The Yellow Door Preschool

08/09/2021

20/05/2021

Today was Pajama Day at playschool! We had a lot of fun, and everyone thought it was very silly altogether.
I set up the environment this morning to be calm, cosy and welcoming, creating a sleepover type mood! We even had lullabies playing through the speakers, although a couple of the girls asked me to turn that off as it was "waking the baby" 😂

We did our Pajama Day in aid of EVA - Ennis Voices for Autism, an amazing charity. EVA do great work, organising days out and get togethers for local families. They organise one to one swimming lessons, book play centers for exclusive access, scuba diving, horse riding, gymnastics... Just wonderful opportunities for families of children with autism, and we are so happy to be able to contribute a little towards that.

23/08/2020

With a week to go to reopening, the school is squeaky clean, prepped with new materials and we are So excited to see all the kids again!
There are a couple of spaces left so please get in touch if you're looking for a playschool that's loving, safe, child centered and play-based!

05/06/2020

Something big is happening in the world and the children will be the ones to continue the great work of breaking down barriers and loving one and all. It is never too early to start taking about race. Indeed, many families don't even get the option, their children face systematic racism from the moment they step outside their doors. Here is a great resource of books for all ages to introduce more variation of different cultures to your child's library.

It's never too early to start teaching your kids about racism. From reading books to talking to them about current events, here's 5 things you can do today.

21/05/2020

I 100% agree! All LAMH signs are now available online for free until the end of month. We have always enjoyed learning a few signs at the Yellow Door, and I have handouts if anyone is interested in learning more at home
www.lamhsigns.org

Sign language could become compulsory in schools across the country if a motion passed by Clare County Council gains traction within the Department of Education.

03/05/2020

👍👍👍👍

Let’s Play Ireland is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting play for all children living in Ireland during the COVID-19 emergency.

Playing is central to children’s physical, mental, social and emotional health and wellbeing. Children learn through play while developing resilience, flexibility and understanding of their world. Play in families enriches childhood. All children and young people have a right to play.

https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/lets-play-ireland/

01/05/2020

Love this

Given the chance, boys do play with dolls - and not just playmobil and action figures. But how often do they get the chance? Peer pressure is pretty strong once they start school to not do “babyish”or “girly” things 😫 .
Being at home all this time, I’d love to know if you’ve noticed a difference in your children playing or learning...
Away from the groups and the peer pressure, are your children getting into or even excelling at things they might not have gone for at school because “girls don’t play Spider-Man” or “maths is for boys”?

I’ll start! My daughter has been able to practice the ball games that she loves but has often felt excluded from at school, and my son is setting up tea parties for the toy rabbits to his heart’s content - something he quickly learnt was “for girls” at school. (Of course they’re also playing in mixed-gender groups because they don’t have any choice!)
Would love to hear if you’ve noticed anything like this too 👇👇👇

This graphic is from our Issue 3 - all about play https://sonshinemagazine.com/magazine/why-boys-need-dolls.

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04/04/2020

Love this! ❤️

18/03/2020

This is a good time to reconsider what our definition of learning is. I've been seeing lots of parents on different platforms online stressing out about managing their children's curriculum at home while the schools are closed. But now we have a great opportunity to teach our children some life skills! Show your children how to wash the windows, build a den in the living room, prepare vegetables, give the dog a bath, play an instrument, make a house of cards, plant flowers, sort out their toys, write letters to grandparents... It's all learning! Your children will be delighted to be spending quality time with you, and you don't need to worry about meeting goals and checklists 😊

16/03/2020

For all you folks stuck at home in the coming weeks. Starting on Monday, at 6pm GMT / 2pm EST / 11am PST
I will be reading one of my books every weekday, and talking about some of the things that went into making it.
We are all at home, but none of us are alone.
Let’s be bored together.
Also, my pal, and one of the best storybook writers in a generation will be doing the same with his books daily, an hour later.
And the genius minds behind are doing a daily creative project called ‘Home Club’, also starting Monday.
ADDITION:
I will make it available to watch later for those in other time zones.
Stay tuned for more details.

14/03/2020

🎨It’s time to get creative!🎨

We have an exciting colouring competition for everyone at home. We can’t wait to see your entries!

Download the image attached, colour it in, take a picture of it and post the image in the comments. We will select a winner for best entry and a person at random who will receive a family pass which can be redeemed once we reopen.

Winner will be announced on Monday 23rd of March!

13/03/2020

Some nice suggestions for families stuck at home from