Halloween is coming

Halloween is coming So Halloween is fast approaching and we all know what that means? Christmas is only around the corner –ha ha ! Only joking we love Halloween here at Crawford Childcare, Glanmire. Its such a nice time to introduce our children to the joys of dressing up be it scary, funny or nice. Though sometimes we may think Halloween is all about sweets and trick or treating there is actually a lot more to it. Halloween is the second most celebrated holiday. Pumpkins and the carving of them originated in Ireland. People believed that placing a candle in them would keep away ghosts and that carving…

The Montessori Method at Crawford Childcare

The Montessori Method at Crawford Childcare   This week's blog is all about the Montessori Method and how it is carried out within Crawford Childcare, Glanmire. To begin with, here is a little background on Dr Maria Montessori. Dr Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952), born at Chiraville, Italy was Italy’s first female doctor of medicine. Working with children at Rome’s Psychiatric Clinic, she noticed that they sought to learn about their environment through the use of their hands. This idea that the path to intellectual development is through the hands is a major theme in her method of education. Montessori education is a child centred method of education. This method allows…

Day Four in Norway

Day Four in Norway Thursday 16th October 2014 I have met so many inspiring adults on my journey to and around Trondheim, Norway both Norwegian and Irish. The group I am travelling with are a wealth of information and knowledge in their own right and include academics, childcare committee representatives, early years practitioners, early years trainers, inspectorate and more. The sharing of our reflections have been a learning experience for us as we explore each other's perspectives. We are also a good looking bunch - just take a look at our group photo! Today started with lectures at Queen Maud University College on the subjects of municipality supervision and…

If it’s to be then it’s up to me

If it’s to be then it’s up to me Wednesday 15th October 2014 Today we were warned to wear good walking shoes/ boots as our day begun with a bus journey and 15 minutes walk to Haikasen Nature barnehage (Childcare facility) - a one year old building set in beautiful forest surroundings with a forest school philosophy of valuing nature and being in the outdoors. Facilities for children and staff were impressive with lots of space, shower areas and equipment to protect staff from repetitive injuries. The sun was shining and the sky a clear blue and I felt really fortunate to have such a fantastic learning opportunity. The male principal/ leader discussed his…

Day Three in Norway

Day Three in Norway   Tuesday 14th October 2014 A second day at Queen Maud University College (QMUC) campus today. Something that strikes me is how children are invited and welcomed into this adult setting. Of course it makes sense that people training to become early years teachers need to be around children. Common sense is common in Norway! We had several lectures today including: - Lecture on physically active play in Kindergarten - Lecture on children with special needs in Norwegian day cares - Lecture on mentoring new teachers - a state funded national development programme. There was a lot of information much of which I am still…

Day Two in Norway

Day Two in Norway   Monday 13th October 2014 Our day begun after breakfast at 7am with a walk through Trondheim to Bakklandet Barnehage. A direct translation for barnehage is child garden. Many of us are familiar with the term kindergarten but in Norway barnehage is the term used for any type of childcare for children aged 0 to 6 years. Features of the barnehage we visited included low ratios, small groups, free access for the children between rooms, basic equipment and a large amount of time spent outdoors. The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried. The teachers referred to as the grown ups participate in children's play rather than…

Sarah heads to Norway

Sarah heads to Norway   Sunday 12th October 2014 After a day of travelling our I (Sarah - Manager in Crawford Childcare in Glanmire)  have reached my final destination for a study visit - Trondheim in Norway! Norway has a reputation for high quality provision of childcare particularly in the areas of outdoors, men in childcare and inclusion. By accepting the placement I have agreed to share my learning through a number of mediums. Hopefully you will enjoy my updates over the week - I'll be sure to keep you posted ! I have been very fortunate in being one of 25 participants selected from across the country by Early…

Help us to create a new outdoor play area

Help us to create a new outdoor play area Any spare frying pans, old pots or plastic bottles????Here at Crawford Childcare in Glanmire we aim to promote outdoor play. We are very fortunate to have 2 large play areas as well as 2 large grass areas. We are currently looking at adding to one of these grass areas to create a play space and garden using natural materials. Many of you have probably spotted the tyres donated by More Tyres and Alan’s Tyres which we are using to define distinct areas as well as the large tractor tyres we use as sand and mud pits donated by one of families at the creche! This…