The Twinkle Kids Story
Hi! I'm Katie :)
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I'm a fully qualified Early Childhood Specialist (BA Hons Early Childhood Studies), Special Needs Assistant (FETAC Level 6 Special Education Needs), member of Early Childhood Ireland and most importantly, a Mama to 2 beautiful girls. I've lived in China for about 8 out of the last 10 years and I speak fluent Mandarin. I initially trained as an English language teacher but found my passion (and my own inner child again) in the early years.
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Twinkle Kids was founded in 2020 amid a period of lockdowns and great uncertainty. I started with hosting online Music and Movement classes over Zoom and 100s of families were tuning in each week to sing, dance, play and share stories together. By 2022, I was hosting indoor Music and Movement classes and Outdoor Nature Play workshops in 6 different locations as well as hosting presentations and trainings for preschools and parents. In 2023, I became a qualified Children's Yoga Teacher and launched my Stretch for the Stars classes in 2024. I also offer Tummy Time classes for babies which are less about tummy time and more about connecting with other Mamas and introducing play, curiosity, support and relaxation into busy days.
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Twinkle Kids draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach, Anji Play, Montessori, Peter Gray and of course the parents, children and families that attend. Outdoors, we are fully committed to authentic, child led free play with a focus on connection, wonder and curiosity. Indoors at Music and Movement, we provide opportunities to follow along or interact in whatever way suits the child through a series of open-ended invitations to play. There is never a right way or wrong way to play at Twinkle Kids!
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Our focus and one of our main mantras is Keep. It. Simple. In a world filled with toys, gadgets and trends, our focus is on keeping the environment as simple as possible. With easy to replicate ideas you can do at home (or not!). We want to add less noise, less distraction, less busy, and more true, authentic play and connection.
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I want to offer a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for parents or caregivers and their children to come and forget the stresses of everyday life, the poonami in the nappy that morning, the siblings fighting in the car and the general annoyances of day to day.
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I'd love to meet you in person. Send me a message and I will call you to chat and arrange a workshop that's right for you and your family!
