ABSTRACT
In this chapter the focus is on ways in which young children’s thinking may be developed and supported. A range of published approaches aimed at developing thinking are considered, including those informed by ideas of philosophy for children. More generally, young children’s creative and critical thinking and problem-solving are considered. These terms are often explicitly stated as aims in many programmes, and problem-solving, in particular, is often conflated with thinking skills (Johnson 2001). It is valuable to consider what each might mean and what potential benefits they might have for young children’s cognitive development. The starting point here is the possible practical implementation of the ideas, theory and research of the preceding nine chapters.
