Taylor & Francis Ltd Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years: Linking theory to practice

The text introduces the reader to the concept of Sustained Shared Thinking as an educational tool for the younger child teacher. It begins by defining Sustained Shared Thinking (SST), relating the historical background of SST, and giving a brief outline of the concepts and ideas to be discussed in the rest of the book. The book then goes on to discuss characteristics of effective learning and the role SST plays in the learning process. There are then specific examples and discussion of SST and how it relates to the classroom environment in general and in more specific ways. Parental involvement and student age range are also discussed. Case studies are included. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com) Used as a measure of quality in the ground-breaking Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) project, Sustained Shared Thinking is fundamental to good early years practice. It costs nothing, yet research has shown that it improves outcomes for children by supporting their holistic development. This book clearly explains what Sustained Shared Thinking is and examines the skills and expertise needed to initiate, encourage and facilitate it. The book explores the attitudes, knowledge and understanding that a practitioner must adopt in order to start or develop successful Sustained Shared Thinking. Combining theory with practical guidance, it demonstrates how it can be achieved, covering all aspects of early years practice including the Characteristics of Effective Learning, the Prime and Specific Areas of learning development, the role of the practitioner, the environment and working with parents. Features include:boxed links to key theory and research; practical strategies highlighted in the text; consideration of children at different ages and stages of development;links throughout to the Early Years Foundation Stage.Written by a leading consultant who regularly delivers training on Sustained Shared Thinking, this will be an essential text for students on foundation degree and childhood studies courses as well as early years practitioners. Autorid: Kathy Brodie