Child Theorists and Their Theories in Practice

Do you use theory in any of your documentation or planning?

I personally find myself using Parten's model a lot, although I find a lot of the stages can occur differently depending more on a child's personality than their age. But it is useful for thinking about what sort of play the children may be engaging in.

I'm very much against the fully committing to one method, such as you see in Montessori or Steiner schools. Children need a much more holistic approach, using elements from everywhere.