Child Development
An Active Learning Approach

Fifth Edition

Laura E. Levine - Central Connecticut State University, USA
Joyce Munsch - California State University, Northridge, USA

Courses:
Child Development | Child Development in Education | Child Development in Psychology | Child Development in Psychology

January 2026 | SAGE Publications, Inc

In the topically organized Child Development: An Active Learning Approach, Fifth Edition, authors Laura E. Levine and Joyce Munsch guide students through an engaging exploration of child development. The text's integrated active learning activities foster student engagement, transforming reading into an interactive learning experience. By applying the authors' active learning philosophy, students are encouraged to test their knowledge, challenge common misconceptions, relate concepts to their own experiences, and engage in real-world activities both independently and with children. Students will not only gain a deeper understanding of child development, but also acquire lasting skills applicable beyond the classroom.

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ISBN: 9781071908822 Paperback Suggested Retail Price: $183.00 Bookstore Price: $146.40

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Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Part I: Understanding Development: Why and How We Study Children and Adolescents

Chapter 1: Issues and Themes in Child Development

Why Study Child Development?

Understanding How Development Happens

Contexts of Development

Be a Smart Consumer of Information About Development

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 2: Theories of Development

Why Theories of Development Are Important

Psychoanalytic Theory

Learning Theories

Theories of Cognitive Development

Developmental systems theories

Developmental theory in cultural context

Comparison of Developmental Theories

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 3: How We Study Development

The Scientific Method

How Research Is Designed

Interpreting and Communicating the Results of a Study

Ethics in Research With Children and Adolescents

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Part II: Biological Beginnings and Physical Development

Chapter 4: Nature Through Nurture: Genes and Environment

The Study of Genetics and Behavior

Molecular Genetics: Chromosomes, Genes, and DNA

Genetic Disorders

Behavioral Genetics

The Interaction of Genes and Environment

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 5: Prenatal Development, the Newborn, and the Transition to Parenthood

Prenatal Development

Health and Risks in Pregnancy

The Birth Experience

The Newborn

The Transition to Parenthood

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 6: Physical Development: The Brain and the Body

Brain Development

Development of the Senses

Body Growth and Changes

Motor Development

Nutrition

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Part III: Cognitive Development

Chapter 7: Cognitive Development: Theories

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Theory of Core Knowledge

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development

Information Processing

Comparing Four Theories of Cognitive Development

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 8: Cognitive Development: Applications

Defining and Measuring Intelligence

Variations in Intellectual Ability

Academic Achievement: Non-Cognitive Factors

Risk and Success in Academic Achievement

Academic Achievement: Learning in the School Context

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 9: Language Development

Aspects of Language

Language and the Brain

Theories of Language Development

Stages of Language Development

Literacy: Reading and Writing

Bilingualism and Bilingual Education

Language Disorders

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 10: Emotional Development and Attachment

Emotions: Universality and Difference

Temperament

Emotion Regulation and Self-Control

Normal Emotions and Emotional Problems

The Development of Attachment

Attachment Disorders

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 11: The Self and Identity Development

Development of Self-Concept

Development of Self-Esteem

Gender Identity

Ethnic and Racial Identity

Moral Identity

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 12: Social Development: Social Cognition and Peer Relationships

Social Cognition: Theory of Mind

Peer Relationships in Infancy and Early Childhood

Peer Relationships in Middle Childhood

Adolescents: The World of Peers

Bullying, Cyberbullying, and School Violence

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Part IV: Contexts for Development

Chapter 13: Families

What Constitutes a Family?

Family Roles and Relationships

Socialization in Childhood and Adolescence

Interventions for a Better Family Life

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 14: Beyond the Family: Activities, Media, and the Natural World

Unstructured Time and the Natural World

Electronic Media Use

Structured Time

Relationships with Nonparental Adults

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Chapter 15: Health, Well-Being, and Resilience

Stress and Coping

Physical Illness and Mental Disorders

Other Threats to Health and Well-Being

Challenges to Positive Child Development

Resilience

Conclusion

Chapter Summary

Key Terms

Glossary

Supplements

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Well-organized, and strongly grounded in research and best practices. The applied learning approach is a strong selling point as well. The activities are personal and meaningful, rather than time-fillers.

Brionne G. Neilson

Southern Utah University

This is a comprehensive textbook that provides students with a firm foundation for understanding basic developmental concepts, along with introducing them to current trends and topics being explored by researchers in the field today.

Monica R. Sylvia

Le Moyne College

Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

· New Active Learning Activities: A variety of new activities have been introduced, such as "Your Own Theory of Child Development," "Gene-Environment Interaction," and "How Many Genes, How Many Effects?" to engage students and deepen their understanding of developmental topics.

· Focus on Contemporary Issues: Topics such as the impact of social media on adolescent egocentrism, the relationship between prenatal stress and infant outcomes, and the implications of screen use on peer interaction and development are introduced, reflecting current issues affecting children and families today.

· Updated and Expanded Research: The fifth edition incorporates over 1,000 new or updated references, with new research studies on brain development, gene-environment interactions, and autism spectrum disorder, along with insights into the effects of COVID-19 on child development.

· New Theoretical Frameworks and Topics: The text includes new theories like the Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST) and expanded content on systems theories, gene-environment interactions, and the development of language and self-control in children.

· Inclusive Language: The text now includes gender-neutral personal pronouns and updated terminology on gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and disabilities, following APA guidelines for more inclusive language.

KEY FEATURES:

An active learning approach that integrates dynamic activities throughout each chapter engages students in personal, real-world applications of research and theory.
Learning Questions give students specific goals toward mastering the most important material.
Test Your Knowledge assessments at the beginning of each chapter help students identify and dispel any misconceptions in the field through answering true/false questions.
Journey of Research pedagogy illuminates how research evolves and shapes new ideas for key topics in child development.
Check Your Understanding questions at the end of each section allow students to check on their mastery of the material before moving on to the next topic.

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Child Development
An Active Learning Approach

Supplements

Sage College Publishing