April 19th 2012, Offaly County Childcare Committee re-dedicated its Childcare Resource Library to the memory of our friend and colleague, Tracey Buckley, who sadly passed away at the age of 31, in February 2011. Tracey worked with Offaly County Childcare Committee as Clerical Support Worker for four years. One of Tracey's actions was to stock and catalogue the Resource Centre. The Childcare Resource Library will be a permanent reminder of Tracey's dedication to her work and will provide services and students in the county with an invaluable resource.
The Tracey Buckley Childcare Resource Library carries a large selection of books ranging from literature suitable for QQI Childcare Level 5 & 6 courses to craft and cookery books to use with children in services as well as Story Sacks, Topic Boxes and lots of other invaluable resources.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Resource Library Books
Click on a category below to view a full list of books we have available in each category
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Story Sacks
What is a Story Sack?
A story sack is a large cloth bag containing a favourite children's book with supporting materials to stimulate language activities and make reading a memorable and enjoyable experience. In working with the children to tell the story, the following pointers are useful:
- Talk about the story and children’s favourite bits
- Ask children questions about the characters and the plot
- Retell the story using the models and story sack contents
- Find out more about the people and places in the story by looking at the non-fiction books to expand learning
- Draw a character or model one out of plasticene
- Draw a story map of the plot to help with re-telling the story
- Use the story to creatively engage the children in learning life lessons
We have Story Sacks in the Tracey Buckley Resource Library which you can borrow for your service. Click on an image to view ful details of each Story Sack listed below;
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is a Topic Box?
A Topic Box is a large Box containing preschool resources linked to a preschool interest themes. The resources support the development of skills and dispositions. Included is a planning sheet which supports practitioners in developing a child led learning plan. There is also display materials within the box.
Topic Boxes Promote
Imaginative/role play
Small world play
Fine motor skills
Gross motor skills
Literacy
Numeracy
Water and sand play
Arts and crafts
We have Topic Boxes in the Tracey Buckley Resource Library which you can borrow for your service. Click on an image to view full details of each Topic Box listed below;
TOPIC BOXES