất kì người lớn nào, việc của người lớn là tối đa khả năng tiếp thu tri thức phù hợp với sự phát triển não bộ của trẻ, và xây dựng nên một nền giáo dục dân chủ và khai phóng
Rate: 3.75*/5.0*

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great overview of early childhood education theories. It was broken down into the basic components and easy to understand, while also providing some story into the creators lives. Helpful to get an idea of how and why the current early childhood education system is crafted.

John Dewey was more about theories that have been adopted into the education system. This was important in moving from the 1800s style of pure memorization and strict, rigid learning styles. This added more fun into the curriculum while also making sense of the world through play.

Maria Montessori was the greatest contributor and reading her back story, I believe had the most experience with all kinds of children from which she tested and built her theories on. She was able to turn them into specific suggestions that completely revolutionized early childhood education. Things like child-centered environments, having kids use real tools (like scissors) at a young age, keeping these things at the accessible at the child's level so they don't have to ask to get items. Making the environment beautiful and orderly and having the kids take responsibility. The children should also have large blocks of open-ended time to work on their own. Like Dewey she believed observing each individual child was important for developing a specific curriculum.

Erik Erikson created stages of psychosocial development. The first year is based on Trust vs. Mistrust and the strength developed is Hope. Babies need lots of attention like being held close during feedings and responding right away to any needs. Children 2-3 years are in the Autonomy vs. Shame stage and the strength developed is Willpower. Children need simple choices, not false choices or asking a question when the child has to do it anyway (Do you want to go to school, etc). Clear, consistent, reasonable limits need to be set, as well as full acceptance of the swings between independence and dependence. There are a few other stages as well but I'm focusing on the early childhood for now.

Jean Piaget also created stages for behaviors. Birth through 18 months is Sensorimotor where they learn through senses, reflexes, and manipulate materials. Babies need to be kept safe but interested and respond reassuringly to separation anxiety. 18 months to 6 years is Preoperational where they form ideas based on their perceptions, they can only focus on one variable at a time, and overgeneralized based on their limited experience. They need to be allowed to think their own way through a problem and need real world experiences.

Lev Vygotsky believed that children need to be challenged in order to move forward or stretch the children's competence. Parents/teachers provide some guidance to help the child move past their limitations but ultimately the child needs to learn through experience themselves. Children should also have conversations amongst themselves without teacher interruption even if what they say is incorrect, because they all have different experiences they can each add to the discussion so the children can see there are multiple points of view from their peers. And finally, children should work together as they learn from each other.

Overall, I think each of these people and their theories and practices have benefited early childhood education and I see a lot of similar themes across them. The book was very good at giving specific situations so I understand ways to implement these theories with my own children. It's a quick read and I'd recommend the book to anyone with young kids.

[❄️✨ Kat ✨❄️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took awhile for me to read, but it is very informative and much better than reading this information out of a textbook.
It's important for child-care providers to read this book because it explains the different theories that psychologists have had, such as Vygotsky's zone of proximal development, Montessori's theories that children should learn how to be independent, and many more. Great read.

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredibly short review of the named educators and thinkers. Buy used, not new. There simply isn't enough information contained to justify a $25 pricetag (especially for you folks looking at Erikson-- his chapter goes no further than Initiative vs. Guilt.)

[Joe McCluney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent overview, definitely focuses on *early* childhood.

[Jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, "Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky" by Carol Garhart Mooney, explores the significant impact that five pioneers have had on child development. It highlights how societal factors, both positive and negative, play a crucial role in shaping children's growth and development. Factors like increasing crime rates and media influence are discussed, along with the changing dynamics of family and community life.

The book emphasizes the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into practical use in addressing modern challenges in child development. It advocates for making child development theories practical and relatable, illustrating their value in various aspects of life, including education.

The five pioneers discussed in the book are:

1. John Dewey: Known for his child-centered, democratic approach to education, Dewey's ideas continue to influence modern educational practices. He believed in active and interactive learning, where curriculum evolves from real-life situations, and each child's interests are the basis for learning experiences.

2. Maria Montessori: A visionary educator, Montessori's child-centered environments and emphasis on independence and responsibility continue to shape early childhood education worldwide.

