The Junior classroom, where four classes are taught, is always a hive of activity. There is never a dull moment in this room! We learn a lot through Aistear, Drama and hands-on activities.
All the pupils have access to iPads and crome books to support their learning. Each pupil is connected online with an English language programme called Lexia Core5 upon entering Junior Infants and they work their way through all the Levels as they progress through the school.
We have an Interactive Whiteboard which is used continually to enhance learning opportunities. We use it to great effect with the Bua Na Cainte Irish language programme, where pupils can practice their oral language skills, writing, listening and reading. Movement breaks are encouraged and we dance to music on Go Noodle frequently.
We play music every day in our classroom. Everyone begins their musical journey by learning how to play the tin-whistle. By Second Class, children may progress to accordion or fiddle. Each morning at school we practice all our tunes. It is a lovely way to begin the day.
We have a policy of acknowledging great effort, kindness and good behaviour in our class. We try to ‘catch the child being good’. Points are awarded every day and rewards include homework passes, computer time, cookery and Lego upon reaching a specific number of points.
We love to go on nature walks around our school. We are so lucky to have extensive grounds where we can observe all the flora and fauna at close quarters. We have scavenger hunts, maths trails, we gather blackberries and make blackberry jam in Autumn and when we have snow we take the opportunity to put on our wellies and build the biggest snowman we can!
Take a sneak peek at all we do. School should be a happy place and we do all we can to make it so.