Supporting identity and belonging through Aistear

Under the Aistear framework, Irish preschools cultivate children’s self-confidence, culture, and social inclusion by focusing on the Identity and Belonging theme. Developed by NCCA (Ireland), this theme is one of four core areas that help babies, toddlers, and young children build a secure sense of self while developing a meaningful connection to their family and wider community.

Cultivating a positive self-image is critical for Irish preschool social emotional development. When educators in creches, preschools, and infant classes implement intentional Aistear inclusion strategies, they create a welcoming environment where young children feel respected, valued, and prepared for their school years.

Building self-confidence and self-awareness

Developing a healthy identity starts with a child understanding their unique qualities, strengths, and family background. When children feel secure in who they are, they are more confident to try new challenges and interact with others.

To support this area, educators can introduce a variety of hands-on activities that highlight individuality. For example, a “myself” collage allows children to paint portraits of themselves and paste pictures of their favorite foods, toys, and hobbies. Children then share their creations with their classmates during circle time, discussing their similarities and differences. This process builds self-awareness, teaches positive self-reflection, and encourages children to value their unique traits.

Another effective strategy involves personal cubbies or coat hooks labeled with each child’s name and photo. Having a dedicated space in the preschool classroom provides a concrete visual representation of belonging, helping toddlers and young children feel that they are an integral part of the group.

Fostering community and citizenship in early years Ireland

Belonging extends beyond the classroom walls to include the child’s family, neighborhood, and local heritage. Promoting active citizenship in early years Ireland settings helps children understand how societies work together.

Teachers can foster this sense of community by introducing children to community helper roles, such as doctors, postal workers, and librarians. Setting up dramatic play stations where children can dress up as these helpers and act out scenarios encourages cooperation and social problem-solving. Organizing visits from local community members or taking short walks around the neighborhood to look at local landmarks also connects children with their wider environment.

Celebrating different cultural festivals, languages, and family traditions in the classroom further supports inclusion. By sharing music, traditional stories, and special foods, children develop an appreciation for diversity and learn to treat others with empathy and respect.

Implementing practical inclusion strategies

Creating an inclusive environment means ensuring that every child can participate fully in daily play-based learning, regardless of their background or learning needs.

• Diverse classroom library: Ensure the reading corner features books with diverse characters, family structures, and abilities. Reading these stories together helps normalize differences and promotes empathy.
• Home-link photo displays: Invite families to send in photos of their home, pets, or favorite family gatherings. Displaying these on a dedicated classroom wall helps children bridge the transition between home and preschool.
• Accessible materials: Organize toys, blocks, and art supplies on low, open shelves labeled with both pictures and words. This setup encourages independence, allowing children to choose and tidy up their own play materials.

These simple adjustments help young learners develop a secure sense of belonging, supporting their emotional well-being and making the transition to Junior Infants smoother.

Designing focused plans with Superbuddy

Fostering social emotional growth and planning inclusive activities can be simplified with the right resources. Using pre-aligned templates allows teachers and parents to support identity and community development seamlessly.

The Superbuddy library offers a complete library of print-and-go printable resources designed for children aged 2 to 6. Our catalog is divided into three distinct developmental bands: Pre-Nursery (ages 2–3), Nursery (ages 3–4), and KG (ages 4–6). Our collections feature engaging tasksheets, lesson plans, and week packages.

Our materials span five core learning pillars, with a dedicated Social and Emotional pillar to support self-awareness and community connection. These resources align beautifully with the Aistear framework to support early childhood settings across Ireland. The resources are free to start, with five download credits provided each month to use across the entire catalog.