ABSTRACT
Talent development is a complex process involving the individual, the home, the school, and the community. Sustained interest in particular talent areas occurs in school and outside of it. Case studies of child prodigies also reveal the pattern of perseverance, identification with the talent area, and supports that permit the unfolding of talents. Families and children would find a teacher or a school that met their needs for a period of time and then the arrangements would need to be revisited or abandoned for a new venue. In case studies of talented children living in poverty, VanTassel-Baska noted that for children who did not have an active parent, the grandmother often stepped in to perform the role of parental encouragement. It is not necessary to direct the child formally, but if the child expresses an interest in a talent area, further opportunities to be exposed to the domain should be a part of the family undertakings.
