In a unique pilot project supported by the Creative Ireland Programme, the Galway Childcare Committee and Groundswell Arts undertook a nine month musical programme in 2 Galway preschool settings.
The purpose of the Lullaby Project was to use music to support emotional wellbeing and build confidence in very young children, their parents and those working in pre-school settings – and offering each participating family the ‘gift’ of a song.
Research tells us that active and regular engagement with music supports language development and social interaction. The Lullaby Project offers an opportunity to think about the positive impact that music can have on the child’s holistic learning and development.
The Lullaby Project is an approach to songwriting, which enhances attachment between parents/carers and their children, and between educators and families. It also allows parents to get to know the Early Years setting better, and to acknowledge and share parents’ own expertise on how their child’s development and learning can be best supported.
Working with very young children in Gort and Galway city childcare facilities, Groundswell Arts trained songwriters Eoghan Burk and Ruth Dillon created personalised songs about tractors and hurling with their young collaborators.
The Groundswell team also shared their methodolgy with 4 early years practitioners.
This pilot initiative built on Galway’s strong musical traditions and raised the profile of how music in early years can support and nurture children, increase wellbeing, support inclusion and uniquely build lasting relationships with families.
Following the initial support from the National Creativity Fund,Galway Childcare Committee has since secured funding as part of the Tusla-funded Parent Participation fund to extend the project to work in collaboration with families in the Traveller community in Galway, building on the rich story-telling and song traditions and the close attachments between parents and their children in the community.
The Lullaby Project also featured as part of our 2019 Cruinniú Na nÓg celebrations!
