Hello everyone,
Readers of my Facebook page will know I had my first DIP inspection yesterday. Many people wrote to me asking for advice/tips. I don’t have a whole lot of advice to give out at the moment, I am still learning myself! I have however, compiled a list based on advice I have received from other teachers, and some tips based on my own inspection. The DIP isn’t a far cry from teaching practice, so no big surprises really.
1. Do not speak a word of English during your Gaeilge lesson. It can result in an automatic fail apparently.
2. Ensure all your plans up to date, the inspectors can arrive at any time. For your own peace of mind, it’s just better to get them all done and out of the way.
3. Differentiate as much as possible. I would say to differentiate for almost every child. We do it naturally anyway without even realising, so just include it in your weekly plan.
4. If possible, use a thematic approach. I find it makes things so much easier. I would find the day quite fragmented without linking all my lessons.
5. Have a USB stick for all your power-points and resources. Upload your resources to it each night and put it in your bag for the next day. Also, have your worksheets photocopied before school begins. Small things like this make the day run smoothly.
6. Use Gonoodle! It is a brilliant resource. I have used it with infants right up to sixth class.
7. Don’t just print displays off the internet, make your own and involve the children in them. It looks more authentic, and the children actually look at them.
8. It goes without saying, but stay up to date with corrections- some inspectors may check the copies.
9. Create your own power-points and resources if you have time.
10. I love the IWB in my room, it is just magnificent. I use CJ Fallons and Folens online for reading in English and Irish, and for on-line games.Maybe contact the companies and see if you can register for online access, or at least a trial.
That’s all I can think of for now. I hope it helps!
Valerie.
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