ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates Sustained Shared Thinking (SST), and highlights the benefits, whatever sort of setting you have and wherever you work with young children. These are linked to the personal, social and emotional development of the child. Sustained Shared Thinking has been closely linked to the English curriculum for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS identifies personal, social and emotional development (PSED) and communication and language as two Prime Areas because they are crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. These are the central building blocks for any child's learning and development. Sustained Shared Thinking supports a practitioner's reflective practice. From a practitioner's point of view, SST is vital in getting to know children and in tuning in to their ideas and interests. There will be times when the child is the more knowledgeable other such as, in cultural aspects and the home learning environment.
