Written for use in pre-service and in-service curriculum courses, this text provides a balanced and engaging overview of how curriculum and developmental theories help inform the practical needs of the teacher. Authors Wendy Frood Auger and Sharon J. Rich help you build a critical appreciation of the subtleties of the learning process and the factors that influence the development of students' understanding. The strong pedagogical design provides practical resources as well as a framework that encourages self-reflection as a model for professional growth. Hallmark Features Personal Stories provide engaging stories that demonstrate how theories can be implemented in the classroom. Reflective Practice activities focus on professional development and highlight the practical implementation of theoretical concepts. Chapter Activities encourage the reader to reflect on the textual material and to make further connections as to how theory informs practice. Running Glossary highlights and defines Key Terms as they appear in the text, enabling quick access, full understanding of terms, and ease of reading.