Now that some of us have been in our class almost 3 months, we have really settled into our routine. Here is a sneak peek inside our classroom into some of our daily activities!
Every morning when we first arrive in the classroom, we have some time to do an activity of our choice. This gives us time to settle in, engage with each other and get ready for the day ahead!
Every morning when we first arrive in the classroom, we have some time to do an activity of our choice. This gives us time to settle in, engage with each other and get ready for the day ahead!
Next we have circle time where we sit together and sing some rhymes. Everyday we sing a 'Hello' song to learn each other's names, a song to learn the days of the week, a weather song and then some number rhymes or nursery rhymes. Some of the rhymes help us to learn Lámh signs too (see Parent's Corner for more info on Lámh).
After that we work on motor skills. Some days we work on gross motor skills, i.e. movement using our big muscles, by doing physical activities in the hall, e.g. running, jumping, balancing on benches, pushing or pulling one another on scooter boards or using a gym ball. Other days we work on fine motor skills (i.e. activities using our hands and fingers) through craft activities, e.g. cutting, tearing paper, pasting, painting, printing, using clay, etc.)
Back in the classroom, we listen to a story together. This helps us to learn new words, understand emotions and learn about topics related to the history, geography and science curriculum. Sometimes, we practice our Lámh signs when we are reading stories.
Later in the day we each have different schedules to do numeracy and literacy activities either one-to-one with an adult, or at our independent working stations.
Sometimes, we also just need to have some quiet time in the tent to chill out by ourselves...or together!
We are having lots of fun together in the Hawthorn Class and learning so much! We are so proud of all the progress we have made already this year!