1. Developmental perspectives and educational practice: viewing children and teachers in the big picture : Ecological perspective ; The developmental shift from early to middle childhood ; Teachers' perspectives on development and practice -- 2. Early school adjustment: fostering children's adjustment and self-regulation : Early school adjustment models ; Readiness of the child ; Readiness of the teacher ; Children at risk for adjustment difficulties ; Readiness of the school ; Children's views of school -- 3. The primacy of relationships in the early school years: fostering relationships : School reform models ; Teacher-child relationships ; Child-child relationships in school ; Teacher-parent relationships and family involvement in school -- 4. Developmentally appropriate classroom practices: fostering learning in the classroom : Social-constructivist approaches ; Classroom climate ; Classroom organization ; Classroom instruction -- 5. Children's learning in digital and natural environments: connecting learning out of the classroom : Educational technology for children ; Outdoor education -- Resources : A. Tools for reflection and improvement ; B. Professional organizations and model programs ; C. Recommended reading.