Sustained Shared Thinking with Kathy Brodie

Master Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years with expert Kathy Brodie. Learn practical techniques to boost children's cognitive development, create thinking-rich environments, and transform everyday interactions into powerful learning opportunities. Ideal for all Early Years professionals.
· July 23, 2024
Get Your Sustained Shared Thinking Masterclass for just £40 (approx $52 USD, $78 AUD) here

Turn Every Interaction into a Learning Opportunity

Get the skills to engage children in meaningful dialogues that boost cognitive development

As an early years professional, you know the importance of engaging children in meaningful conversations. But in the hustle and bustle of a busy setting, it’s challenging to:

  • Move beyond simple questions like “What colour is this?” to truly extend children’s thinking
  • Find time for in-depth conversations amidst daily routines and activities
  • Engage quieter or non-verbal children in rich conversations
  • Create an environment conducive to deep thinking and discussion
  • Consistently seize ‘teachable moments’ before they slip away
  • Feel confident in your ability to nurture children’s critical thinking skills

If you find yourself asking: “Am I really making the most of every interaction? Are these brief exchanges truly fostering cognitive development?” then you’re not alone.

Many Early Years professionals grapple with these questions daily. In the whirlwind of nappy changes, snack times, and managing group activities, it’s easy to feel like meaningful conversations are slipping through your fingers.

You might worry that you’re missing crucial opportunities to extend children’s thinking, or that you’re not quite sure how to turn those fleeting moments into rich learning experiences. The pressure to tick boxes and meet developmental goals can sometimes overshadow the simple joy of engaging in deep, curiosity-driven conversations with children.

It’s a common struggle, balancing the practical demands of your role with the desire to provide the best possible support for every child in your care. And it was challenges like these in my own role – and the lack of effective training to help – that first got me started researching and then writing my book Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years.

Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years - book

Since writing the book I’ve continued to work with practitioners around the world to apply and improve the techniques. And today you can get access to all that updated knowledge and experience in our new Sustained Shared Thinking Masterclass.

This comprehensive course equips you with practical, easy-to-implement techniques to transform everyday interactions into powerful learning experiences. You’ll learn:

  • 10 simple yet effective strategies to immediately improve your Sustained Shared Thinking practice
  • How to create “thinking spaces” that spark curiosity and encourage deep conversations
  • The “10-second rule” and why silence can be your greatest ally in fostering children’s thinking
  • Techniques for engaging non-verbal children in meaningful exchanges
  • How to use “objects of provocation” to ignite imagination and kickstart rich discussions
  • Strategies for adapting your approach across different age groups, from babies to preschoolers

By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and skills to:

  • Engage children in thought-provoking dialogues that extend their learning
  • Create an environment that nurtures deep thinking and problem-solving
  • Seamlessly integrate Sustained Shared Thinking into your daily practice
  • Boost children’s metacognition, language skills, and social development
  • Make the most of every interaction, turning routine moments into valuable learning opportunities

In summary, this course will equip you with practical techniques to transform every interaction into a valuable learning opportunity, engaging children in meaningful dialogues and creating environments that nurture deep thinking.

You’ll gain the confidence to seamlessly integrate Sustained Shared Thinking into your daily practice, enhancing children’s cognitive development and rediscovering the joy in your role as an Early Years Professional.

Get Your Sustained Shared Thinking Masterclass for just £40 (approx $52 USD, $78 AUD) here

About Your Instructor: Kathy Brodie

Kathy Brodie is a renowned expert in Early Years education, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to this course.

  • Accomplished Author: Kathy has written numerous books on Early Years education, including the definitive work Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years, which forms the basis of this course.
  • Experienced Practitioner: With years of hands-on experience as an Early Years professional, Kathy understands the day-to-day challenges and opportunities in early childhood settings.
  • Academic Excellence: Kathy holds a Masters degree in Early Years from the University of Sheffield, ensuring that her teachings are grounded in robust academic research.
  • Respected Lecturer: As a lecturer in Early Years education, Kathy has honed her ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible, practical ways.
  • Industry Leader: Kathy is the founder of Early Years TV and the Early Years Summit, two groundbreaking initiatives that have made major contributions to Early Years professional development.
  • Trusted Voice: Kathy’s insights and advice are sought after by Early Years professionals worldwide, cementing her status as a thought leader in the field.

With Kathy as your guide, you’ll benefit from her unique blend of academic knowledge, practical experience, and innovative thinking. Her passion for Early Years education and her commitment to supporting fellow professionals shine through in every aspect of this course.

