Questionnaires were sent to parents of three hundred and fourty six year 7 and 8 students attending an independent, comprehensive school. Parents were asked to indicate the nature and extent of talent they believed their child possessed. Their replies were used as the basis for the range of talents - some fifty two areas - considered in this study. The questionnaire, together with questionnaires given to students and teachers, also served to identify seventy five exceptionally talented children. The talent areas were grouped into talent 'clusters' and students representing each cluster were selected for interviews. During the interviews, parents were asked whether their son had previously been identified as exceptionally talented, and what they perceived to be the educational needs of their son. These needs were looked at in terms of the formulation of a differentiated curriculum for exceptionally talented children. The curriculum is described mainly in terms of three teaching modes traditionally associated with gifted children : grouping, acceleration and enrichment. Each of these is explored in relation to the stated needs of the students and their consequent applicability to designing curricula for these students.

This thesis deals with the integration of gifted children to kindergarten. It outlines the needs and demands of these children - parents, educators, environment, forms and methods of education. The practical part focuses on specific research - identifying gifted children in kindergarten and on the conditions of their education. The research was conducted by e-mail between kindergarten teachers in all 14 regions of the Czech Republic. The practical part is supplemented by two case report of exceptionally gifted children (a boy and a girl) who are (resp. were) integrated and educated in private nursery schools. Conclusion The thesis contains suggestions for how to practice.