In the Early Years at Britannica, we prioritise an approach known as Sustained Shared Thinking, which fosters rich, in-depth conversations between educators and children. Originating from research by Kathy Sylva and others in the early 2000s, Sustained Shared Thinking encourages collaborative intellectual engagement that enhances children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is defined as an interactive episode where two or more individuals—often an adult and a child—work together to explore concepts, solve problems, or extend narratives. This dynamic dialogue is not merely about delivering information; instead, it’s a shared exchange where both child and adult contribute ideas, supporting deep-level learning. Through these interactions with children, we support the development of children’s complex thinking and problem-solving skills.
The importance of this approach lies in its ability to promote deep-level learning, helping children engage with complex ideas meaningfully. This approach fosters a safe environment for children to express their thoughts, encourages educators to model their thinking processes, and allows knowledge to flow between participants, promoting a richer understanding and supporting critical thinking.
At Britannica, Early Years teachers facilitate this process through interactive activities. For instance, during our nature walk, a teacher might ask, “What do you think makes the leaves change color?” This encourages children to share their ideas and explore their thoughts further. Similarly, during storytime, asking, “What do you think will happen next?” invites children to predict and engage with the narrative, fostering their imagination and ownership of the story.
In Reception this week the children read the story of Owl Babies, introducing the children to various concepts which sparked some interest, such as nests and nocturnal animals. A topic they will continue to explore with them. While reading stories, the children engaged in active discussions which extend their ideas and self-expression.
Nursery week has been wonderfully busy and exciting, filled with learning and fun! The children enjoyed the story Barry the Fish with Fingers, which sparked discussions about kindness towards friends and family. One rainy day, we discovered a little snail in the playground, igniting curiosity and inspiring snail-themed activities. After observing the snail for a bit (before safely returning it outside), everyone painted their own snails in vibrant colors and patterns.
This week, the Pre-Nursery enjoyed the story Owl Babies, sparking conversations about their families and the various family members they know. In addition to discussing their families, the children had a great time drawing different family members, adding a creative touch to their exploration.
