Hi all,

A few people are inquiring about costumes for the assembly. As we have only been practicing the songs, I haven't assigned any roles yet. By the end of the week, all children will know their role and I'll send a note home about outfits etc.

Thanks,
Julie

Our theme for the next two weeks is 'Emergency Services', and in Aistear we'll be exploring The Police Station. If anybody has any props that they'd like to donate for the role play area it would be greatly appreciated... Toy guns, police hats/ badges, handcuffs, magnifying glass, costumes etc. All items will be returned once we have finished the theme.

Also, our school play is on Thursday 17th December. If any children are NOT going to be in school that day could you let me know as soon as possible before I start giving out parts for the play?

Many thanks,
Julie

Teaching Practice student

Dear parents/ guardians,

For the next four weeks, Stephen, a student in St. Patrick’s Teaching College will be completing his Teaching Practice with the class. He’ll teach 3-4 lessons per day, following the Junior Infant curriculum under my supervision. As a 3^rd year student, Stephen has already had prior teaching experience. Stephen has already met the children and is really looking forward to working with the children. Any thoughts or comments, as always please feel free to contact me on belmayneetjulie@gmail.com.

Kind regards,

Julie

New words

The children have been introduced to 'Tricky words' this week. This week we have learned the words 'the', 'to', 'I', 'he'. Tricky words are words that cannot be blended/ sounded out. They're common words that the children just have to learn by sight, and frequent repetition. This isn't necessarily homework, we'll be sending word lists home later on in the year. However, if you would like to point the words out whilst out and about/ at home if you come across them, that would definitely be beneficial! We will be learning a few new words each week.

In class we have also started to blend simple CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant words). Last week we focused on -at words e.g. mat, bat, cat etc. This week it's -an words e.g. pan, man, fan etc. The website www.starfall.com has some good games if you'd like to practice!

Photos

A selection of pictures from the year so far... New friends, play, Aistear, singing, interviewing a nurse (Jasmine's mom), playground fun after our Autumn walk, Science Week activities, and some food tasting during our 'Five Senses' stations.