We had some exciting post recently in Senior Infants…we wrote to the President to welcome her to the area and we got an official letter back!
A Letter from the Áras!
Recap of November in Junior Infants
November was a busy and exciting month in Junior Infants. We were especially lucky to have Ms. Ormond in our classroom, who helped us with lots of our work.
Our theme for November was “The Home.” The children enjoyed exploring our home corner in the classroom, where they played with baby dolls, prams and cots. We created crafts based on the people in our families and used blocks to design and build our own houses. The dolls’ house was very popular with the boys and girls during play time. We read a variety of stories about different homes and had some interesting class discussions about out own homes.
In Gaeilge, we learned plenty of new words linked to éadaí and caitheamh aimsire, and we are trying to use these words each day in school.
In Maths, we focused on counting and ordering numbers 1–5, using our “special powers” to recognise amounts without counting (subitising), and making and using number tracks.
We introduced the sounds m, d, g, o, u, and l through songs, actions, and stories. This month, we also began writing in our copies by spelling short words that were read aloud. Alongside this, the children have been practising blending and sounding out words using their body boxes.
As part of our Religion programme, we spoke about the theme “In November, We Remember.” We used this month to discuss our loved ones who have passed away.
In PE, we focused on the athletics strand. The boys and girls practised a variety of skills including running, walking, relay races, hurdles, skipping, jumping, and throwing.
We have also begun preparations for our Christmas performance, and the children are very excited to share their singing with their families.
Greetings from 1st Class
Student teachers from the Netherlands visited our class and taught us some traditional Dutch songs and rhymes. First Class reciprocated by proudly performing some of their own songs and poetry, much to the delight of our visitors. The children were excited to locate the Netherlands on the map and asked the students many thoughtful and inquisitive questions about their country and traditions. It was a wonderful cultural exchange that everyone enjoyed.
In Maths, we have been learning about skip counting. The children have been practising counting by fives and tens using the abaci, helping them to visualise number patterns and build confident counting skills.
The children used cardboard, feathers and a variety of craft materials to create their own bird structures. We look forward to integrating these characters into our narrative stories over the next week or so.
First Class are currently constructing houses using cereal boxes and other cardboard materials. We have enjoyed creating walls and doorways for our cardboard houses. The children are currently attaching these structures to the floors by creating tabs to make their buildings stronger and more stable. Everyone is looking forward to displaying our finished creations. It’s a fantastic way to learn about construction, design and teamwork while having fun!
