Aistear

Aistear is the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland. It gives information to help plan for and provide enjoyable and challenging learning experiences so that all children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners.

The Aistear framework is based on 12 broad principles – many of which are similar to the aims and objectives of the primary school curriculum.

Practically speaking this means that teachers will deliver the curriculum in an integrated / thematic way using play as a methodology.

How does this work in the classroom?
We have a series of play stations and we divide the children into groups. During the course of a week, each child has an opportunity to play at each of the stations.

Play gives children the chance to experiment and practice what they are learning in a safe space. It helps with their physical, emotional, educational and intellectual development. Play is a vehicle to explore, think, invent and create meaning.