What does new research have to tell us about the development of young children's thinking? Neuroscientists and psychologists are moving outside of their labs and are testing curriculum strategies with preschoolers and primary students. Current research examines the plasticity of thinking skills: how parents and teachers can foster young children's early neural functioning, including outcomes such as selective attention, working memory, self-regulation, and language. Session participants receive an overview of recent research, learn some specific research-based curriculum methods and parent strategies, and discuss how to motivate and nurture gifted thinking skills in young children.