Deepening Learning through Sustained Shared Thinking
Develop meaningful interactions that extend children's thinking, language, curiosity and problem-solving through purposeful conversations.
Suitable for all early years practitioners wanting to strengthen high-quality interactions.
Course Details
✓ Understand what Sustained Shared Thinking (SST) is and why it is important.
✓ Recognise how children's thinking develops through high-quality interactions.
✓ Use practical questioning and communication strategies to extend learning.
✓ Embed Sustained Shared Thinking naturally throughout everyday routines and play.
✓ Reflect on your own practice and identify opportunities to improve interactions.
Module 1: Introduction to Sustained Shared Thinking
- What Sustained Shared Thinking means
- Why it matters in early years
- Benefits for children's learning
- The role of the practitioner
Module 2: Child Development and Thinking Skills
- How thinking develops from birth to five
- Language and cognitive development
- Curiosity and problem-solving
- Supporting individual learning journeys
Module 3: Strategies for Effective Sustained Shared Thinking
- Open-ended questioning
- Active listening
- Extending conversations
- Encouraging children's ideas and reasoning
- Supporting critical thinking through play
Module 4: Embedding SST into Everyday Practice
- Using routines and daily experiences
- Sustained Shared Thinking during continuous provision
- Supporting learning indoors and outdoors
- Observing and capturing learning
Module 5: Reflection and Action Planning
- Evaluating your current interactions
- Identifying strengths and next steps
- Creating an action plan
- Maintaining high-quality practice
👶 Baby Room Practitioners
🧸 Nursery Practitioners
🏡 Childminders
⭐ Room Leaders
👩💼 Nursery Managers
🎓 Early Years Students and Apprentices