Supporting the Child of Exceptional Ability at Home and School

Authored by Leyden, Susan

Drawing on theories of child development and on research in the processes of learning, this book examines the challenges that children, parents and teachers may face at various stages of a child's development. Children whose development is unusual in any way may experience particular challenges in forming relationships and in making good progress in school. If we are to help children of exceptional ability to develop into confident and well-adjusted young people, we need to understand what lies behind many of the common frustrations and problems some of them may experience. This book looks at ways in which supportive learning environments can be created in which children and young people's abilities can be nurtured and encouraged. Ways in which the school curriculum can be extended and enriched to maintain children's interest and enthusiasm in their learning are also explored. This will be of particular interest to parents, teachers and educational psychologists, to teachers in training, and to other professionals who support the work of families and schools.

Part 1 PART 1 Exceptional Ability and its Implications; Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 Introduction: beyond normal expectations; Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 Exceptional development: definition and meanings; Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 Infancy and the preschool years; Chapter 4 CHAPTER 4 Starting school; Chapter 5 CHAPTER 5 The primary years; Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6 Adolescence; Part 2 PART 2 Providing for More Able Pupils; Chapter 7 CHAPTER 7 Meeting the needs of more able pupils; Chapter 8 CHAPTER 8 Recognising and assessing abilities; Chapter 9 CHAPTER 9 Provision within the school: policy and organisation; Chapter 10 CHAPTER 10 Provision within the school: teaching and learning; Chapter 11 CHAPTER 11 Pastoral care and support; Chapter 12 CHAPTER 12 Partnership and collaboration; Chapter 13 CHAPTER 13 Looking to the future; APPENDIX Behavioural checklists to help in the recognition of exceptional ability; References; Index;