The Thinking Child

Nicola Call started her teaching career in Inner London, rising rapidly to become Deputy Head of three primary schools. When she met Alistair Smith, with whom she co-wrote The alps approach, Nicola was beginning to put theory into practice at her school on the outskirts of London's Heathrow airport. The most memorable result of this work was when 100 per cent of her Year 6 students attained Level 5 in their science SATs, but of equal importance was the incredible academic confidence of the children who experienced these methods. Nicola now lives in California where she combines writing with research into Accelerated Learning work in schools.

Introduction - Understanding the child's brain: step 1 - answering some frequently asked questions; step 2 - let's meet a brain; step 3 - meeting the children in their settings. Part one Preparing the climate and context for learning: step 1 - addressing the children's physical needs; step 2 - developing emotional intelligence; step 3 - providing children with the tools for learning; step 4 - managing behaviour positively; step 5 - Fostering partnerships with parents and carers. Part two Supporting independent learning: step 1 - making maximum use of the environment; step 2 - helping children to develop good attention skills; step 3 - helping children to stay on task; step 4 - talking the language of learning. Part three Developing brain-based techniques: step 1 - teaching children to mind map; step 2 - adventures in play; step 3 - maximizing learning through music; step 4 - teaching and learning through movement; step 5 - the place for technology. Part four Teaching for intelligence: step 1 - creative teaching for better learning; step 2 - fostering the beginnings of group work; step 3 - teaching through VAK; step 4 - engaging the multiple intelligences. Website information.