Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

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

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

Read More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

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 More

Gaeilge – 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 More

Blog

Téamaí 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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

Gaeilge Songs for Primary School – Amhráin do Pháistí

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 More

Blog

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 More

General – 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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

All 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 More

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

Seachtain na Gaeilge Ideas and Activities

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

Read More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

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 More

Blog

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 More

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

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 More

Blog

Téamaí 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 More

Blog

Gaeilge Songs for Primary School – Amhráin do Pháistí

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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 More

Blog

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