Ms Donna Carolan:

There was a reference just now to the importance of the outdoors. With Aistear, there is a specific and intentional focus on learning in the outdoors through the addition of a new aim in the theme of exploring and thinking. It talks about meaningful time outdoors. There are so many playful opportunities for children to engage in when they are outdoors. As with the original framework, the learning goals explain the dispositions, attitudes, values and skills that babies, toddlers and young children can develop. The principle of play builds on this, too, and promotes the blend of free play, guided play and educator-led playful experiences. This is also evidenced in the primary language curriculum through the idea of infusing playfulness through learning experiences. Again we see that language used in the primary maths curriculum, where we have reference to infusing playfulness. This idea of children having plenty of playful and engaging experiences is built on from early years through to primary. It is an important feature. The emphasis being placed on outdoors encourages educators to see the potential in the outdoor environment in terms of connecting with nature, getting to know their community, fostering a sense of belonging and who they are and their role in terms of connecting, caring for themselves, caring for others and caring for the environment.