Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework
Our programme will follow the Aistear guidelines and Principle. Aistear is Ireland’s curriculum framework for children from birth to six years. Aistear is designed to work with the great variety of curriculum materials currently in use in early childhood settings. Using the broad learning goals of Aistear, we have adapted our curriculum to make learning even more enjoyable and rewarding for the children at Kinder Crescent.
Aistear contains information for parents/guardians and practitioners that will help plan for and provide challenging and enjoyable learning experiences, that can enable all children to grow and develop as competent and confident learners in the context of caring relationships with others.
Aistear describes the types of learning (depositions, values and attitudes, skills, knowledge and understanding) that are important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions as to how this learning might be nurtured. The framework also provides guidelines on supporting children’s learning through partnerships with parents/guardians, interactions, play and assessment.
Aistear is based on 12 Principles of early learning and development. These are presented in three groups
Children and their lives in early childhood:
- the child’s uniqueness
- equality and diversity
- children as citizens
Children’s connections with others:
- relationships
- parents/guardians, family and community
- the adults role
How children learn and develop:
- holistic learning and development
- active learning
- play and hands-on experiences
- communication and language
- the learning environment
Aistear also uses 4 themes that connect and overlap with each other to outline children’s learning and development. The themes are:
- Well-being
- Identity and Belonging
- Communicating
- Exploring and Thinking
Each theme included aims and broad learning goals for all children from birth to six years. The aims and goals outline the dispositions, attitudes and values, skills, knowledge, and understanding that the adult nurtures in children to help them learn and develop