This guide will help you answer 4.3 Describe how the Early Years practitioner provides opportunities for sustained shared thinking to support children’s emergent literacy.
Sustained shared thinking is a fundamental aspect of early years education. It involves adults and children working together in a dynamic, thought-provoking dialogue. This interaction extends beyond mere conversation. It means adults and children co-construct knowledge and new understanding through meaningful exchanges.
For Early Years practitioners, sustained shared thinking provides a powerful opportunity to support children’s emergent literacy. It enriches a child’s learning environment. It helps develop critical language and literacy skills by encouraging children to think deeply, articulate their thoughts, and understand narratives.
The Role of the Early Years Practitioner
As an Early Years practitioner, you play a pivotal role in facilitating sustained shared thinking. Your role involves engaging children in conversations that extend their thinking and broaden their understanding. Here are some approaches you can use:
- Active Listening: Listen intently to what the child says. This demonstrates respect for the child’s thoughts and ideas, showing that you value their contribution. It also helps you understand their current knowledge level, which can guide the next steps in the conversation.
- Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions to encourage children to think and express themselves more extensively. Instead of asking, “Did you like the story?” try “What did you like about the story?”
- Encouraging Curiosity: Foster an environment where questions are welcomed and encouraged. Show enthusiasm for discovery and exploration.
- Building on Ideas: Expand on the child’s ideas during discussions. Introduce new vocabulary, concepts, or perspectives that connect to their existing knowledge.
Providing Opportunities for Sustained Shared Thinking
Creating environments that encourage sustained shared thinking is essential for nurturing emergent literacy. Here are some specific strategies you might consider:
Setting up Environments for Conversation
An effective environment for literacy learning is language-rich. Set up cosy reading corners with a variety of age-appropriate books. Use displays that encourage interaction, such as storytelling prompts or picture cards. This setup invites curiosity and opens up avenues for shared conversations.
Investigate outdoor spaces too. Nature walks, for instance, provide excellent chances for shared thinking. Discussing what you see and hear while exploring builds vocabulary and understanding.
Storytelling Sessions
Storytelling is a potent tool for sustained shared thinking. During storytime, actively involve children by asking them to predict outcomes, recount parts of the story, or connect it to their own experiences. Use props and visual aids to make the narrative come alive. This method not only captivates interest but also strengthens narrative thinking and creative language use.
Interactive Reading
Engage in interactive reading sessions. Ask questions about the characters, plot, and emotions in the story. Foster dialogue by pausing to discuss narrative elements or encourage children to retell the story in their own words. This form of reading helps children make inferences and develop a deeper understanding of the text.
Role-Playing and Drama
Role-playing activities stimulate imagination and literacy skills by framing learning in a playful context. Create scenarios from favourite stories or real-life situations. Encourage children to step into different characters’ shoes and express varied perspectives. This interaction enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and empathy.
Co-constructing Stories
Encourage children to create stories collaboratively. Use story starters or picture prompts to ignite their creativity. Listen to and build upon their contributions, guiding them to explore new ideas and descriptive language. This activity reinforces narrative structure, sequencing, and creative thinking.
Use of Technology
Utilise digital storybooks and literacy games that promote interactive dialogue. Technology, when used appropriately, can extend children’s thinking and explore new literacy narratives. Discuss what they learn and encourage reflections on their digital explorations.
Group Discussions and Projects
Facilitate small group discussions or projects centred around a theme relevant to the children’s interests. These activities encourage listening, turn-taking, and articulate expression of thoughts. Practitioners can ask probing questions and challenge ideas, promoting deeper thinking and understanding.
Supporting Individual Literacy Needs
Recognise that each child’s literacy journey is unique. Tailor sustained shared thinking engagements to meet individual needs and interests.
- Observing and Assessing: Regularly observe and assess each child’s communication skills. Identify areas of strength and those needing support. Use these insights to inform your interactions and plan further opportunities.
- Differentiated Approaches: Some children may need extra encouragement, additional time, or varied approaches. Create personalised story kits or use specific props to align with their current capabilities and interests.
- Inclusive Practices: Ensure that materials and activities reflect diverse cultures and languages in your setting. This approach acknowledges children’s backgrounds and respects their unique contributions to shared discussions.
Building Relationships
Sustained shared thinking thrives in environments where trust and security are foundational. Building strong relationships with children allows you to understand their perspectives and interests deeply. This relational approach enables more meaningful and sustained interactions.
- Consistency and Routine: Establish a reliable routine that includes time for shared thinking activities. Predictable structures help children feel secure and open to sharing their thoughts.
- Encouragement and Patience: Maintain a positive atmosphere where children feel encouraged to express ideas, even if they struggle initially. Be patient, giving them time to articulate their thoughts without pressure.
Conclusion
Sustained shared thinking is a profoundly impactful practice in early years settings. As an Early Years practitioner, your engagement in shared thinking activities is instrumental in supporting children’s emergent literacy. By creating an environment that fosters dialogue and exploration, you empower children to develop vital literacy skills. These skills include language development, critical thinking, and the ability to express themselves confidently.
Embrace these opportunities for interaction by actively engaging, listening, and contributing to each child’s learning journey. Through this approach, you nurture a love for language and stories. This foundation lasts a lifetime, laying the groundwork for children’s future successes in literacy and beyond.
