Infant Classes & Aistear — A Guide for Irish Primary Teachers
A guide to teaching Junior and Senior Infants in Irish primary schools — Aistear (the early childhood framework), play-based learning, integrated learning, the Infant curriculum, and the transition to 1st Class.
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Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework
- 1 Aistear The national early childhood curriculum framework for all children from birth to 6 years. 'Aistear' means 'journey' in Irish. It guides learning and development from crèche through to end of Senior Infants.
- 2 Four themes of Aistear 1. Well-being; 2. Identity and belonging; 3. Communicating; 4. Exploring and thinking. These are integrated — all present in every good early childhood experience.
- 3 Play-based learning Aistear places play at the centre of early childhood learning. The infant classroom should have areas for structured and unstructured play. Learning through play is the official approach.
- 4 Junior Infants The first year of primary school — children are typically 4–5 years old. In many schools, children start aged 4 (earlier than in England where the compulsory age is 5).
- 5 Senior Infants The second year of primary school — children are typically 5–6 years old. By end of Senior Infants, most children will be reading independently (phonics programme aligned to PLC).
- 6 Primary Language Curriculum (PLC) Introduced 2019, the PLC integrates English and Irish language learning from Junior Infants. Skills learned in one language reinforce the other.
The Infant classroom environment
What Aistear requires
- ▶ PLAY AREAS: the infant room should have distinct areas for different types of play — home corner/role play, construction, books, art/creative, investigation, sand/water
- ▶ CONTINUOUS PROVISION: children should have access to play areas throughout the day, not just at set times
- ▶ OUTDOOR PLAY: outdoor learning is part of Aistear — not a break from it. Daily outdoor time is required
- ▶ GAEILGE IN THE INFANTS: Irish is introduced from Junior Infants. Songs, games, and daily routines in Irish build the passive understanding that develops active language
- ▶ LITERACY IN INFANTS: phonics taught in both English and Irish (PLC approach). Letter recognition, phonological awareness, print awareness
- ▶ ASSESSMENT: no formal tests in Infant classes. Assessment is through observation, portfolio, and professional judgement
- ▶ PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: Aistear emphasises partnership with parents — the transition from home to school is acknowledged as a major life event for child and family
Learning objective
Explain what Aistear is and its four themes; describe the structure of Junior and Senior Infants in Irish primary schools; and understand the play-based approach required by the NCCA framework.
About this resource
Aistear and infant teaching resources
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For practitioners
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A Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA, free at ncca.ie)
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A Aistear in Practice — teacher resource — Various
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L Learning and Development through Play — EYFS/Aistear — Various
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