Blume, L. B., & Zembar, M. J. (2007). Middle childhood to middle adolescence. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson [Vital Source e-reader].

Chapter 5, "Affective Development in Middle Childhood" In this chapter, the author provides an overview of how personality, emotions, motivation, and self-esteem develop in children during middle childhood. Focus on the components of self-understanding in children, as well as how aspects of affective development might influence a child's social development.

Chapter 6, "Social Development in Middle Childhood" In this chapter, the author outlines the hallmarks of social and moral development during middle childhood. Focus on the theories of moral development, as well as how social skills and peer relations develop during middle childhood.

This week, you learned about two different approaches to moral development in middle childhood: Kohlberg's stages of moral reasoning and Gilligan's ethics of care. In addition, you gained insight into the dynamics of peer relations during middle childhood, including how and why antisocial behavior, including bullying, occurs. In this Discussion, you will consider which model of moral development is most accurate, as well as if and how moral development should be addressed in schools. Reflect on the following:

Of the two models of moral development presented, which do you think most accurately accounts for the way that morality develops during middle childhood? Why?

Keeping in mind your chosen model, what are your thoughts on the effectiveness of character education? Do you think your chosen model lends itself to explicit instruction in a school setting? Why or why not?

Considering the limited budget and time resources faced by many school districts, do you think that character education programs should be a priority in schools? Do you think they effectively help curtail bullying and promote positive peer relationships during middle childhood? Or is that wishful thinking? Explain your stance.

With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.

Post a description of your thoughts on which model of moral development is most accurate, explaining why. In addition, explain your opinion on the relative need for and value of character education programs in schools, particularly in light of your chosen model. Be sure to use the Learning Resources to support your response.