Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Thinking about young children's thinking : Our brains, minds, and thoughts ; Why it is important to consider young children's thinking ; What happens when children think? ; How we recognise young children's thinking -- 2. Early thoughts: babies' and infants' thinking from birth to three years : The receptive young brain ; Feeling close, loved and secure ; Social understandings ; The world of possibilities ; Making sense ; Creating imaginary worlds ; Communicating through behaviour and language -- 3. How close adults can support babies' and infants' thinking : Relationships ; Supporting very young children as thinkers during transition ; Companionship and communication ; Climate ; Encouraging early intentions ; Useful stories -- 4. Playing with thoughts and ideas: young children's thinking 3-5 years : Developing a disposition to think ; Social understandings: thinking with other children ; Making sense ; Communicating thoughts through talk ; Intentional thinking -- 5. How close adults can support young children's thinking at 3-5 years : Relationships ; Supporting young children as thinkers during transitions ; Communication and companionship ; Climate ; Promoting intentional thinking ; Useful books -- 6. Brimming with thoughts at home and in school: children's thinking 5-7 years : A shift in development ; Maintaining a disposition to think ; Social understandings: thinking with friends and as one of a group ; Making sense ; Sharing and sustaining thinking through talk ; Further insights into intentional thinking -- 7. How close adults can support children's thinking during the early school years : Relationships ; Supporting children's transitions into key stage 1 ; Communication and companionship ; Climate ; Sustaining intentional thinking ; Useful books.