Early childhood educators in Ireland are deeply familiar with Aistear and Siolta, but bringing these frameworks to life in a busy classroom can sometimes feel like a balancing act. With so many responsibilities—meeting the needs of each child, communicating with families, maintaining records, and planning developmentally appropriate experiences—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This article offers practical, real-life examples of how educators can meaningfully use Aistear’s themes and goals alongside Siolta’s principles and standards in everyday practice. These examples are rooted in play-based learning, active exploration, and respectful interactions. They reflect the values and language of the frameworks, while showing how curriculum and quality practice can go hand-in-hand. These are just examples, yours may be more in-depth or tailored. Each example includes a short observation, the linked Aistear theme and goals, the related Siolta standard or principle, and a note on how this supports children’s learning and development.
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1. Water Play and Pouring (Toddlers)
- Aistear Theme: Exploring and Thinking (Goal 1: Children will learn about and make sense of the world around them)
- Siolta Standard: Learning and Development
Observation: Sophie spent 15 minutes pouring water between containers of different shapes and sizes. She noticed that some containers made different sounds when water hit them. She said, “This one makes a big splash!” and laughed.
Practice Note: This activity supports children’s thinking, problem-solving, and early mathematical understanding. It allows for hands-on exploration, encourages prediction, and supports learning through the senses.
2. Making a Friendship Wall (Preschoolers)
- Aistear Theme: Identity and Belonging (Goal 3: Children will be able to express their identity and feel positive about themselves)
- Siolta Standard: Interactions
Observation: During group time, children drew pictures of their friends and shared something kind about them. Ella said, “Finn helps me when I fall down.” Another child, Max, said, “I like playing cars with Aoife.”
Practice Note: This simple activity supports positive relationships and self-expression. It helps children feel valued in their group and creates a strong sense of community and respect.
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3. Bug Hunt in the Garden (Mixed Ages)
- Aistear Theme: Well-being and Exploring and Thinking
- Siolta Standard: The Environment
Observation: Leo spotted a ladybird and said, “It’s red with black dots!” He was curious to know if it bites and asked how many legs it had. Several children joined in and started looking for more insects.
Practice Note: Outdoor exploration supports curiosity and connection with nature. It encourages children to ask questions, make observations, and develop an appreciation for the natural world around them.
4. Role-Playing Shopkeepers (Preschoolers)
- Aistear Theme: Communicating (Goal 2: Children will use language with others to share ideas, thoughts and feelings)
- Siolta Standard: Curriculum
Observation: Children set up a pretend shop using baskets, toy food, and real coins. They made signs and took turns being the cashier and the customer. Ava asked, “Do you want change?” while Jamie replied, “Yes please, I gave you a five.”
Practice Note: Pretend play supports language development, social interaction, early numeracy and decision-making. It allows children to take on roles and practice real-life skills in a playful, imaginative way. Wondering about sharing with parent’s who speak a different language? TeachKloud can auto-translate general comments and messages to parents’ preferred language! Learn more: https://teachkloud.com/
5. Cooking Together: Making Fruit Salad (All Ages)
- Aistear Theme: Well-being and Identity and Belonging
- Siolta Standard: Partnership with Families
Observation: Children helped prepare a fruit salad after a parent shared a favourite family recipe. They named the fruits in both English and their home languages. One child said, “In Polish, apple is jablko!”
Practice Note: Cooking promotes a sense of belonging, confidence, and independence. Including family recipes celebrates diversity and connects home and preschool experiences.
6. Quiet Reflection or Yoga Time (Toddlers and Preschoolers)
- Aistear Theme: Well-being (Goal 4: Children will be able to express their emotions in appropriate ways)
- Siolta Standard: Welfare
Observation: After a busy morning, the group gathered for a short yoga session. Children followed breathing and stretching prompts. Some lay quietly on mats. Olivia said, “I feel calm now.”
Practice Note: Creating space for calm helps children manage emotions and develop awareness of their feelings. It promotes well-being and teaches lifelong strategies for self-regulation.
7. Family Photo Wall and Storytelling (All Ages)
- Aistear Theme: Identity and Belonging
- Siolta Standard: Partnership with Parents and Families
Observation: Children brought in family photos, and each child shared a story about their family. Chloe pointed to her photo and said, “That’s my grandma. She makes pancakes every Sunday.”
Practice Note: Celebrating children’s home lives builds a strong link between setting and family. It fosters a sense of belonging and helps children see themselves as part of a wider community.
8. Nature Art with Leaves and Twigs (Preschoolers)
- Aistear Theme: Exploring and Thinking (Goal 4: Children will express ideas, feelings and creativity through art, drama and music)
- Siolta Standard: Environments
Observation: Children collected leaves and twigs during outdoor play. Later, they used them to create art. One child said, “This is my tree monster. He’s hiding in the grass.”
Practice Note: Using natural materials encourages creativity, storytelling, and connection to the environment. It promotes open-ended exploration and the use of imagination.
9. Exploring Emotions with Puppets (Toddlers and Preschoolers)
- Aistear Theme: Well-being and Communicating
- Siolta Standard: Interactions
Observation: During circle time, educators used puppets to talk about feelings. When the puppet “felt sad,” children were asked what might help. Lily said, “He needs a hug.” Ben said, “He can talk to a friend.”
Practice Note: Puppets offer a safe way for children to explore emotions, practice empathy, and learn about relationships. This supports emotional literacy and confidence.
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10. Building with Blocks and Solving a Challenge (Preschoolers)
- Aistear Theme: Exploring and Thinking
- Siolta Standard: Learning and Development
Observation: A group of children tried to build a bridge wide enough for their toy cars to pass under. They tested different materials and designs. Aoife said, “It keeps falling. Let’s use the big blocks.”
Practice Note: Problem-solving activities support cognitive development, collaboration, and persistence. They encourage children to plan, test, and revise their ideas through play.
Final Thoughts
These examples show how Aistear and Siolta can be part of everyday routines, play, and conversations. Educators are already doing meaningful work—what matters is making the learning visible. Observations like these can be documented using TeachKloud to connect experiences to framework goals, making curriculum planning and inspections easier and more reflective.
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By focusing on relationships, play, and the unique needs of each child, early years settings can uphold the spirit of Aistear and Siolta—not just in paperwork, but in practice.
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