Aistear is the early childhood curriculum framework for all children from birth to six years. The word Aistear is
the Irish word for journey and was chosen because early childhood marks the beginning of children’s lifelong
learning journeys. 

Aistear is the key learning and teaching tool used to implement the primary school curriculum in infant classes.
The children play for up to an hour each day, with an emphasis on active learning and oral language
development. Each class is supported by a learning support teacher during this hour. Curriculum subjects
covered during Aistear include: S.E.S.E., S.P.H.E., oral language, reading, writing, maths, art, music and drama.

During the Aistear hour, the children are implementing their numeracy and literacy skills in a more meaningful
way through the use of role play, games and real-life situations.

How Aistear Works

Teachers select a topic a month to focus on. Themes include, the farm, the airport, Santa’s Workshop and November’s
theme was ‘Home Sweet Home’. Teachers chose the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ as a foundation, and the children
created wonderful art and crafts around this topic. Below is a flavour of the children’s creativity – their homes, the house of straw, sticks and bricks!

Take a look at our Junior and Senior Infants busy in action during Aistear!