Course Overview: Sustained Shared Thinking in the Early Years

This comprehensive course is divided into four modules, each designed to deepen your understanding and practical application of Sustained Shared Thinking:

Module 1: 10 Simple Techniques to Boost Sustained Shared Thinking

  • Understand the definition and importance of Sustained Shared Thinking
  • Explore 10 simple techniques to immediately improve your practice – plus 2 bonus strategies
  • Learn how Sustained Shared Thinking supports metacognition and mastery disposition
  • Discover strategies for peer-to-peer Sustained Shared Thinking

Module 2: Creating Environments for Sustained Shared Thinking

  • Design physical spaces that encourage deep thinking and rich conversations
  • Develop an emotional environment that supports Sustained Shared Thinking
  • Explore the use of ‘thinking spaces’ and ‘objects of provocation’
  • Learn how to use the SSTEW scales to assess and improve your setting

Module 3: Mastering Active Listening

  • Understand the crucial role of active listening in Sustained Shared Thinking
  • Learn techniques for managing distractions and practicing mindfulness
  • Explore strategies for non-verbal children and different age groups
  • Discover the power of the ’10-second rule’ in fostering children’s thinking

Module 4: Developing Positive Questioning Skills

  • Learn how to use open-ended questions effectively
  • Explore techniques like ‘running commentary’ and co-construction
  • Discover how to adapt questioning for different ages and abilities
  • Understand how to sustain conversations over time

Throughout the course, you’ll have opportunities to reflect on your practice, try out new techniques, and consider how to apply your learning in your specific setting. By the end of the course, you’ll have a robust toolkit of strategies to implement Sustained Shared Thinking effectively, enhancing children’s cognitive development and your own professional practice.

Get Your Sustained Shared Thinking Masterclass for just £40 (approx $52 USD, $78 AUD) here

Course Outcomes

By completing this course, you’ll gain:

  1. Practical Skills
  • Master 10 simple yet powerful techniques to implement Sustained Shared Thinking immediately
  • Learn how to create environments that foster deep thinking and rich conversations
  • Develop the ability to engage in meaningful dialogues with children of all ages and abilities
  1. Enhanced Professional Practice
  • Transform routine interactions into valuable learning experiences
  • Confidently seize and extend ‘teachable moments’ throughout the day
  • Adapt your approach to suit different age groups, from babies to preschoolers
  1. Deeper Understanding
  • Gain insight into the theory behind Sustained Shared Thinking and its impact on child development
  • Learn about the SSTEW scales and how they can help to assess and improve your setting’s approach
  1. Improved Child Outcomes
  • Boost children’s metacognition, language skills, and social development
  • Nurture children’s curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills
  • Support the development of children’s mastery disposition and resilience
  1. Personal Growth
  • Develop your active listening skills and mindfulness in interactions
  • Enhance your ability to ask thought-provoking, open-ended questions
  • Gain confidence in your role as a facilitator of children’s learning
  1. Practical Resources
  • Access a toolkit of strategies for different situations and age groups
  • Gain techniques for documenting and extending thinking over time
  • Access to hand-selected research and further reading sources to continue your professional development
  1. Professional Recognition
  • Stand out in your setting as an expert in fostering children’s cognitive development
  • Contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD) requirements

By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to create a learning environment where every interaction becomes an opportunity for growth and discovery. You’ll see tangible improvements in children’s engagement, thinking skills, and overall development, while also experiencing greater job satisfaction and professional confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is this course suitable for?

A: This course is ideal for all Early Years professionals, including nursery practitioners, childminders, Early Years teachers, and managers. It’s suitable for those new to Sustained Shared Thinking as well as those looking to enhance their existing practice.

Q: How long does the course take to complete?

A: The course is self-paced and consists of four modules with a running time of 1 hour 55 minutes. There are lots of reflective questions and exercises so it should take around 3 hours to complete in total. However, you have lifetime access to the materials, so you can take as long as you need.

Q: Do I need any special qualifications to take this course?

A: No special qualifications are required. The course is designed for all Early Years professionals, regardless of their current level of knowledge about Sustained Shared Thinking.

Q: How is the course delivered?

A: The course is delivered entirely online. You’ll have access to video lectures, reading materials, practical exercises, and reflection activities. You can access the content at any time that suits you and come back as many times as you want.

Q: Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

A: Yes, upon successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate for 3 hours of CPD that you can use as evidence of your professional development.

Q: Can I apply what I learn immediately in my setting?

A: Absolutely! The course is designed to be highly practical. You’ll learn techniques that you can start implementing right away in your daily interactions with children. The very first module is specifically designed to give you 10 practical techniques you can start using immediately.

Q: I work with babies/toddlers. Is this course relevant for me?

A: Yes, the course covers techniques for all age groups from babies to preschoolers. You’ll learn how to adapt Sustained Shared Thinking strategies for even the youngest children.

Q: Is there any support available if I have questions?

A: Yes, as with all our products you can contact us at any time via email or our chat feature and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can – usually within 24 hours and often much faster.

Q: How long do I have access to the course materials?

A: Once you enrol, you have lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates we make to the content. You can watch at any time and come back to the course as many times as you want.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the chat feature or email and we’ll get back to you straight away.

Get Instant Access to the Sustained Shared Thinking Masterclass for just £40 (approx $52 USD, $78 AUD)

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Get Your Sustained Shared Thinking Masterclass for just £40 (approx $52 USD, $78 AUD) here
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