3. Erik Erikson: Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which includes the concept of identity crisis, highlights the importance of trust and attachment in early childhood, providing insights into how societal changes impact child development.

4. Jean Piaget: Piaget's work focuses on how children actively construct their knowledge through experiences, curiosity, and problem-solving. His theories stress the value of direct experiences and play in learning.

5. Lev Vygotsky: Vygotsky emphasized the role of personal and social experiences in children's learning. He introduced the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and the concept of scaffolding, highlighting the importance of support from teachers or peers in bridging learning gaps.

These pioneers' contributions to child development theory offer valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in understanding and promoting healthy childhood development in today's complex world.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child development was a major factor in my teaching degree and professional development. I used many of these folks in my philosophy of education. Overall, this book is about 5 visionary pioneers have shaped modern views of child development. Lev Vygotsky emphasized the influence of personal and social experiences on children's learning, and introduced the idea of scaffolding – assisting children in developing new skills. On the other hand, Jean Piaget asserted that children are active builders of their own understanding through interactions with their environment, emphasizing curiosity and problem-solving in learning. Maria Montessori's focus on child-centered environments, and Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, stress the importance of trust and independence in children. And John Dewey promoted a child-centered, active, and interactive approach, viewing education as an integral part of life, not just preparation for adulthood and employment.

Notes from my favs:

*Child-centered education, with John Dewey*

Born in 1859 in Vermont, John Dewey is one of the most influential figures in American education. He earned a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, then joined the University of Michigan as a philosophy professor. His wife, Alice Chipman, had a strong interest in education's connection with social issues, which led Dewey to explore educational studies.

In 1894, the couple moved to the University of Chicago, where Dewey blended philosophy, psychology, and educational theory in his teaching. He established the Laboratory School within two years, placing the university at the forefront of progressive education – a child-centered, democratic approach that differed vastly from the rigid, traditional style of education prevalent during the nineteenth century. Despite facing criticism at the time, Dewey's approach led to extensive educational research and theory that are still relevant today.

In 1899, Dewey addressed parents worried about the changing times and their impact on children's education. He emphasized that change brings new challenges but also opportunities, urging parents to find innovative ways to instill social responsibility in their children without clinging to the past.

Today, Dewey's theories still resonate strongly with our current educational conundrums. His writings provide significant insights into how to introduce children to subject matter, the feasibility of multi-age classrooms, curriculum planning, supporting classroom teachers, and teaching thinking skills. His teachings align with those of other early theorists like Maria Montessori and Jean Piaget, who advocated learning by doing and encouraged experimentation and independent thinking.

Key to Dewey's pedagogical approach were his beliefs that education should be child-centered, active, and interactive. Education should involve the child's social world, too. Dewey proposed that curriculum should evolve from real-life situations, and that the interests and background of each child should be the basis for planning learning experiences. He viewed education as a part of life, not merely a preparation for the future. He argued for a gradual progression from home life to school life, with the school deepening and extending the values of the home. 

These ideas formed the crux of his influential book My Pedagogic Creed, published in 1897. He argued that teachers are more than subject-matter instructors; they help shape society and form proper social life. Dewey emphasized the importance of teachers' confidence in their skills and abilities, which in turn helps to nurture inquiry and learning dispositions in children. 

** Maria Montessori and child-centered environments**

Born in Italy in 1870, Maria Montessori was a visionary educator and the first woman in Italy to graduate from medical school. Despite facing traditional societal expectations and challenges in the predominantly male medical profession, Montessori followed her passion for understanding human development and excelled in the field. Her pioneering work was sparked by her early experiences in insane asylums, where she discovered that children diagnosed as unteachable responded positively to her unique, observation-based approach.

This keen sense of observation and innovation led Montessori to establish the first Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House, in 1907, in the slums of Rome. Here, she created a nurturing, stimulating environment for children, most of whom came from impoverished homes. From providing furniture scaled for children to developing specific educational materials, Montessori crafted a learning atmosphere that celebrated the needs and potential of each child.

Montessori’s insights were revolutionary for her time. Concepts like child-sized furnishings and the notion of children working independently were unheard of in the early 1900s. Montessori’s ideas formed the foundation for subsequent educational theorists like Piaget and Vygotsky,  whom we’ll discuss later. 

