Planning – Advice, tips, and guidance relating to planning for teachers
Blog
Useful Resources for Primary School Planning and Recorded Preparation
This post will outline where to find information, and will share some primary school resources to help Irish teachers with their recorded preparation for teaching and learning (planning). [...]
Read MoreBlog
Preparation for Teaching and Learning – Guidance for All Primary and Special Schools
What are the new guidelines on planning for primary school teachers? It’s a question that I am sometimes asked, but not as much as you would imagine. This is [...]
Read MoreBlog
EAL Teacher Planning in Ireland
This blog post will outline what written planning and preparation is needed by language support/ English as an Additional Language teachers in Ireland, as well as hi-lighting the relevant [...]
10 Comments
Read MoreBlog
How do I write a teaching plan? For Irish Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers in Ireland must prepare for their teaching with written plans. These plans can be handwritten or typed. Most teachers prefer typed plans as they are faster [...]
Read MoreBlog
What are the Time Allocations for Subjects in Primary Schools in Ireland?
From January 2012 all primary schools were instructed to increase them time spend on literacy and numeracy each week. These are the updated time allocations: [...]
Read MoreBlog
How to do Long Term Plans for Irish Primary School Class Teachers
The requirement for written notes for primary teachers has been in place for a long time. Rule 126 of the 1965 Rules for National Schools states that teachers are [...]
1 Comment
Read MoreBlog
How to Write a Support Plan: Classroom, School or School Support+
I am a SET teacher and SENCO in a large urban primary school which has extremely high levels of children with EAL and SEN. I have taught in support [...]
10 Comments
Read MoreBlog
The 2019 Primary Language Curriculum: What You Should Know
This article will discuss the Primary Language Curriculum for Infants – 6th Class which was published in September 2019, and will provide some guidance in how to use and [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreSpecial Education – Advice, tips and guidance for SENCOs and teachers of children with SEN
Blog
Teacher Planning for Special Classes and Specials Schools in Ireland
An overview of the written preparation (planning) documentation needed in special class and special schools in Ireland [...]
Read MoreBlog
How to Set Up an ASD Class
I taught in an Autism class attached to a mainstream school for the 2021/2022 school year. Prior to this I had extensive experience working with autistic students as a [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Social and Emotional Skills Programmes
I have taught for 10 years in a school which has a very high number of children with social and emotional skills difficulties. Explicit teaching of social skills and [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
How to Write a Support Plan: Classroom, School or School Support+
I am a SET teacher and SENCO in a large urban primary school which has extremely high levels of children with EAL and SEN. I have taught in support [...]
10 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Top Ten Tips For Teaching: Dyslexia
View this post on Instagram These are my top tips for how we as educators can help children with dyslexia. One of the most striking things I have come [...]
Read MoreBlog
Summary of Updated Guidance on Supporting Children with SEN – January 2021
Late on Friday evening, with remote teaching due to start on Monday, the Department of Education sent updated Guidance on the provision of supports for pupils with SEN to [...]
Read MoreBlog
Term One in an Autism Class
In September 2021 I started in an autism class for the first time. While I have a lot of experience in working with autistic children as a SET, class [...]
3 Comments
Read MoreBlog
NCSE Assistive Technology Applications
First of all, you’ll need the assistive technology application form which is available from the NCSE website here (form 3). Secondly, I would advise you take a look at [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
EAL Teacher Planning in Ireland
This blog post will outline what written planning and preparation is needed by language support/ English as an Additional Language teachers in Ireland, as well as hi-lighting the relevant [...]
10 Comments
Read MoreBlog
New Template for Student Support and Additional Care Needs Planning
A new version of the Student Support File which incorporates planning for meeting a child’s learning and additional care needs into the one document has been suggested by the [...]
Read MoreBlog
Inclusive Education in Irish Primary Schools
What does "Inclusive Education" actually mean, and is it possible in Irish primary schools? What does the Department say about inclusion and what should schools do to be more [...]
Read MoreBlog
How to Write a Social Story
Social Stories and narratives have become an extremely widely used tool in autism education. However, they are frequently written by those who are well meaning, but who do not [...]
Read MoreBlog
What is UDL and Does it Apply to Primary Education?
UDL stands for Universal Design for Learning. It is educational framework designed to make learning accessible to all students, regardless of their diverse needs and learning styles. [...]
Read MoreGaeilge – Smaointe, acmhainnĂ agus moltaĂ do mhĂşinteoirĂ
Blog
Ways to Promote Gaeilge Throughout the School Day
Below you will find a list of simple suggestions for how a school/ teacher can encourage students to use and enjoy the Irish language throughout the school day. [...]
