The Power of Resilient Women: Shaping Work, Home, and Society

Introduction International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in every aspect of life. Whether in the workforce, at home, or in politics, women have consistently shown remarkable determination in overcoming adversity, challenging societal norms, and driving progress. Throughout history, resilient women have paved the way for change,Continue reading “The Power of Resilient Women: Shaping Work, Home, and Society”

The Healing Power of Song: How Singing and Music Foster Wellbeing and Togetherness

Music is one of the most powerful forces in human life. From lullabies soothing newborns to anthems uniting nations, music weaves through our existence, providing comfort, expression, and connection. But beyond its cultural and emotional significance, music—especially singing—has profound benefits for mental wellbeing and social connection. In an increasingly disconnected and fast-paced world, singing groups,Continue reading “The Healing Power of Song: How Singing and Music Foster Wellbeing and Togetherness”

Trauma Awareness

Supporting a Trauma Informed approach to Mother’s Day in Early Education This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day in Ireland, but as we know, Mother’s Day is widely celebrated; it can also bring a complex array of emotions for survivors of Trauma in childhood or during childhood. Very often, it is the more significant holidays orContinue reading “Trauma Awareness”

Investing in the future : Sustainability in Early Years.

As a green early years school we nurture sustainability daily through our emergent curriculum under the Aistear learning through play Framework. Creating communities of practice with our children, families, subject matter experts – artists, gardeners, film makers, environmental experts have all been part of our wonderful journey over the last 12 years. Gardening, mud kitchens,Continue reading “Investing in the future : Sustainability in Early Years.”

Collaborative Partnerships: Supporting Parents to Enhance the Language of STEAM

As a Parent of three not-so-small boys anymore, it has always been my mission to instill confidence, resilience, and self-confidence in my children. Looking back I have to say I think I managed this successfully, but not without some hurdles and some help along the way. These three are young men now, and successful youngContinue reading “Collaborative Partnerships: Supporting Parents to Enhance the Language of STEAM”

Communities of Practice in the ELC Sector

 In 2010 I set up Úlla Beag, an inclusive outdoor green early childhood setting with a play-based pedagogy, delivered under the framework of Aistear. My aim was to provide the experience of an outdoor play environment similar to that in which I grew up; for both my own children and children in my locality, asContinue reading “Communities of Practice in the ELC Sector”

Outdoor Environments

Underpinning STEAM concepts the natural way! Research from O’Doherty (2011) tells us that active involvement helps wire the brain; which in turn helps to enhance and reinforce concepts relating to STEAM education. This isn’t a new phenomenon, and in fact, if we think back as far as Piaget’s conservation theory (1968), we see indications ofContinue reading “Outdoor Environments”