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, see pages 90, 173 and 332.
• In addition, “Stop and Reflect” questions embedded in the text also allow readers to integrate and apply chapter content to their own lives; for examples, see pages 108, 166 and 328.

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;" for examples, see pages 78, 158, and 304.  Each chapter also has a cumulative table of the theories presented in that chapter.
• Each chapter includes key research on the ecologies of family, school, and community highlighted in separate sections called "Development in Context;” for examples, see pages 112, 184 and 334.
• 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; for examples, see pages 97, 182, and 333.