In a unique pilot project supported by the Creative Ireland Programme,\nthe Galway Childcare Committee and Groundswell Arts undertook a nine month\nmusical programme in 2 Galway preschool settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The purpose of the Lullaby Project was to use music to support emotional wellbeing and build confidence in very\nyoung children, their parents and those working in pre-school settings \u2013 and offering\neach participating family the \u2018gift\u2019 of a song. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research\ntells us that active and regular engagement with music supports language development\nand social interaction. The Lullaby Project offers an opportunity to think about the positive\nimpact that music can have on the child\u2019s holistic learning and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Lullaby\nProject is an approach to songwriting, which enhances attachment between\nparents\/carers and their children, and between educators and families. It also\nallows parents to get to know the Early Years setting better, and to\nacknowledge and share parents\u2019 own expertise on how their child\u2019s development\nand learning can be best supported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working\nwith very young children in Gort and Galway city childcare facilities,\nGroundswell Arts trained songwriters Eoghan Burk and Ruth Dillon created\npersonalised songs about tractors and hurling with their young collaborators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\nGroundswell team also shared their methodolgy with 4 early years practitioners.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This pilot initiative built on Galway\u2019s strong\nmusical traditions and raised the profile of how music in early years can\nsupport and nurture children, increase wellbeing, support inclusion and\nuniquely build lasting relationships\nwith families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following\nthe initial support from the National Creativity Fund,Galway Childcare\nCommittee has since secured funding as part of the Tusla-funded Parent\nParticipation fund to extend the project to work in collaboration with families\nin the Traveller community in Galway, building on the rich story-telling and\nsong traditions and the close attachments between parents and their children in\nthe community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Lullaby Project also featured as part of our 2019 Cruinni\u00fa Na n\u00d3g celebrations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n