End of Senior Infants!

What a fantastic year two years we have had! I will miss all of you kiddos greatly! Have a fantastic Summer  and make sure to check out the photos page for updated pics!

Maths Games

I would encourage parents to play maths games with their child at home.
Check out these links:
http://www.numberjacks.co.uk/kids/

http://www.maths-games.org/

http://www.coolmath4kids.com/

http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/interactive/

http://www.funbrain.com/numbers.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/maths/

http://www.primarygames.com/math.php

Reading with your child.

Before we begin, remember these 3 steps. Partner Reading, Echo Reading and Choral Reading. 

This is the approach to use nightly as you practice reading with your child.  

• First, Partner Reading – Parent reads the pages aloud to the child.

•  Next, Echo Reading - In echo reading, the parent reads a short segment of text (a sentence or two) and the student echoes back the same sentence or phrase while following along in the text. When students are reading with some degree of fluency, you may choose to alternate taking the lead in echo reading.

• Finally, Choral Reading – your child reads along with you. When practicing choral reading, your child must be able to see the same text that you are reading. They might follow along as you read from the book, or they might read from their own copy of the book you are reading.

Before you begin;

•  Set aside special reading time (and a special reading place) if possible. Setting a designated reading time helps in several ways. First, it allows a parent to plan their day more effectively and make time for reading. It also helps the child, especially reluctant readers, to think of reading as a normal scheduled daily activity.

As you read;

• When reading a book, point word by word as you read. This will help your child learn that reading goes from left to right and understand that the word he or she says is the word he or she sees.

• When you come to a new word, take this opportunity to talk about it in interesting ways that your child will enjoy and learn from. For example, ‘I must pack my bag’. ‘Why would you pack a bag?’, ‘What would you pack in a bag?’ Draw out your child’s understanding of the word.

• Stop and ask about the pictures and about what is happening in the story. This provides an opportunity for your child to use the language that they will read.

• Read with emotion. Reading with emotion draws a child into the story in a way that is much more memorable and enjoyable. It also helps them to better understand how words can describe something sad, happy, or exciting.

•  Let your child turn the pages. Besides, being enjoyable, this activity helps more active children stay focused on the book.

If your child needs a little help when reading this is how you can help them:

1. Give them time to think.

2. Remind them to check the picture and think about the story.

3. Encourage them to go back and read again.

4. Help them think about the story.

5. Ask them to start a tricky word with the first sounds that they see.

6. Help them find a part of the word they might know.

Please note; this is the Reading Approach we will be using when reading our Core Class Readers and our additional school readers which will be sent home throughout the year.

Chinese New Year

 This year we celebrated Chinese New Year in style. Kai was very kind to teach us about Chinese culture and brought in some traditional chinese items to help us discover more about his family and culture.  We even tried using chopsticks with our Chinese food! This is the Year of the Horse.
Check out our pictures (photo page) to see our artwork and celebration.

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/reins-and-a-parade-chinese-year-of-the-horse-is-on-the-way-29938315.html

Arctic Animals Project

For the past week, your child has been working on their Arctic Animal project.
I have been so impressed with the effort and standard of work that the class are producing.

This week the children will be presenting their project in front of their peers on Thursday and Friday. This gives them from Monday - Wednesday to finish off their project.

Encourage your child to read over their project and know some of the facts about their animal so they feel confident enough to stand up in front of the class. Well done Senior Infants keep up the great work!

Prancing and dancing our way to Christmas.

Just two more sleeps to go... Have you the reindeer food ready??? Hope you are all having a magical Christmas!

Happy Halloween!!!!!!

Happy Halloween! Hope everyone enjoys the mid-term break. Click into our photos section to see some photos from our Halloween Party!