| Summary: | "There has been so great a development of interest in the psychology of childhood, so much research work has appeared since 1918, that it seemed desirable to prepare a revision of this early, general text book, however great the present author's reluctance to approach the task. A survey of the field shows a devitalizing of some problems, the emergence of others, changes in emphasis, and many additions to our knowledge about child development, since the first edition appeared. These changes are reflected in the present edition which omits or compresses treatment of some topics, greatly enlarges that of others, and adds four chapters, in consequence. As before, it is intended for a textbook, not for reference reading. The needs of students in teacher training colleges and of teachers-in-training have been kept in mind, rather than the home situation of parents. The "practical exercises" appearing at the ends of the chapters consist of directions for observations, field work, simple investigations which can be carried on in the schools to which students have access for demonstration, and in the communities in which they are interested. It is recommended also that students select one child for intensive, comprehensive study during the months in which the course in psychology of childhood is given. No student should be expected to do all the exercises suggested; group discussion of the results of varied assignments proves very stimulating"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).
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