Activities at Mol an Oige

The children using the centre respond well to routine and structure. The afternoon begins with some physical game playing, then we provide a warm snack for each child. The snack is an important element of the afternoon, with an emphasis on healthy eating. It also entails children sitting down to eat together around the table, this is a real social occasion for the children. Immediately after snack time we spend time planning activities or discussing any issues that need attention. The discussion time is then followed by forty minutes of assisted homework.

This is a quiet time where all the children can take advantage of the leader's assistance to complete homework. We have introduced jigsaws, puzzles, comics and books for children who do not have homework, we play classical music during homework time and this has proven to be very successful and relaxing. The fact that each child is doing their work without distraction is a real incentive to get work out of the way before we begin the day's activity. It also creates a space for all the children to have quiet time to do a relaxing activity or get their homework done.

• Arts and Crafts- The children have undertaken a number of arts-based activities this year including painting, drawing, jewellery making, sculpture, sewing and pottery. This is an important element to the weekly programme, as it enables some children to express themselves through different artistic mediums. It is also relaxing, fun and introduces the children to new and old craft ideas.
• Percussion - The percussion sessions were a mix of group and solo workshops. Using the drum kit, the children learned different rhythms and sounds and how rhythm works along with other instruments.
• Music Workshops - We had a number of students on work placement who were musicians and took time to teach the children how to play guitar, keyboard and drum kit.
• Cooking and Baking - This activity is always a favourite and during the autumn and winter months the children bake a different recipe each week. This year we tried some traditional recipes and fun baking recipes.
• Drama Games - Most weeks, the leaders introduce drama games into our weekly schedule, these games inspire creativity, build self-confidence and support team building. They are also very enjoyable and fun.
• Board Games - We play a variety of board games, card games and lego.  Sports - We play a variety of indoor sports such as badminton, volley ball, table tennis, uni-hockey, dodge ball and soccer which are regularly scheduled into the timetable.
• Traditional games - Games like skipping, hop scotch, red light green light, statues, etc., are played regularly.
• Outings - We had regular outings to the local City Library, where children can become a member and spend some time looking at books. We have taken trips to a number of local places of interest, such as visiting the Galway City Museum, Athenry Heritage Centre, The Town Hall Theatre, Amnesty International Shop, The Oxfam Shop, Local Parks and Walks, St. Nicholas's Church and Kenny's Art Gallery.