Part of the EYFS Glossary
This article forms part of our EYFS Glossary of Early Years Education Terms, which explains key curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment language used in early years practice.
Sustained Shared Thinking describes situations where adults and children work together to explore ideas, solve problems, or clarify understanding through conversation and interaction.
What is Sustained Shared Thinking?
Sustained shared thinking occurs when adults and children collaborate to explore ideas, solve problems, or develop understanding. Both the adult and the child contribute to the interaction, building on each other’s ideas.
These interactions often involve extended conversation, reflection, and shared exploration.
Characteristics of Sustained Shared Thinking
Sustained shared thinking often includes:
collaborative exploration of ideas
extended conversations
problem-solving together
reflection and explanation of thinking
These interactions encourage children to consider different perspectives and develop deeper understanding.
Sustained Shared Thinking in Early Years Practice
In practice, sustained shared thinking may occur during play, storytelling, exploration, or creative activities.
For example, a practitioner may join a child’s play and engage in discussion about how a structure might be built or how a problem might be solved.
Through these interactions, both adult and child contribute to developing ideas.
How Practitioners Support Sustained Shared Thinking
Practitioners can support sustained shared thinking by:
listening carefully to children’s ideas
asking open-ended questions
building on children’s suggestions
exploring possibilities together
These interactions create opportunities for collaborative thinking and learning.
Sustained Shared Thinking and Children’s Development
Sustained shared thinking can support children’s language development, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Through discussion and shared exploration, children are encouraged to reflect on ideas and consider new possibilities.
These experiences contribute to the development of thinking skills and communication.
Common Questions About Sustained Shared Thinking
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It helps support children’s language, reasoning, and understanding through collaborative discussion and exploration.
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No. Many examples occur spontaneously during play and everyday interactions.
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Not necessarily. Both adults and children contribute ideas and thinking during these interactions.
Summary
Sustained shared thinking refers to collaborative interactions where adults and children explore ideas and solve problems together through conversation and shared reflection.
Related Glossary Terms
The following glossary entries are closely related to Sustained Shared Thinking and provide additional context:
Stretch and Challenge (EYFS-Appropriate)
Further Guidance | Related Documents within our ‘EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy’ suite:
Below you will find a selection of guidance documents from within our Little Owls Resources ‘Curriculum & Pedagogy’ area which explore this concept (& its age-specific application within EYFS settings) in greater depth.
[For additional documents please visit our support pathways: Baby | Toddler | Preschool | Reception | Mixed-Age]
Further Guidance | Related Resources within our ‘Printable Provision’ area:
Related resources from within our Premium Printable Resources ‘STEM’ collection.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this glossary is intended to support understanding of terminology commonly used within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It does not constitute official guidance and should not be considered a substitute for the EYFS Statutory Framework or other Department for Education publications.
Terminology and interpretations may vary between settings and professional contexts.