Sustaining Shared Thinking deals with the questions; what are thinking skills, how do they develop, where do they 'fit' in the curriculum and what should adults do to help children acquire them? This book is full of practical advice and things to do. Sustaining Shared Thinking contains a rich mixture of practical experience, research and relevant government guidance, brought to life with examples and suggestions. It supports everyone who works with younger children, brings together theories and ideas related to thinking skills; explains what these thinking skills are and why researchers have concluded that the skills are important; shows how they link with current curriculum guidance and shows what opportunities and experiences for developing shared thinking skills may look like in individual settings - for babies and young children as well as in school. This book addresses some of the major challenges facing early years settings and primary schools. The aim is to provide sound,clear advice and to help practitioners and teachers deliver the objectives of Every Child Matters.