Read MoreBlog
TĂ©amaĂ Gaeilge/ Themes for Teaching Irish
With the publication of the Primary Language Curriculum in 2015 and its revised version in 2019, prescriptive themes are no longer listed. The following are the themes that I [...]
1 Comment
Read MoreBlog
Gaeilge Poems for Primary School – Rannta agus Dánta do PháistĂ Bunscoile
Below is a list of excellent books, CDs, websites and other resources which have poems as Gaeilge for primary school children. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Gaeilge Songs for Primary School – Amhráin do PháistĂ
Below is a list of books, CDs, websites and other resources which have songs in Irish for children at primary school level. The resources cover all class levels from [...]
Read MoreBlog
The Best Resources for Teaching Gaeilge (That I Have Used!)
I coordinated Gaeilge as part of my Post of Responsibly for a number of years. Part of the role was to create a wish list of resources for teaching [...]
1 Comment
Read MoreGeneral – Interview tips, advice for NQTs, teaching tips, CPD recommendations etc.
Blog
Current Issues in Irish Primary Education, Plus Teaching Jargon and Acronyms Explained!
Some of the myriad of teaching jargon and current issues explained. To help with interviews or just teachers who want to be kept informed. [...]
8 Comments
Read MoreBlog
The Risks of Teacher Social Media Pages and how to Stay Safe Online
It has become extremely popular for teachers to have a social media page where they share ideas and resources and connect with other teachers. I don’t mean teachers who [...]
Read MoreBlog
Tips on how to get an Assistant Principal Job in an Irish Primary School
Whether you have an Assistant Principal post interview coming up, or you are just thinking that you might take on an AP post at some point in your career, [...]
6 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Top Ten Tips for Teaching Handwriting
A child needs to have well developed listening and attention skills, as well as gross and fine motor skills before they can successfully learn to write letters and numbers. [...]
Read MoreBlog
The Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) Explained
A brief overview of the main things to know about the new maths curriculum for primary schools which will be rolled out in the coming years. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Interview Preparation
The following are 10 tips that should help you put your best foot forward and make sure you impress the interview board. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Trauma Responsive Schools – Some Resources
Some resources for helping you to learn more about trauma informed schools. I suggest books, podcasts, and social media pages that you can follow to learn more. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Preparing Students for the Transition to Post Primary School: Information for Primary School Teachers
The aim of this blog post is to provide information to primary school teachers on the main things they need to know about post primary, what they can do [...]
Read MoreBlog
Do Teachers Still have to do Croke Park Hours?
In short, yes. As things currently stand, primary teachers still have to do 36 Croke Park hours per year, however 10 of them can now be dedicated to “planning [...]
11 Comments
Read MoreBlog
The Redeveloped Primary Curriculum Explained
A very brief overview of where things currently stand with the redevelopment of the Primary School Curriculum and the main changes that can be expected. [...]
Read MoreBlog
What can I do over the summer to prepare for my first teaching job?
Whether you are a new teacher getting ready to start your first-year teaching, or an experienced teacher who is changing class, there are many things you can do now [...]
Read MoreBlog
Tips For Infant Teachers on Reopening Schools
All of the government’s guidelines and resources for opening schools can be found here. There is also a helpful video for children from Infants – 2nd class explaining what [...]
Read MoreBlog
My Experience of a Covid-19 School Outbreak
What started as our school’s first positive first Covid-19 case quickly escalated to a situation where multiple staff and students contracted the virus, and over a hundred families have [...]
8 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Tips for a Successful Teacher Side Hustle
Having started out as one of many sellers on a resource sharing website, I now run my own successful website, and below I will share some tips and advice [...]
Read MoreBlog
Acronyms Commonly Used in Irish Education
Below is a list of acronyms that are regularly used in Irish education. The purpose of this post it simply to assist teachers who may come across these acronyms, [...]
Read MoreBlog
Resources for Learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL)
In this post I will share some of the resources that I have found helpful for anyone who is looking to learn (or brush up on) a modern foreign [...]
Read MoreBlog
Teacher Summer Course Providers
A list of the main course providers for teacher EPV day summer courses. Sometimes, you may have a specific topic or area in mind that you would like to [...]
Read MoreBlog
Irish Teacher Instagram Accounts to Follow
The Irish teacher Instagram community is fantastic and there are so many wonderful accounts sharing their ideas, help, and connecting with other teachers. [...]
