Working theories, and disposition are key learning outcomes of New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 2017). In Te Whāriki working theories are described as “the evolving ideas and understandings that children develop as they use their existing knowledge to try to make sense of new experiences” (Ministry of Education, p.23). A number of projects have explored what this means in practice and the pedagogical approaches that help to explore, support and stretch children’s thinking. This presentation revisits the working theory lens to consider the surprising depth of young children’s ideas and ways to recognise and enhance creative and critical thinking.