Foundation Stage
Of course, it is not the materials, but the teacher, who creates a thinking classroom. But of course, the teacher can do with some help, and that is where the published schemes can save you an enormous amount of effort in trying to think up for yourself, each week, a new cognitively challenging idea and planning the social construction around it.
See how these resources can help you assess children against the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Let's Think! Early Years
This consists of 15 activities which can be started with Foundation Stage children whenever you think they are ready. The teacher works with a group of four children on each activity, repeating the same activity with different groups on different days until all participating children have done that activity. Each activity may take around 15 or 20 minutes, and each incorporates the central features ('pillars') of cognitive acceleration. This programme develops areas of thinking which are basic not only to maths, but to language, science and other curriculum areas.
Let's Think!
This has 27 main activities, plus three introductory activities on listening, for children aged five to six. Groups can be up to six children each, the whole class should eventually be included, and there is enough material for one new activity every week of the year. This programme develops areas of thinking which are basic not only to maths, but to language, science and other curriculum areas.
Let's Think Handbook
This is a comprehensive guide for headteachers, local authority advisors and professional development providers looking to implement thinking programmes in primary schools. It is designed to offer an introduction to "cognitive acceleration"; - a method proven to be effective in developing children's general thinking skills - for those new to thinking skills in the primary sector, as well as providing support and development to existing users of the series of cognitive acceleration teaching resources.
Edited by Philip Adey, an internationally recognised authority in cognitive acceleration, the Let's Think! Handbook includes contributions from a wide range of cognitive acceleration specialists, supported by case studies reflecting UK and international practice. It also includes advice and exemplar activities on implementing thinking materials across a wide range of areas, including science, mathematics, and literacy.