Read MoreAll of Our Blog Posts – In order of when they were published
Blog
What is UDL and Does it Apply to Primary Education?
UDL stands for Universal Design for Learning. It is educational framework designed to make learning accessible to all students, regardless of their diverse needs and learning styles. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Useful Resources for Primary School Planning and Recorded Preparation
This post will outline where to find information, and will share some primary school resources to help Irish teachers with their recorded preparation for teaching and learning (planning). [...]
Read MoreBlog
How to Write a Social Story
Social Stories and narratives have become an extremely widely used tool in autism education. However, they are frequently written by those who are well meaning, but who do not [...]
Read MoreBlog
Inclusive Education in Irish Primary Schools
What does "Inclusive Education" actually mean, and is it possible in Irish primary schools? What does the Department say about inclusion and what should schools do to be more [...]
Read MoreBlog
Irish Teacher Instagram Accounts to Follow
The Irish teacher Instagram community is fantastic and there are so many wonderful accounts sharing their ideas, help, and connecting with other teachers. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Teacher Summer Course Providers
A list of the main course providers for teacher EPV day summer courses. Sometimes, you may have a specific topic or area in mind that you would like to [...]
Read MoreBlog
New Template for Student Support and Additional Care Needs Planning
A new version of the Student Support File which incorporates planning for meeting a child’s learning and additional care needs into the one document has been suggested by the [...]
Read MoreBlog
The Risks of Teacher Social Media Pages and how to Stay Safe Online
It has become extremely popular for teachers to have a social media page where they share ideas and resources and connect with other teachers. I don’t mean teachers who [...]
Read MoreBlog
Resources for Learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL)
In this post I will share some of the resources that I have found helpful for anyone who is looking to learn (or brush up on) a modern foreign [...]
Read MoreBlog
What is the Primary Curriculum Framework?
In March 2023 a new framework for the curriculum at primary level was launched. The framework is a document which sets out the purpose structure and content for the [...]
Read MoreBlog
Preparing Students for the Transition to Post Primary School: Information for Primary School Teachers
The aim of this blog post is to provide information to primary school teachers on the main things they need to know about post primary, what they can do [...]
Read MoreBlog
Seachtain na Gaeilge Ideas and Activities
Simple ideas for the whole school for celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Changes to Teacher CPD Courses Terms
At the end of January 2022, the department changed the terms under which online teacher professional development courses operate without consultation. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Acronyms Commonly Used in Irish Education
Below is a list of acronyms that are regularly used in Irish education. The purpose of this post it simply to assist teachers who may come across these acronyms, [...]
Read MoreBlog
Tips for a Successful Teacher Side Hustle
Having started out as one of many sellers on a resource sharing website, I now run my own successful website, and below I will share some tips and advice [...]
Read MoreBlog
The Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) Explained
A brief overview of the main things to know about the new maths curriculum for primary schools which will be rolled out in the coming years. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Trauma Responsive Schools – Some Resources
Some resources for helping you to learn more about trauma informed schools. I suggest books, podcasts, and social media pages that you can follow to learn more. [...]
Read MoreBlog
The Redeveloped Primary Curriculum Explained
A very brief overview of where things currently stand with the redevelopment of the Primary School Curriculum and the main changes that can be expected. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Do Teachers Still have to do Croke Park Hours?
In short, yes. As things currently stand, primary teachers still have to do 36 Croke Park hours per year, however 10 of them can now be dedicated to “planning [...]
11 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Current Issues in Irish Primary Education, Plus Teaching Jargon and Acronyms Explained!
Some of the myriad of teaching jargon and current issues explained. To help with interviews or just teachers who want to be kept informed. [...]
8 Comments
Read MoreBlog
EAL Teacher Planning in Ireland
This blog post will outline what written planning and preparation is needed by language support/ English as an Additional Language teachers in Ireland, as well as hi-lighting the relevant [...]
10 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Teacher Planning for Special Classes and Specials Schools in Ireland
An overview of the written preparation (planning) documentation needed in special class and special schools in Ireland [...]
Read MoreBlog
What are the Time Allocations for Subjects in Primary Schools in Ireland?
From January 2012 all primary schools were instructed to increase them time spend on literacy and numeracy each week. These are the updated time allocations: [...]
Read MoreBlog
Gaeilge Poems for Primary School – Rannta agus Dánta do PháistĂ Bunscoile
Below is a list of excellent books, CDs, websites and other resources which have poems as Gaeilge for primary school children. [...]
