Rang 1 Class Meeting Notes 2018

The teaching team working with me in Rang 1 this year are Louise Ormiston (Special Education Teacher) and Paul Fairbrother (Mainstream Resource).

Teacht le Chéile:

  • 8.30 - 8.50 is a crucial time for children, smoothing the transition from home to school.
  • This time is also an ideal opportunity for parent/teacher conversations.

Behaviour:

  •  There is a whole school approach to promote positive behaviour. Positive reinforcement incentive systems (eg. Class Dojo) are in place to encourage good behaviour.
  • There is a huge emphasis on manners and respect in the classroom. Therefore children must listen to one another, raise their hand if they want to speak and not disturb others when they are working.
  • The Code of Behaviour and the anti- bullying policy is available on the website and in hard copy from the office.

Class rules:

  • Listen to others
  • Be respectful
  • Try your best
  • Be positive
  • Be honest

Literacy:

  • Literacy, which includes reading, writing and oral language, is the primary focus in Rang 1.
  • sight words - no need for segmenting and blending
  • Literacy stations, which take place each Thursday with Louise Ormiston, afford the opportunity for children to develop a variety of literacy skills and benefit from a lower teacher-pupil ratio.
  • Increased focus on handwriting in Rang 1; letter reversals are still normal at this age but will be a major target this year.
  • Writing is intended to be purposeful, whether it be creative, factual or opinion-based.
  • Self-editing and self-correction are encouraged, although not at the expense of creativity.

Maths:

  • Addition and subtraction are central to the Maths curriculum in Rang 1.
  • Numbers 11 - 20 will be studied in detail, and pupils will learn to perform simple operations using these numbers, as well as becoming familiar with numbers 0-99.
  • There will be a significant focus on mathematical language, as well as on the introduction of standard units of measurement (eg. metre, litre).

Gaeilge:

  • An rud is tábhachtach ná go bhfuil na páistí ag caint as Gaeilge!
  • Gaeilge as a form of communication - don’t focus too much on errors.
  • Immersive approach - ceol, drámaíocht, cluichí agus craic
  • Bainigí úsáid as bhur gcuid Gaeilge!
  • Encourage the children to show off their Gaeilge!

The Arts:

  • Integration is employed across all 3 arts subjects (drama, music & visual arts) to increase meaningfulness for the children. Across all disciplines the focus is on the process rather than the product. Opportunities are afforded to the children to discuss the art encountered, with the aim of developing their appreciation.

Physical Education:

  • Rang 1 engage in GAA training every Wednesday morning.
  • Additionally, Paul Fairbrother will take the children in groups of 15 for P.E. each Friday.
  • All children participate in a 10 minute movement break each morning.
  • Clothing appropriate for physical activity is essential each day.

Homework:

  • Homework is assigned Monday to Thursday, and should take approximately 25 minutes.
  • Homework will usually consist of spellings and reading, as well as mathematical and written activities. In Rang 1 responsibility for homework journals and books is gradually released to children - expect some bumps early on!
  • Spellings are a pivotal aspect of the children’s homework. 2 weeks will be spent per unit of My Spelling Workbook (15 words); that’s approximately 2 spellings per night. Spellings will be tested every second Friday, and parents will be required to sign these the following Monday night.

Park:

  • Rang 1 spend lunchtime in Linear Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday; the children will play in the main yard on alternate days. Children are encouraged to hold hands or link arms with their designated partner during the walk to the park.

Special Educational Needs:

  • The ethos in RMDS is all-inclusive. There are many different categories of special needs including academic, social, speech and language, and emotional and behavioural.
  • Our belief is that fairness isn’t giving everyone the same, but rather giving everyone what they need.

I look forward to working with your child this year and if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Sara Reilly

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Ranelagh Road,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.
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