Blog

Welcome to the Teacher's Blog, where you will find tips, information and ideas on all things teaching related!

Planning – Advice, tips, and guidance relating to planning for teachers

Blog

Preparation for Teaching and Learning – Guidance for All Primary and Special Schools
July 26, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

EAL Teacher Planning in Ireland
September 17, 2022

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 [...]

6 Comments

Blog

How do I write a teaching plan? For Irish Primary School Teachers
August 16, 2021

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 [...]

Blog

What are the Time Allocations for Subjects in Primary Schools in Ireland?
September 9, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

How to do Long Term Plans for Irish Primary School Class Teachers
August 10, 2021

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

Blog

How to Write a Support Plan: Classroom, School or School Support+
October 31, 2020

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 [...]

2 Comments

Blog

The 2019 Primary Language Curriculum: What You Should Know
August 25, 2020

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

Special Education – Advice, tips and guidance for SENCOs and teachers of children with SEN

Blog

Teacher Planning for Special Classes and Specials Schools in Ireland
September 9, 2022

An overview of the written preparation (planning) documentation needed in special class and special schools in Ireland [...]

Blog

How to Set Up an ASD Class
April 20, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

Social and Emotional Skills Programmes
March 20, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

How to Write a Support Plan: Classroom, School or School Support+
October 31, 2020

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 [...]

2 Comments

Blog

Top Ten Tips For Teaching: Dyslexia
July 19, 2020

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 [...]

Blog

Summary of Updated Guidance on Supporting Children with SEN – January 2021
January 10, 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 [...]

Blog

Term One in an Autism Class
October 28, 2021

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 [...]

1 Comment

Blog

NCSE Assistive Technology Applications
October 26, 2020

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

Blog

EAL Teacher Planning in Ireland
September 17, 2022

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 [...]

6 Comments

Blog

New Template for Student Support and Additional Care Needs Planning
May 10, 2023

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 [...]

Gaeilge – Smaointe, acmhainní agus moltaí do mhúinteoirí

Blog

Ways to Promote Gaeilge Throughout the School Day
August 19, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Téamaí Gaeilge/ Themes for Teaching Irish
August 16, 2022

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

Blog

Gaeilge Poems for Primary School – Rannta agus Dánta do Pháistí Bunscoile
August 25, 2022

Below is a list of excellent books, CDs, websites and other resources which have poems as Gaeilge for primary school children. [...]

Blog

Gaeilge Songs for Primary School – Amhráin do Pháistí
August 11, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

The Best Resources for Teaching Gaeilge (That I Have Used!)
April 5, 2021

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

General – Interview tips, advice for NQTs, teaching tips, CPD recommendations etc.

Blog

Current Issues in Irish Primary Education, Plus Teaching Jargon and Acronyms Explained!
October 11, 2022

Some of the myriad of teaching jargon and current issues explained. To help with interviews or just teachers who want to be kept informed. [...]

Blog

Tips on how to get an Assistant Principal Job in an Irish Primary School
January 9, 2021

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, [...]

2 Comments

Blog

Top Ten Tips for Teaching Handwriting
August 16, 2020

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. [...]

Blog

The Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) Explained
November 11, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Interview Preparation
June 15, 2020

The following are 10 tips that should help you put your best foot forward and make sure you impress the interview board. [...]

Blog

Trauma Responsive Schools – Some Resources
November 10, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Preparing Students for the Transition to Post Primary School: Information for Primary School Teachers
March 2, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

Do Teachers Still have to do Croke Park Hours?
October 20, 2022

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 [...]

7 Comments

Blog

The Redeveloped Primary Curriculum Explained
November 9, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

What can I do over the summer to prepare for my first teaching job?
August 23, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

Tips For Infant Teachers on Reopening Schools
August 26, 2020

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 [...]

Blog

My Experience of a Covid-19 School Outbreak
December 21, 2020

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

Blog

Tips for a Successful Teacher Side Hustle
January 9, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

Acronyms Commonly Used in Irish Education
January 26, 2023

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, [...]

Blog

Resources for Learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL)
April 24, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

The Risks of Teacher Social Media Pages and how to Stay Safe Online
May 4, 2023

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 [...]

