"Explore Play Learn" an interactive, play based, showcase event for parents and their children is taking place this September in County Clare. It is one of many local events during Tusla National Child and Family Support Week.
The event is designed to promote parent participation in their children’s learning and development and is guided by Aistear, the National Curriculum Framework in Ireland for children aged 0-6 years old.
This event has been co-ordinated by the Clare Children and Young People’s Services Committee in partnership with the Clare County Childcare Committee and Clare County Council. It is organised as part of National Child and Family Support Week, 17th to 23rd September.
Sinead Collopy, Clare CYPSC Co-ordinator explains that
"Aistear is designed to support parents, early childhood practitioners and teachers in planning for and providing enriching, challenging and enjoyable learning opportunities for children. It can be used in different types of settings including children’s homes, childminding, day care, preschool and school settings."
"The child's first and most influential teacher is the parent. Improving the effectiveness of the home as a learning environment is critical to promoting long-term school success. Promoting home as a positive learning environment is a prominent action proposed for the Clare Children and Young People’s Plan 2018-2021."
Parents and their children from County Clare are invited to attend a play date with a difference! Four interactive play spaces will be available at the event. Each one resourced with play materials that are all linked to an Aistear theme such as:
- Communication,
- Identity and Belonging,
- Exploring and Thinking and
- Well-Being.
Each play space will be managed by an experienced Early Years educator who will be available to advise and support parents through the play based activity with their children. All parents will be given a parent- play resource pack filled with tip sheets and booklets promoting learning through play and how this can be achieved in the home. A calm room is also available with sensory toys and a pop up library.
The first “Explore Play Learn” showcase will be held on the 22nd September in Cois na hAbhna, Ennis, Co. Clare and is FULLY BOOKED.
To facilitate exceptional demand a second date of the 13th October has been added. It is envisaged in excess of 300 parents and children will have participated throughout the 2 days.
Play, the brains favourite way of learning!
For information contact Clare CYPSC Co-ordinator: sinead.collopy@tusla.ie.
Click here to read more about Clare CYPSC.
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