Curriculum planning through emergent interests
Planning that starts with the children in front of you. This workshop shows how to move from observation to emergent planning that still stands up to inspection.
Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy. One hour, live online from Ireland, with a booklet to keep and a certificate of attendance.
What you'll take away
- Turn everyday observations into planning
- Follow children's interests without losing structure
- Evidence learning against Aistear and Síolta
- Keep paperwork proportionate
What we cover
- Observation methods that fit a busy room
- Interest webs and provocation planning
- Balancing emergent and intentional teaching
- Portfolios and learning stories
Common questions
- Will this help with an inspection?
- It focuses on planning and documentation that clearly evidences learning, which is what inspectors look for, though it is not an official inspection preparation course.
- Do I get anything to take away?
- Every workshop comes with a booklet to keep and a certificate of attendance (not registered CPD points).
Workshops in this theme
- Preparing Your Child for Preschool or Primary SchoolConfidence, independence, communication, self-care, separation and routines before a major transition.
- Supporting Speech and Language Through Everyday PlayConversation, books, songs, turn-taking, pretend play and everyday routines to encourage communication.
- Play-Based Skills for Everyday PracticeChild-led play, reflective language, observation and emotional containment within the educator role.
- Effective Observations That Inform PracticeMove beyond descriptive observations to identify interests, strengths, emerging needs and meaningful next steps.
- Supporting Transitions Throughout the DayImprove arrival, tidy-up, mealtimes, outdoor transitions, rest periods and home time.
- Professional Communication with ParentsDifficult conversations, developmental concerns and sensitive feedback with empathy and professional boundaries.
- Room Leadership and Positive Team CultureDelegation, communication, feedback, conflict resolution and supporting colleagues without micromanaging.
- Child-Led Planning in PracticeTurn children's interests and observations into meaningful curriculum experiences without unnecessary paperwork.
- Designing Visual Routines and Transition CardsSimple visuals that transform the flow of the day.
- Planning a Week From One Observed InterestChild-led planning made simple.
Other workshop topics
All 53 workshop themes · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog
Explore more on Roots of Wonder
- WorkshopPreparing Your Child for Preschool or Primary SchoolConfidence, independence, communication, self-care, separation and routines before a major transition.Explore
- WorkshopSupporting Speech and Language Through Everyday PlayConversation, books, songs, turn-taking, pretend play and everyday routines to encourage communication.Explore
- TopicSchemas in playWorkshops on schemas in playExplore
- TopicBehaviour is communicationWorkshops on behaviour is communicationExplore
- TopicOutdoor learningWorkshops on outdoor learningExplore
- CourseAistear in Practice: Planning from Children's InterestsA plain-English course on Aistear's four themes and how to plan emergent, interest-led experiences without disappearing into paperwork.Explore
Trusted early years resources
Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.
- Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA)
- Síolta: the National Quality Framework
- Children First national guidance (Tusla)
- First 5: Ireland's strategy for babies & young children
- Early Childhood Ireland
Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy