Bringing together the latest research and understanding on selective mutism, this edited book gives essential information on the various treatment and therapy options. Experts in the fields of speech and language therapy, psychology, music therapy education and communication offer a wide range of professional perspectives on the condition, while case studies from people with selective mutism, past sufferers and parents reveal the personal impact. The book also clarifies what support a person with selective mutism is likely to need at home, school and in social situations. This definitive volume on selective mutism will be key reading for professionals such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, child psychiatrists, child and adolescent mental health workers, teachers, SENCOs and anyone working with selective mutism in therapeutic and educational settings, as well as family members wanting a closer understanding of what selective mutism is and how they can help.

Teachers frequently complain that, when they talking to students in class, information goes in one ear and out of the other, with nothing happening inbetween! Listening has been neglected in education, in spite of it being the most frequently used skill in learning. This unique and practicle book seeks to redress this situation by treating listening as a thinking activity, and developing a step-by-step approach to its improvement, using knowledge about how the brain works.

We are all different. Every child in every class in every school in the land is different. And yet we have a 'one size fits all' curriculum that everyone must follow. How can we best deal with this apparent anomaly, in order to provide meaningful learning experiences for all students? Teachers are now discouraged from grouping children according to abilities - inclusion is the buzzword. So radical solutions are needed to help all children learn within a group, whatever their personal and academic needs, and whatever their social background. This book analyses the issues surrounding the world of difference we see in schools today. It unpacks the elements of diversity - personality, intelligence, styles of learning and communicating, social class, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, learning difficulties, disabilities, views and values - and suggests practical strategies to make teachers' lives easier and their students' study less stressful. All children need personal skills, particularly communication and co-operation skills, in order to cope with learning within their own context and at their own level. This book considers how such key skills emerge from the interaction of physical, mental, emotional and social development, and suggests initiatives such as 'The Critical Skills Programme' and the 'Communication Opportunity Group Scheme' to give students from every background more chances to talk, think, express feelings and share views. A comprehensive overview of common learning difficulties and medical conditions in children is also provided - including characteristics of each condition, classroom organization tips, and contact details of relevant support groups - with the aim of helping educators further develop their management of individuals and diverse groups. If you have an interest in making education work - whether you are a teacher, teaching assistant, school counsellor, social worker, therapist, psychologist or other educator - 'A World of Difference' is for you.

The way into thinking skills. The book outlines the importance of talk both at home and in the classroom. It emphasises that talking is more than just communication, it is the way into thinking skills development. How do I know what I think until I've heard myself say it? Some children are never given the opportunity to develop their talking skills in order to structure their thinking. This book addresses this issue head on, with carefully analysed research and a whole host of practical classroom activities to help children into quality talking and deeper thinking.

This highly practical book presents an in-depth look at how to tackle inclusion in schools. With frank and essential advice on subjects such as gender and race differences to issues of disability and intelligence, it offers everyone involved in educating children the tools to provide a fair, effective and powerful education for all, giving them the best start possible. The book also includes a useful overview of common learning difficulties and medical conditions, with valuable tips and contacts.