Hi, I’m Claire!
I’m a mum of two very active toddlers, based in Lucan.
My background is museum education (see below for more on that!) and I’ve always been so passionate about creating playful learning environments. I set up Mucky Picnic initially as an Instagram, so that I could give parents ideas for fun and play at home during Covid lockdowns. I knew immediately I wanted to do classes, but it was a while before I could because it took so long for everything to open back up!
I started my classes in September 2022, and because they are so mobile and adaptable, they have travelled all over, even as far as Birr in Offaly! Mucky Picnic is part of the regular toddler programme at Kidspace, which also resulted in a fantastic feature in Mums & Tots magazine (Issue 47, Summer 2023)! I also work with South Dublin Libraries, DLR Libraries, and soon, Kildare Libraries. I bring classes out to community toddler groups, like Maynooth, Enfield and Kilcloon. I’ve also provided sessions for children with additional needs. What I love about my classes is being able to bring play and magic wherever I go!
In Spring/Summer 2023 I wanted to add to my experience and knowledge of play. I completed my Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills with the Children’s Therapy Centre. I received a Distinction and feel the course greatly enhanced my understanding of play – both in my own personal life with my own children – but also within my play sessions.
I want to foster a safe and nurturing environment for children to play, learn and be themselves, whoever that may be. 💖
Professional Background & Notable Programmes
I love coming up with ways to blend a lot of different subjects, particularly ones that seem conflicting (arts and science, crafts and code). Every child learns things differently – I don’t believe there is ever just one way to achieve something. This is why every programme I have developed follows VARK learning styles (Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinaesthetic). Maybe a child learns more visually, other children may learn by reading, or listening. Kinaesthetic learning is all about hands-on activities and learning by doing. Each programme has incorporated different elements of VARK, to ensure children can learn at their own pace and in their own way.
I was Education and Outreach Officer for EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and the Irish Family History Centre. While there I developed a number of programmes, including the hugely popular Tiny Tots Tuesday; Techxbit: Coding Culture (a STEAM programme focusing utilising code and creativity); Pick Up the Past (a handling collection programme); and the myStory programme with the Irish Family History Centre, which encourage children to research their own family’s history. I had a lot of fun developing these programmes and it was wonderful to see children and families interacting with the museums in new ways. In 2020 EPIC received the Sandford Award, a prestigious museum education award. I was incredibly proud as the programmes I had developed while working there were included as part of the application. I’ll always look back on my time at EPIC and the IFHC as a hugely rewarding experience.
Mucky Picnic 