The Twinkle Kids Story
Hi, I'm Katie!
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I'm a qualified Early Childhood Specialist (BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies), Special Needs Assistant (FETAC Level 6 Special Educational Needs), a member of Early Childhood Ireland and, most importantly, single Mama to two wonderful girls.
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Before returning home to Ireland, I spent many years living in China, where I became fluent in Mandarin. Outside of Twinkle Kids, I love dogs, yoga, jigsaw puzzles and getting outdoors in nature... although motivating myself to actually do those things is sometimes another story!
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I originally trained as an English language teacher, but it was the early years that truly captured my heart. Helping children learn through play reignited my own sense of wonder, leading me to complete my degree with First Class Honours in Early Childhood Studies. I'm currently continuing my learning by training as a Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher.
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How Twinkle Kids began
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Twinkle Kids was born in 2020 during the uncertainty of lockdown. What started as online Music and Movement sessions over Zoom quickly became a wonderful community, with hundreds of families singing, dancing, playing and sharing stories together each week.
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As restrictions lifted, Twinkle Kids continued to grow. By 2022, I was running indoor Music and Movement classes and Outdoor Nature Play workshops across six locations, alongside delivering talks and training for parents and early years settings.
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Over the years I have developed and run many classes and groups such as our Children's Yoga, Tummy Time, Create with Me and more. I am always trying to brainstorm ideas of how to bring more creativity and wonder into our days!
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Our philosophy
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Twinkle Kids is inspired by the Steiner Waldorf approach, Anji Play, Montessori, the work of Peter Gray and, most importantly, by the children and families who attend our classes.
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Whether we're indoors or outdoors, we believe children learn best through play.
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Our outdoor sessions are built around authentic, child-led free play, encouraging curiosity, creativity, connection and a sense of wonder. During Music and Movement classes, every child is invited to participate in their own way. There are no expectations, no pressure and no "right" or "wrong" way to play.
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One of our biggest mantras is simple:
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Keep. It. Simple.
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In a world overflowing with toys, gadgets, schedules and endless advice, we believe children don't need more. They need time, space, connection and opportunities to play.
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Our aim is to reduce the noise, the overwhelm and the "busy", creating more room for genuine connection and joyful childhood moments.
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Everyone is welcome
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Above all, I want Twinkle Kids to be a place where every family feels welcome, supported and accepted.
A place where you can leave behind the stresses of the day: the poonami that happened five minutes before leaving the house, the siblings arguing in the car, the forgotten snacks, and simply enjoy being together.
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If you think Twinkle Kids might be the right fit for your family, I'd love to meet you.
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Get in touch for a chat and together we'll find the class or workshop that's the perfect fit for you and your little one.
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Katie x
