My goodness this was the fastest week ever. If they all keep going like this it’ll be Christmas before we know it! We had a busy week in school. We had the photographer in at the start of the week which threw our routine a little, but you just have to accept these things will […]

Fine motor skills: continue building these through use of: pom poms and pegs pushing Lego blocks together (and pulling them apart) manipulating play dough practicing getting dressed with belts, buttons, zippers and snaps objects Sticking high interest stickers on pages Painting with sponges cut into very small pieces Gross Motor Skills: Toss bean bags into […]

The Scholastic Book Fair came to our school last month. We have the book fair every year and I always enjoy it! I love seeing the hallway full of bright and colourful posters and books. The children love it too. The Scholastic Book Fair really encourages reading and I think this is so so important […]

The History Box arrived in school for me a few weeks ago. I was excited to receive it as I had heard about it online and I thought it looked really impressive. I waited a while to review it to give it my full time and as there’s a lot in it, it took some […]

I can't believe we are near the end of September and I am only doing my school update now. Truth be told I am just finding life very busy at the moment! Good busy though! Very often my posts offer advice and sharing of ideas to other teachers. I started in my new role as […]

I was recently asked by the lovely owner of Mrs Mactivity to have a look at her site. I am sure most of you have heard of it by now but basically it is a a site similar to well known sites which you pay a subscription to and can download unlimited resources from. The […]

Hello everyone! I always forget that lots of people are new to my blog, I have been writing here for so long now I forget that some of my posts from years ago are too far back for new readers! If you google múinteoir valerie and teaching practice then they should come up. Anyway, long […]

I have used story books with 1st class all the way up to 6th class. You are never too old for a good story book! I adore picture books, and would just teach using these for the whole year if I could.Novels are a firm favourite too. This post includes a list of story books […]

So you have one week down, and if like me you are still frantically chasing your tail, then fear not! This list is not exhaustive, but it contains the things I would personally prioritise for this busy time. if you are an NQT you need to have your weekly plan done. There's no excuses for […]

Hello everyone, I am having a seminar in The Hills Cricket Club on the 28th of January, from 12- 3pm. I chose this weekend because I know a lot of you will have completed a week of placement at this stage and will know what you need to work on, what you would like advice/assistance […]

NQT PACK - 3RD CLASS Price:€65.00€129.70Quantity: I posted a photo of this NQT Pack on Instagram last week and had a few questions .  Books included in the pack are: Science: A STEM Approach - Teaching Writing Strategies - Bright Stars Quizzes - Problem-solving Strategies and Skills: Statistics and Chance - Problem-solving Strategies and Skills: Measurement and Geometry - Problem-solving Strategies and Skills: Number […]

Maths stations is a lovely way to involve your class in active , hands on maths activities. Maths stations work best if you have at least one other adult in the room, so it may be a good way to use your in class support if you have any. Remember only use stations after direct […]

Please don't go into your classroom in August! Or at least in early August. I am the biggest nerd I know and even I don't do that. But if you are starting in September with your first ever class and first ever classroom, then I know the excitement and fun involved with setting up your […]

I have to say, this has been the best summer yet so far. My little companion Lara makes every day such fun. She is just over a year now and is really engaging and cute! When I think back to the stress of a new born baby from last summer I feel stressed all over […]

I have only done two summer courses so far, normally I would do three if not more! I am just so busy this summer I don't think realistically I will get another one done. I am choosing to write this review for Anokha learning because it is a course which I actually felt engaged with […]

The Letter of Application: Some schools request a letter of application along with the application form. While it is extra work completing it, it is also a great opportunity for you to show case more of your talents that may not fit in the standard application form. Here is what I feel should be included […]

This is an extract from my NQT guidebook which I will be uploading tomorrow night to the blog. Time management is the biggest issue for NQTs. There is just never enough time! Here are some time management suggestions! Manage your time Organise a routine for the start of the day, after breaks, end of the […]

MINDFULNESS SCHOOLS IRELAND offers training workshops for teachers/caregivers/parents in mindfulness and social and emotional learning.  Teaching proactive and preventative measures for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. This training offers a personal journey of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationships. We are currently on tour! Bringing our two-day workshop to Waterford, Galway, Athlone, Limerick, Dublin and […]