This thesis by Andrea Gallagher https://doras.dcu.ie/2357/1/Andrea_Gallagher_thesis.pdf explores how a specialised science programme can accelerate cognitive development in children aged four to six. Grounded in the psychological theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, the research evaluates the “Let’s Think! Early Years” intervention, which uses fifteen lessons focused on classification, seriation, and causality to stimulate reasoning.
The study involved forty-four Irish primary pupils, comparing an intervention group against a control group through pre- and post-intervention testing and qualitative observations. Findings suggests that the programme significantly boosted the thinking abilities of participants, regardless of their initial developmental stage. Ultimately, the source advocates for the systematic teaching of thinking skills within the early years curriculum to enhance long-term academic success.