Exploring the Shores Early Years Resource Guide:

Following our online video sessions, Galway Atlantaquaria and Galway Childcare Committee would like to share some ideas and knowledge to prepare and inspire you to explore your local shores or woodland areas with the young children in your setting. 

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Inspiring Outdoor Learning Through Inquiry

On the 28th of April 2021, Galway Childcare hosted a virtual Outdoor Networking event: Inspiring Outdoor Learning Through Inquiry. Below is a resource document that was given to particpants to give ideas of equipment and websites that may be useful for thinking of ideas for their outdoor areas. 



As adults, we can appreciate that the natural outdoor environment is now more important than ever in children’s  lives, we acknowledge the many health  benefits of being outdoors  but we must also recognise the benefits for children’s play, learning and sense of well-being. During this time, services have been looking at new ways to enhance and develop their outdoor space with the intention of maximising the time children spend outdoors. With this in mind, the video and information included in this resource aims to  provide your service with some useful guidance and practical tips as you plan and reflect on the possibilities for your outdoor environment. .

To view the Outdoor Play and Learning Environment Presentation – “Thinking outside the box’ please click the image below: 



See below Galway Childcare Services videos of their outdoor areas, to view please click on the images: 

New Adventures Outdoor Preschool



Muddy Boots Outdoor Preschool & Afterschool





“Leave No Stone Unskipped” was organised by GMIT in partnership with CYPSC and is funded by Healthy Ireland.

Please click here to view the recordings of  the virtual presentations from this event.

• https://youtube.com/c/GMITMayoOutdoorEducation

Healthy Sociable Eating experiences in Early Years practice

Galway Childcare Committee have produced a range of resources funded by Healthy Ireland, in collaboration with Early Years services; researchers from University of Galway and ATU; Chef Kevin Dundon and Seed to Plate advocate Michael Kelly, to support Healthy Sociable Eating in Early Years practice.

Videos and presentations are available via this link Healthy Sociable Eating

   

Click on the image above to watch a short video produced by Galway Childcare Committee with the staff and children of The Willows Nursery in Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway. This short video explores the concept of Seed to Plate; how the children and staff have developed their outdoor area to include planting, growing, harvesting and serving their own food. 



Safefood’s role is to promote food safety and provide nutritional advice on the island of Ireland in accordance with its legislative remit, achieved by building an evidence base of sound and authoritative science used to influence policy and to promote behaviour change in the overall interests of improved public health.

See How to develop preschoolers' skills around food | Education which has tips for practice including improving the dining experience in ELC settings. Examples include:

Family style dining
Invite the children to prepare the table for dinner. This involves collaboration, cooperation and planning. Add a tablecloth and flowers. The use of real glasses, crockery and cutlery respects the competence of the children as they help each other. Placemats designed by the children themselves can add a sense of ownership and belonging as well as beauty to the occasion.

Serve dinner using large serving bowls to facilitate this family style dining experience. This offers choice and recognises children’s ability to decide on the portion size they will eat. The children take turns to pass the bowl and talk amongst themselves. The adult sits, eats talks and enjoys with the children, facilitating a. social dining experience.

Self-service
Children pour their drinks from a jug which is easily manageable.

Tidy up
The children scrape off their places when they are finished dinner and return to play with their friends. When everyone is finished dinner, the older children return to the table to assist with the tidying up. Guided by the adult the children make sure that the tablecloth is dry before folding and putting it away.