All of Our Blog Posts – In order of when they were published

Blog

New Template for Student Support and Additional Care Needs Planning
May 10, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

The Risks of Teacher Social Media Pages and how to Stay Safe Online
May 4, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

Resources for Learning a Modern Foreign Language (MFL)
April 24, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

What is the Primary Curriculum Framework?
March 10, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

Preparing Students for the Transition to Post Primary School: Information for Primary School Teachers
March 2, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

Seachtain na Gaeilge Ideas and Activities
February 13, 2023

Simple ideas for the whole school for celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge. [...]

Blog

Changes to Teacher CPD Courses Terms
January 31, 2023

At the end of January 2022, the department changed the terms under which online teacher professional development courses operate without consultation. [...]

Blog

Acronyms Commonly Used in Irish Education
January 26, 2023

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, [...]

Blog

Tips for a Successful Teacher Side Hustle
January 9, 2023

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 [...]

Blog

The Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) Explained
November 11, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Trauma Responsive Schools – Some Resources
November 10, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

The Redeveloped Primary Curriculum Explained
November 9, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Do Teachers Still have to do Croke Park Hours?
October 20, 2022

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 [...]

7 Comments

Blog

Current Issues in Irish Primary Education, Plus Teaching Jargon and Acronyms Explained!
October 11, 2022

Some of the myriad of teaching jargon and current issues explained. To help with interviews or just teachers who want to be kept informed. [...]

Blog

EAL Teacher Planning in Ireland
September 17, 2022

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 [...]

6 Comments

Blog

Teacher Planning for Special Classes and Specials Schools in Ireland
September 9, 2022

An overview of the written preparation (planning) documentation needed in special class and special schools in Ireland [...]

Blog

What are the Time Allocations for Subjects in Primary Schools in Ireland?
September 9, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Gaeilge Poems for Primary School – Rannta agus Dánta do Pháistí Bunscoile
August 25, 2022

Below is a list of excellent books, CDs, websites and other resources which have poems as Gaeilge for primary school children. [...]

Blog

What can I do over the summer to prepare for my first teaching job?
August 23, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

Ways to Promote Gaeilge Throughout the School Day
August 19, 2022

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. [...]

Blog

Téamaí Gaeilge/ Themes for Teaching Irish
August 16, 2022

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

Blog

Gaeilge Songs for Primary School – Amhráin do Pháistí
August 11, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

Preparation for Teaching and Learning – Guidance for All Primary and Special Schools
July 26, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

How to Set Up an ASD Class
April 20, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

Social and Emotional Skills Programmes
March 20, 2022

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 [...]

Blog

Term One in an Autism Class
October 28, 2021

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 [...]

1 Comment

Blog

How do I write a teaching plan? For Irish Primary School Teachers
August 16, 2021

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 [...]

Blog

How to do Long Term Plans for Irish Primary School Class Teachers
August 10, 2021

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

Blog

The Best Resources for Teaching Gaeilge (That I Have Used!)
April 5, 2021

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

Blog

Summary of Updated Guidance on Supporting Children with SEN – January 2021
January 10, 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 [...]

Blog

Tips on how to get an Assistant Principal Job in an Irish Primary School
January 9, 2021

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, [...]

2 Comments

Blog

My Experience of a Covid-19 School Outbreak
December 21, 2020

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

Blog

How to Write a Support Plan: Classroom, School or School Support+
October 31, 2020

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 [...]

2 Comments

Blog

NCSE Assistive Technology Applications
October 26, 2020

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

Blog

Tips For Infant Teachers on Reopening Schools
August 26, 2020

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 [...]

Blog

The 2019 Primary Language Curriculum: What You Should Know
August 25, 2020

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

Blog

Top Ten Tips for Teaching Handwriting
August 16, 2020

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. [...]

Blog

Guidance on Reopening Primary Schools: What Primary Teachers Need to Know
July 28, 2020

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 [...]

Blog

Top Ten Tips For Teaching: Dyslexia
July 19, 2020

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 [...]

Blog

Interview Preparation
June 15, 2020

The following are 10 tips that should help you put your best foot forward and make sure you impress the interview board. [...]