Better Start

01/09/2026

As children prepare for the aistriú chuig an scoil (transition to school), everyday conversations and experiences offer natural opportunities to introduce and enjoy Gaeilge. Our Ag Dul ar Scoil series shares simple focail agus frásaí (words and phrases) that educators and families can use when talking with children about school, mothúcháin (feelings), what might be in the mála scoile, and the new experiences ahead.

Start small, use what you know, and weave beagán Gaeilge into meaningful, playful interactions throughout the day.

Gaeilge ar slí nádúrtha, simplí agus spraíúil.

(Irish in a natural, simple and fun way.)

01/09/2026

Toddlers to Teens: Early Literacy Shapes Your Child’s Future

Discover how early literacy activities like reading, storytelling, and book sharing can shape your child’s success from preschool through high school. Learn why starting early matters — and how simple, everyday interactions can build a lifelong love of learning.

31/08/2026

Lámh Module One: Places now available for September 2026

https://www.betterstart.ie/training-events/lamh-module-one-places-now-available-for-september-2026/

There are currently a limited number of places available on upcoming training for September 2026.

This course is for staff members and professionals who have started to work in an environment where Lámh is used and covers 100 Lámh signs and how to support a Lámh user.

The training is delivered in a blended approach combining Moodle (approx. 3hours) and a practical signing session online (approx. 3.5hours).

The e-learning material on Moodle must be completed before coming to the signing session.

Sessions available for Lámh Module One – Practical Signing Session – Online Webinar:

Saturday 5 September 2026 09.30
Wednesday 9 September 2026 17.30
Monday 14 September 2026 18.00
Wednesday 16 September 2026 18.00
Monday 21 September 2026 17.30
Wednesday 23 September 2026 17.30
Wednesday 23 September 2026 18.00
Thursday 24 September 2026 18.30
Saturday 26 September 2026 09.00
How to enroll in this course

Learners can enroll to this course on the Nurturing Skills Learning Hub. Each learner must have an email account personal to them. If you have access to an account already, go to the course catalogue and select the Lámh Module One Online Courses 2026.

To set up an account on the Learning Hub, please follow the steps in this video guide: https://vimeo.com/1087090473

For queries contact: [email protected]

To find out more about this course, watch this short video

https://www.lamh.org/

28/08/2026

The Hanen Centre: Children learn language and literacy best when adults engage them in enjoyable interactions that build their confidence and support their learning. Whether it’s at home or in early childhood settings, there’s so much adults can do to give young children the best possible start.

The road to language and literacy success begins with the most important adults in a young child’s life – their parents and early childhood educators.

27/08/2026

Does your setting have a curriuclum statement that outlines your curriuclum? In this 5 minute video, the owner of an early years setting describes the profound impact that creating and refining their curriculum statement has had on practice within her setting.

In this 5 minute video, an early years owner describes the profound impact that creating and refining their curriculum statement has had on practice within her setting.

25/08/2026

Singing about the weather using Lámh sign with Silvia Angel Education.

The Weather SongOne of the signs people ask me for is, “can you t...

24/08/2026

Turning Book Reading into a Conversation, a handout from the Hanen Centre.

https://www.hanen.org/getmedia/f0293bbb-5152-497a-b2c0-490af2a3c4d0/Turn-Book-Reading-into-a-Conversation-Handout-FINAL.pdf?ext=.pdf&_gl=1*1y0knyv*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwpK3SBhASEiwAtV1SPGe19YNIHlTRHVqJDTdhW7swko_ssHrwnTwhLMT_4KmTTuatBvyPCBoCkHMQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD5_-MI469XP_gAKuFnMcslAms9ab

21/08/2026

Hanen ‘Teacher Talk A: Encouraging Language Development in Early Childhood Settings
Limited Number of Places now available.

https://www.betterstart.ie/training-events/hanen-teacher-talk-upcoming-events/

This is online workshops taking place over three sessions on the following dates on Microsoft Teams:

Morning Sessions
Monday 24th August 10.00 am to 12.30 pm
Tuesday 25th August 10.00 am to 12.30 pm
Wednesday 26th August 10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Afternoon Sessions
Monday 24th August 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm
Tuesday 25th August 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm
Wednesday 26th August 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm

Hanen ‘Teacher Talk A’: Encouraging Language Development in Early Childhood Settings
This training addresses how educators use everyday conversations, play and daily routines to promote the communication and social development of all children, including those with language delays and those who are second language learners.

You will learn how to:
Identify children’s conversational styles and the role teachers play in interactions
Implement six steps to following the child’s lead: Observe, Wait and Listen, Be Face to Face, Imitate, Interpret, Comment, and Join in and Play

Help children become better conversation partners by using appropriate questions, comments and turn-taking cues
Use five important steps to ensure that no child is left out of the interaction during group activities

How to enroll in this course
Learners can enroll on this course on the Nurturing Skills Learning Hub. Each learner must have an email account personal to them. If you have access to an account already, go to the course catalogue and select the Hanen ‘Teacher Talk A’ to enroll.

To set up an account on the Learning Hub, please follow the steps in this video guide: https://vimeo.com/1087090473

For queries contact: [email protected]
To find out more about the Hanen Teacher Talk, visit the Hanen website: https://www.hanen.org/programs/teacher-talk