Are there elves at the bottom of the garden?

The children and Joanna imagined that there were little wood elves living at the end of the garden! They discovered that these wood elves like to help Mother Nature with the changing seasons and helped them paint the leaves red, yellow and orange in the Autumn. Along the way they shared their ideas with illustrator Duffy Mooney-Sheppard who drew pictures of these elves and they now have a permanent reminder of the elves who live at the bottom of the garden. Thomas meanwhile introduced lots of musical instruments and together with the children explored what everyday objects sound like, with lots of sensory play. The children were very interested in the life of a fox that visits the city and hibernating hedgehogs – all these themes inspired a new musical suite called ‘Little Brave Fox’ by Thomas and his musical colleague Stephen Markham.

Ruth Burke, Early Years Manager said that “the children were given a space for them to creatively express themselves and the children delighted in Joanna and Thomas at all their sessions. We are so thrilled as a Childcare Service to have been a part of this inspirational project.”

The artworks will remain with the childcare service for future generations to enjoy. Thanks to all the artists and staff involved and especially the young artists!

For further information please contact:

Máire Davey, email: mdavey@dlrcoco.ie/arts@dlrcoco.ie or phone (01)236 2756.