This book will help teaching assistants get to grips with the main issues to do with psychology and its role in the processes of teaching and learning. Susan Bentham provides informative yet down-to-earth commentary on the basic principles underlying children's development and addresses issues such as: how to support learning What are the basic learning styles? teaching children with special educational needs how to help children with their self-esteem and independence. Chapters are complemented throughout with lively case studies and guidance on using reflection in the classroom to help readers critically review their own professional practice. This book covers the relevant knowledge base requirements at both NVQ/SVQ Level 2 and 3 which relates to psychology and education as outlined in the National Occupational Standards. It will also be an invaluable aid for all teaching assistants in schools.