This book is one of a series of four in which issues affecting the organization and work of the British Infant School are considered. The series, "Young Children Learning", is designed to express current educational theory in terms of the practical work of teachers and children in infant schools. The books include recent research into the ways in which children develop and learn and examples from classroom situations. Each book covers a range of topics connected with some particular aspect of the child's school life. "Reaching Out" discusses the child's need to learn, and general learning patterns, as well as individual development and environmental influences. It also considers gifted children, slow learners and the functions of the teacher. Other books in the series are cited as PS 006 679, PS 006 680, and PS 006 681. (ST)