Today, her influence pervades all early childhood programs, not just those bearing her name.

Central to Montessori's philosophy was the creation of child-centered environments. She asserted that the learning environment isn't limited to the physical space, but also includes the individuals and the atmosphere they co-create. Montessori recognized the importance of a beautiful, orderly environment rich in sensory experiences, equipped with tools and utensils suitable for the children’s size.

Among Montessori's contributions are key recommendations for early childhood educators. She advocated for real, functioning tools that empower children and promote their competence. She emphasized the importance of making things accessible to children, fostering their independence, and their responsibility for their own learning. Further, she urged educators to create beauty and order in the classroom, viewing these as integral to teaching, not simply additional chores.

Montessori's influence on our classrooms is still evident today-—from the child-sized tools to  the aesthetics of the learning environment. Her emphasis on respect for the child, fostering independence, and creating beautiful and orderly learning spaces resonates with educators around the globe. Her life and work leave an enduring legacy, reminding us of the profound impact a dedicated, insightful educator can have on future generations.

[MrsMJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good intro to some of the theories that have influenced our current views of early childhood and education. I like that the author made it applicable by explaining a little bit about the various theories along with practical examples of what they might look like in an actual classroom. I also like that she included resources at the end of each chapter for further reading about each person and their child development/education theories. I gave it three stars because I would recommend it as a “good read”, and as an “easy read”, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a “must read”… But it’s generally a good read for educators and parents, especially for anyone who is new to these names, and anyone who is interested in child development/education.

[MARTINA · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read introduction to five parenting/educational theories. A good start for exploring each of them for someone who has never studied Dewey, Montessori, Erikson Piaget or Vygotsky. It is impossible to cover all their work (or even half of it) in this short book, but it's a good place to start.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a solid foundational overview of early childhood education theories, catering to both parents and educators.

Takeaways:
- Children don’t live in a bubble. They see things, hear things, and absorb information around them at a staggering rate – and that includes both the good and the bad.
- To be effective, education must acknowledge and adapt to societal changes. It must underline the significance of understanding, and effectively applying, child development theories in the classroom.
- When a child's needs go unmet, they can find it challenging to trust themselves or the world, leading to difficulties in higher levels of social functioning.

Theory notes:
- Dewey's writings provide significant insights into how to introduce children to subject matter, the feasibility of multi-age classrooms, curriculum planning, supporting classroom teachers, and teaching thinking skills. Key to Dewey's pedagogical approach were his beliefs that education should be child-centered, active, and interactive. He viewed education as a part of life, not merely a preparation for the future. He argued for a gradual progression from home life to school life, with the school deepening and extending the values of the home.
- Concepts like child-sized furnishings and the notion of children working independently were unheard of in the early 1900s.
- Eight Ages of Man: This theory posits that each stage of human life comes with a task that needs to be accomplished. Successfully navigating each stage influences how we handle the next, shaping our personality strengths or weaknesses. Erikson was the one to coin the term identity crisis, which he saw as an unavoidable part of youth's transition to adulthood.
- Vygotsky defined ZPD as the gap between what a child can do independently and what they can achieve with help. To bridge this gap, they introduced the idea of "scaffolding," in which teachers or more knowledgeable peers support a child in attaining a new skill or concept.

Quotes:
- “If one cannot state a matter clearly enough so that an intelligent twelve-year-old can understand it, one should remain within the cloistered walls of the University and laboratory until one gets a better grasp of one’s subject matter.” (I feel like then by their logic this sentence should be rewritten but who am I to say anything lol)

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read that does exactly what it claims, I enjoyed how this was a simple introduction to the works of these different people. The focus was on the parts of their work that are still relevant today, and there are examples of good and bad practice (according to the theories).

I enjoyed it as someone who wanted to read about childhood development outside of the context of either you-and-your-fluffy-little-cute-baby books or affected academic writing. This is easy to read and understand and that makes it great. Each chapter has a short list of suggested further reading. I like how the author has selected a few suggestions for each person rather than just throwing essentially everything she knows or has found on the internet in as references.

Recommended!

[Caroline Lampinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has been “in education” for 8 years but never had an education about theory, especially not early childhood theory, this book was great. It summarizes five major theorists in extremely plain terms, without terrible bias.

