From brain research we know that children who are distressed find it impossible to learn in the classroom. I am specifically using the word distress because we can be pushed to work at our limits when we are stressed to a certain degree. I felt quite stressed by having a tight deadline to complete this book, but it was also a very motivating factor. A certain amount of pressure and a certain amount of stress can in fact be good things to make us perform at our best. The problem occurs when this moves from acceptable levels of stress to distress. The point at which this happens is different for us all and what causes distress can be very different from person to person. Creating a culture, therefore, that accounts for the very different ways in which we are affected by stress and distress is one of the most difficult aspects of teaching.

Chris Smith, (2005). Teaching Gifted and Talented Pupils in the Primary School : A Practical Guide. SAGE Publications Ltd.