Ráiteas Curaclam / Curriculum Statement

At Naíonra Nóiníní Beaga, we implement a play-based, emergent and inquiry-led curriculum that uses children’s and educators’ interests, questions and experiences as starting points for curriculum planning. At times, educators introduce specific topics to support children’s learning and development linked to Aistear’s learning goals. At other times, topics emerge from children’s queries or interests

In line with Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, we see curriculum as all of the experiences, both formal and informal, planned and unplanned in the indoor and outdoor environment, which contribute to children’s learning and development aged 0-6 years. We use Aistear as a framework to provide building blocks to develop an emergent and inquiry-based curriculum.

Four Broad Outcomes for Children are engaged through the 4 Learning Themes of Aistear:

- Children will be confident, happy and healthy (Well-being)

- Children will have a positive sense of who they are, develop a sense of their culture and heritage and feel valued and respected as part of a family and community (Identity and Belonging)

- Children will share their experiences, thoughts, ideas and feelings with growing confidence and competence in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes (Communicating)

- Children will make sense of the things, places and people in their world (Exploring and Thinking).