We have a designated Aistear room for our Junior and Senior Infants. Working on a new theme each month they learn new vocabulary, develop their problem solving skills, work as part of a team as well as developing communication and play skills. It is a fabulous resource to have in the school and both teachers and children are really enjoying and gaining from the experience. 

Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework presents children’s learning and development using four themes. These are:

  • Well-being

  • Identity and Belonging

  • Communicating

  • Exploring and Thinking

Aistear is based on 12 principles of early learning and development.

These are presented in three groups:

1. The first group concerns children and their lives in early childhood:

■ the child’s uniqueness

■ equality and diversity

■ children as citizens.

2. The second group concerns children’s connections with others:

■ relationships

■ parents, family and community

■ the adult’s role.

3. The third group concerns how children learn and develop:

■ holistic learning and development

■ active learning

■ play and hands-on experiences

■ relevant and meaningful experiences

■ communication and language

■ the learning environment.