Early Childhood Ireland and Dublin Zoo

New preschool programme called ‘Exploring & Thinking’ which is a joint initiative between Dublin Zoo and Early Childhood Ireland launches today

A new preschool programme called ‘Exploring & Thinking’ which is a joint initiative between Dublin Zoo and Early Childhood Ireland is launched today at 11am in the Farm House in Dublin Zoo, with some VIP young visitors eager to test it out.  This interactive programme is aimed at 3 to 5 year olds and encourages children to explore the differences between the major animal groups of mammals, birds and reptiles.  The cost per child is €6 which includes free access to the Zoo afterwards and this new programme is running throughout March, April, September and October 2012.  The programme is designed to follow the Aistear early childhood curriculum framework and activities are designed to be multi-sensory with children encouraged to touch and explore various bio-facts to assist their learning.  

It is a highly interactive, fun, one hour session where children are shown photographs of the animals and discuss the importance of feathers, eggs and scales to the various animals.   Then it is time for the ‘Animal Journey’ where the children take a walk around the farm yard looking at mammals and birds and then visit the Reptile House. The session, which follows the Aistear early childhood curriculum framework, runs twice daily at 10am and 11.30am and can accommodate up to 22 children per session.  Each child gets a goodie bag of animal cards, a booklet called Amy’s Amazing Journey and a certificate.  Places must be booked in advance through the Education Department in Dublin Zoo on (01) 4748932.  

Welcoming the launch of Exploring & Thinking at Dublin Zoo, Irene Gunning CEO of Early Childhood Ireland said, “Early years education is all about developing the child’s natural curiosity in the world around them and how they interact with its inhabitants, whether they are the two legged, four legged or scaled variety.  This type of fun, interactive approach to learning is really good for the child’s well being and laying the groundwork for science and environmental studies.  This new programme is good value for money too.”

According to Una Smyth, Education Officer, Dublin Zoo, “Preschool is the first experience children have of formal education, most parents want their children to have a positive environment in which to develop a love of learning, and Dublin Zoo aims to create curious and resilient explorers through our great new ‘Exploring & Thinking’ programme for preschool children in conjunction with Early Childhood Ireland.”  

Ends.

For further information please contact:

Irene Gunning 087 4174004 / 01 4630016
or
Carmel Doyle 087 2473537