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.

Harriet S. Friedman, Jungian analyst, is a founding member of Sandplay Therapists of America, and former board member of the International Society of Sandplay Therapists. She co-authored (with Rie) Sandplay: Past, Present and Future (Routledge, 1994).

Rie Rogers Mitchell is professor of educational psychology and counseling at California State University, Northridge. She is a certified sandplay therapist and teacher, vice president of the International Society of Sandplay Therapy, and co-president of Sandplay Therapists of America.