Starting Junior Infants is a big step in the life of our new students here in St. Mary’s Special School, Delvin. We had a very warm welcome to our class Bright Beginnings with six newcomers. There has been a very positive start and as we know a positive start is crucial in ensuring best outcomes. Our students are becoming familiar with the different areas provided, such as playgrounds, sensory rooms, Aistear room, hall and classroom. The students have full access to these areas on a daily basis with timetables put in place for structure and routine.
There are six pupils in the class ranging from five to eight years old. We use the primary school curriculum, subject areas such as; language and communication, numeracy, S.E.S.E., visual art, drama, music, physical education, religion, S.P.H.E. and Aistear to assist the children’s learning. The curriculum is differentiated according to each pupil’s strengths and abilities.
This year we have opened a new Aistear room in the school, which is the curriculum framework which provides enjoyable and challenging learning experiences through play so that children can grow and develop as competent and confident learners. Aistear describes the type of learning that is important for children in their early years, and offers ideas and suggestions as to how this learning might be nurtured. We use a thematic approach to our teaching. A new theme is explored each month which links to many curricular areas. Children also explore the current theme through Aistear each day. The play stations used are social-dramatic play, creative play, constructive play, small world play and sensory play.
Our school has been very lucky to avail of extra-curricular activities such as Learn to Cycle, Gymnastics Programme, Athletics Programme, BLAST- Arts in Education, Music Therapy, Dance Sessions and lots more.
Each child is unique in their own way and we use a child centred approach to learning here in Bright Beginnings. The Student Support Plans are devised by the class teacher in collaboration with outside professionals and parents to meet the needs and abilities of each of our six new students in this class.