I absolutely hated the introduction, which begins with “It isn’t anyone’s imagination that working with American children is getting harder and harder.” (Ugh F off why do we perpetuate this deficit thinking that coddles teachers and puts children in a terrible light??)

But aside from that, it was genuinely helpful.

If you know anything about these theorists, don’t read it or skip the ones you know because it is extremely simple.

[Jemmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a quick and accessible overview of many theories of childhood learning and development posited throughout the 20th century. It employs concrete examples from classroom settings to expertly demonstrate the concepts of each theorist, and provides thought provoking questions prompting the reader to negotiate conflicts with co-workers and parents using the theorist's ideas. This work is primarily targeted at teachers, but home educators, parents, and child care professionals will also gain a lot from reading it.nIt inspired me to read more from the theorists profiled, particularly Piaget & Vygotsky.

[Tony Laplume · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the pioneers of thought in the field, perhaps ideally suited to administers and trainers looking at the kinds of staffing they want to encourage, caregivers capable of following such ideas. The caveat here, repeated in the chapters on Erickson and Piaget, is the tendency to underestimate the very youngest, to assume all they need is attachment, and not secure attachment, which good training will emphasis but poor working conditions will not even realize is a thing. And really, this is the foundation of all early learning. Otherwise, this is easily the best book I’ve read from material I’ve found in the workplace.

[Misty Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome in giving you a quick overview of what each of these philosphers studied and are about. I absolutely loved using it as a reference guide of what I want to study next. I was able to weigh pros and cons between what they were teaching. Being able to see the teachings side by side. I understood how certain studies could benefit and be applied at different times, like a mix and match of methods if you will! Overall I'm glad I added this to my personal library as I continue in my child development studies.

[RandomScholar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author does a good job of relating theory to practice. Oftentimes theory classes only focus on what someone did decades ago, with no application to real teaching today. This author focuses both on theory and how it can help classroom instruction today. I would recommend this to any pre-service teacher, or even current teachers who have become disillusioned with the way theory has been taught in the past.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book about child development as discovered by several philosophers of the 20th century. I could see from each chapter summary where some of our modern teaching philosophies in the classroom developed. I found myself wanting to read the book again shortly after finishing so that I could do a better job of memorizing which philosopher contributed which philosophy.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attainable

Mooney does a great job of making the theories of the psychologists attainable. They are made attainable in understanding and application. She also does not use excessive words to do so. I highly recommend this book to all early childhood educators that desire to see children grow and love life while doing so.

[Kim B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is of the 2013 revised edition.

Despite the brief mention of a book that should in no way be used as an educational reference in today's world, this is an excellent primer/refresher on the major theories of child development and learning. Anyone aspiring to enter the field of early childhood education should look this over, and it could benefit seasoned professionals as well.

[Mike Lovato · Rating 5 out of 5]

tremendous and practical overview on child development psychology. Great for those dipping their toes in this region, she summarizes 5 main pioneers theories and points of view in digestible manner that any body can understand. This was a quick read due to how well put together it is. Great for beginners

[Ching Li Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good explanation on psychology theories.

I graduated with psychology degree. This books is relevant to teachers and parents. It gives us a general ideas what these theorist is about, short and concise.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love this as it really helped me understand the theories as someone who learned them from college but aren't using them for work. Gave examples that are relatable and thus really meaningful. Would recommend to all educators out there 🥰🥰

[Igor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and accessible introduction to the theories of child development. Good read for everyone interested in early childhood education. But also more generally, to make us understand that now “self-evident” things are not self-evident at all.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, readable introduction. At times a too brief - I'd have preferred something with more depth.

[Shane Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to some of the basis of education theories. It focused on young children, but lots of references to other more in-depth books are given.

[Maximilian Hawker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully readable introduction to theories of childhood with understandable and relatable examples of how the theory transfers into actual life scenarios in a preschool setting.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the theories of child development.

[Maha Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a good introduction for the 5 childhood theories (Dewey, Erikson, Montessori, Piaget, Vygotsky). I recommend it for people who are new to the field. It can be a 101 course.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of theory!

This book is a great overview of early childhood development theory. Well organized and written for easy understanding and retention.