Tober Tinys and Little Amps take part in ‘Folk Day’

Tober Tinys Community Playgroup, from Tobermore, Magherafelt, and Little Amps from Upperlands, Maghera joined in on the celebrations at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh this month.

The annual event has grown in popularity and for the second consecutive year was extended over two days to accommodate the large numbers of children who took part.

For many children who participated it was their first visit to the Folk Park, although there were some veterans of previous Folk Days who had come back for more. Folk day gives the children a great opportunity to bring their learning to life, discovering more about their local history and the way people used to live. It and exciting day out for the children, parents and staff from playgroups, day care centres, parent & toddler groups and Sure Start projects from across Northern Ireland.

Liz Graham, Membership Officer for Early Years said: “We are delighted to have some many groups join us for our fourth annual Folk Day. It is a fantastic day out for all involved, and it’s great to see so many children enjoying their day.

Mary O’Reilly, Early Years Area Manager added: “The Folk Day is a great opportunity for the children to learn more about history in a fun and practical way and it is a great chance for all the Early Years members from across Northern Ireland to meet up and come together for a special day out.”

John Bradley from the Folk Park added, “It been fantastic to welcome back the groups from Early Years. At the Ulster American Folk Park we believe that the range of learning experiences which we provide for young children is fundamental to their educational success in later years.”

Early Years is a membership organisation that supports and promotes early childcare and education, providing information and training for parents, childcare providers, employers and local authorities. Early Years membership is open to all child care settings, individuals and organisations who subscribe to the organisation’s values and principles.