Tools of the Mind: The Vygotskian Approach to Early Childhood Education, Third Edition

Now in its third edition, this classic text remains the seminal resource for in-depth information about major concepts and principles of the cultural-historical theory developed by Lev Vygotsky, his students, and colleagues, as well as three generations of neo-Vygotskian scholars in Russia and the West. Featuring two new chapters on brain development and scaffolding in the zone of proximal development, as well as additional content on technology, dual language learners, and students with disabilities, this new edition provides the latest research evidence supporting the basics of the cultural-historical approach alongside Vygotskian-based practical implications. With concrete explanations and strategies on how to scaffold young children’s learning and development, this book is essential reading for students of early childhood theory and development. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Section I The Vygotskian Framework: The Cultural-Historical Theory of Development 1 Introduction to the Vygotskian Approach 2 Acquiring Mental Tools and Higher Mental Functions 3 Tools of the Mind and Brain Development 4 The Vygotskian Framework and Other Theories of Child Development, Learning, and Education Section II Strategies for Development and Learning 5 The Zone of Proximal Development 6 Dynamic Assessment: Application of the Zone of Proximal Development 7 Scaffolding in the Zone of Proximal Development 8 Tactics for Scaffolding: Using Mediators 9 Tactics for Scaffolding: Using Language 10 Tactics for Scaffolding: Using Shared Activities Section III Applying the Vygotskian Approach to Development and Learning in Early Childhood 11 Developmental Accomplishments and Leading Activity: Infants and Toddlers 12 Supporting the Developmental Accomplishments of Infants and Toddlers 13 Developmental Accomplishments and Leading Activity: Preschool and Kindergarten 14 Supporting the Developmental Accomplishments in Preschool and Kindergarten 15 Developmental Accomplishments and Leading Activity in the Primary Grades 16 Supporting the Developmental Accomplishments in the Primary Grades References Index