Aistear is the curriculum framework for children from birth to 6 years in Ireland. Aistear celebrates early childhood as a time of being, and of enjoying and learning from experiences as they unfold. It is underpinned by 12 interconnecting principles presented in 3 groups:

• Children and their lives in early childhood
• Children’s connections with others
• How children learn and develop

Each principle is presented using a short statement. This is followed by an explanation of the principle from the child’s perspective. This explanation highlights the adult’s role in supporting children’s early learning and development. The framework uses the following interconnectedly to describe children’s learning and development:

• Well-being
• Identity and Belonging
• Communicating
• Exploring and Thinking.

They describe what children learn—the dispositions, attitudes and values, skills, knowledge, and understanding. Each one includes aims and broad learning goals for all children. The aims and goals outline the dispositions, values and attitudes, skills, knowledge, and understanding that the adult nurtures in children to help them learn and develop. 

Junior and Senior Infants are very busy engaging in Aistear. During Aistear the children are implementing their numeracy, literacy and social skills in a more meaningful way through the use of role play, games and real-life situations. We hope you enjoy browsing through a small selection of photographs below showing the fun the children have had while developing their vocabulary and extending their social skills.

For more information - please click here