The Children You Teach: Using a Developmental Framework in the Classroom

The Children You Teach is a book of stories about students and teachers. But it is also a book about children’s development. Each chapter tells the true story of a child or teacher facing a dilemma. Weaving in research from psychological science, Susan Engel shows how to look at children through a developmental lens, which can change what happens in the classroom, and transform the craft of teaching.

Drawing on her many years as a developmental scientist and classroom teacher, Susan applies theories and studies from developmental psychology to the lives of real children. She summarizes the research and data to help teachers understand the way children think, and then shows how teachers can use that knowledge in the classroom.

No plan book or curriculum guide can replace the power and usefulness of thinking about children from a developmental perspective. You can take concrete steps to make child development integral to your daily work with children. Learn to think differently about the children you teach and let your insights guide you as you help them grow.