Read MoreBlog
What can I do over the summer to prepare for my first teaching job?
Whether you are a new teacher getting ready to start your first-year teaching, or an experienced teacher who is changing class, there are many things you can do now [...]
Read MoreBlog
Ways to Promote Gaeilge Throughout the School Day
Below you will find a list of simple suggestions for how a school/ teacher can encourage students to use and enjoy the Irish language throughout the school day. [...]
Read MoreBlog
TĂ©amaĂ Gaeilge/ Themes for Teaching Irish
With the publication of the Primary Language Curriculum in 2015 and its revised version in 2019, prescriptive themes are no longer listed. The following are the themes that I [...]
1 Comment
Read MoreBlog
Gaeilge Songs for Primary School – Amhráin do PháistĂ
Below is a list of books, CDs, websites and other resources which have songs in Irish for children at primary school level. The resources cover all class levels from [...]
Read MoreBlog
Preparation for Teaching and Learning – Guidance for All Primary and Special Schools
What are the new guidelines on planning for primary school teachers? It’s a question that I am sometimes asked, but not as much as you would imagine. This is [...]
Read MoreBlog
How to Set Up an ASD Class
I taught in an Autism class attached to a mainstream school for the 2021/2022 school year. Prior to this I had extensive experience working with autistic students as a [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Social and Emotional Skills Programmes
I have taught for 10 years in a school which has a very high number of children with social and emotional skills difficulties. Explicit teaching of social skills and [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Term One in an Autism Class
In September 2021 I started in an autism class for the first time. While I have a lot of experience in working with autistic children as a SET, class [...]
3 Comments
Read MoreBlog
How do I write a teaching plan? For Irish Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers in Ireland must prepare for their teaching with written plans. These plans can be handwritten or typed. Most teachers prefer typed plans as they are faster [...]
Read MoreBlog
How to do Long Term Plans for Irish Primary School Class Teachers
The requirement for written notes for primary teachers has been in place for a long time. Rule 126 of the 1965 Rules for National Schools states that teachers are [...]
1 Comment
Read MoreBlog
The Best Resources for Teaching Gaeilge (That I Have Used!)
I coordinated Gaeilge as part of my Post of Responsibly for a number of years. Part of the role was to create a wish list of resources for teaching [...]
1 Comment
Read MoreBlog
Summary of Updated Guidance on Supporting Children with SEN – January 2021
Late on Friday evening, with remote teaching due to start on Monday, the Department of Education sent updated Guidance on the provision of supports for pupils with SEN to [...]
Read MoreBlog
Tips on how to get an Assistant Principal Job in an Irish Primary School
Whether you have an Assistant Principal post interview coming up, or you are just thinking that you might take on an AP post at some point in your career, [...]
6 Comments
Read MoreBlog
My Experience of a Covid-19 School Outbreak
What started as our school’s first positive first Covid-19 case quickly escalated to a situation where multiple staff and students contracted the virus, and over a hundred families have [...]
8 Comments
Read MoreBlog
How to Write a Support Plan: Classroom, School or School Support+
I am a SET teacher and SENCO in a large urban primary school which has extremely high levels of children with EAL and SEN. I have taught in support [...]
10 Comments
Read MoreBlog
NCSE Assistive Technology Applications
First of all, you’ll need the assistive technology application form which is available from the NCSE website here (form 3). Secondly, I would advise you take a look at [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Tips For Infant Teachers on Reopening Schools
All of the government’s guidelines and resources for opening schools can be found here. There is also a helpful video for children from Infants – 2nd class explaining what [...]
Read MoreBlog
The 2019 Primary Language Curriculum: What You Should Know
This article will discuss the Primary Language Curriculum for Infants – 6th Class which was published in September 2019, and will provide some guidance in how to use and [...]
2 Comments
Read MoreBlog
Top Ten Tips for Teaching Handwriting
A child needs to have well developed listening and attention skills, as well as gross and fine motor skills before they can successfully learn to write letters and numbers. [...]
Read MoreBlog
Guidance on Reopening Primary Schools: What Primary Teachers Need to Know
A back to school campaign for the reopening of schools was launched by the Department of Education and Skills on 27/7/2020. A huge amount of information has been provided [...]
Read MoreBlog
Top Ten Tips For Teaching: Dyslexia
View this post on Instagram These are my top tips for how we as educators can help children with dyslexia. One of the most striking things I have come [...]
Read MoreBlog
Interview Preparation
The following are 10 tips that should help you put your best foot forward and make sure you impress the interview board. [...]
Read More