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⚠️🚸🚜 👨‍🌾 Farm Safety webinars for Children! 

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⚠️🚸🚜 👨‍🌾 Farm Safety webinars for Children! 

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See attached link- running on June 10th, 17th and 24th. I would really encourage all children, especially those who visit or help on farms to watch this webinar.

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🚜🚜Free Webinars ***June 10th *** Register Now👨‍🌾👩‍🌾
Sign up to the first in the AgriKids' series of #FarmSafety webinars for primary school children & suitable for home schooling! 
Alma Jordan-Delany...

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Download your free booklet on how to help the wildlife in your garden! 

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Download your free booklet on how to help the wildlife in your garden! 

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National Gallery of Ireland Colouring pages

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National Gallery of Ireland Colouring pages

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You can now download and colour in some works from the national collection. Many other resources are available on this website to inspire young artists!

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Photographer: Jack Caffrey, The Pimlico Project, 2017 Credit

Colouring pencils, crayons, markers or paints at the ready!

Colouring in is no longer the preserve of children. People of all ages can enjoy this relaxing and fun activity.

Whether you do it as a form of meditation, or to explore colour and pattern, you can now download and colour in some works from the national collection.

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Photographer: Jack Caffrey, The Pimlico Project, 2017 Credit Colouring in is no longer the preserve of children. People of all ages can enjoy this relaxing and fun activity. Whether you do it as a form of meditation, or to explore colour and pattern, you can now download and colour in some works from the national collection.

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Information, games and puzzles all about Farm Safety - for children of all ages

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A booklet full of advice to help with keeping home life happy - developed by Springboard and Finn Valley Family Resource Centre

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In this Together - a government of Ireland intiative

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In this Together - a government of Ireland intiative

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Lots of advice to help support families at this time

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For people in their 20s and 30s, there is a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese because of changes in eating patterns and lifestyles. This means that these ages are an important time to prevent excess weight gain, and to protect your health now and in the future.

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For people in their 20s and 30s, there is a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese because of changes in eating patterns and lifestyles. This means that these ages are an important time to prevent excess weight gain, and to protect your health now and in the future.

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Calling all 7-12 year-olds 📣 We want you to write a lighthouse-inspired story and become a Young Storykeeper! ✏️

Stories must involve a lighthouse but the rest is up to you!
Click the link below for more details!

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Calling all 7-12 year-olds, Fighting Words & Great Lighthouses of Ireland want your stories!

To celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg, Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Fighting Words are inviting 7-12 year-olds to become Young Storykeepers!

All you have to do is create a story inspired by lighthouses!

All our lighthouses brim with terrific tales, legends and lore about lightkeepers, shipwrecks, maritime life and much more. Today they play a vital role along with buoys and other aids to navigation in guiding the safe passage of ships. This is all managed and cared for by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Fighting Words offer free workshops to children to explore their creativity and create new stories at locations all over Ireland. Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Fighting Words have now come together and are looking for some imaginative minds to become Young Storykeepers!

Create a Lighthouse Story

We're asking 7-12 year-olds to create an original story inspired by lighthouses. Your unique story (max length 500 words) can take any form; from short story to poem to play, or even song lyrics, a comic or illustration.

The only requirement is that your story must involve a lighthouse, a buoy or even a helper vessel like the ILV Granuaile .

The lighthouse/buoy/vessel in your story can serve any purpose, it can be a real or fictitious setting or even a character in your tale!
Get Inspired
The Great Lighthouses of Ireland themselves are steeped in exciting chapters of history, from lightkeeping monks at , to prehistoric footprints near Valentia Island Lighthouse and even sunken treasure in 's waters.

Did you know that before electrification, lightkeepers stayed at their lighthouse station for weeks at a time tending the light? Or that their families often lived at the station with them?

You'll find plenty of inspiration, photos, videos and more in our Stories section and can discover more about each Great Lighthouse of Ireland, in our Lighthouses section .

The story you create however, is entirely up to you, the sky's the limit!
Story Writing Tips
What story will you write? You might write one about the birds and animals that live beside or even inhabit a lighthouse or create a daring sea rescue story. Your lighthouse might be beside the sea or it might be on another planet! Maybe your story is about the light itself - what kind of light is it? Who does it help?

If you're not sure where to start, you'll find lots of helpful tips on writing, story structure and plenty more to fire up those imaginations by clicking here.

Interested in reading and listening to stories written by other young authors? Explore the Un-School Club!
Celebrating Every Young Storykeeper's Creativity!
Everyone's stories will be included in a digital magazine that will be launched as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on 13 June. They will also feature on the both Great Lighthouses of Ireland's and Fighting Words' websites.

And you never know - your story may even be selected to be animated and showcased online too!

In addition, every storykeeper (that's you!) will receive a family ticket to any Great Lighthouses of Ireland visitor attraction, to be used when the sites reopen in accordance with Government guidelines.

Check out these captivating lighthouse attractions and start planning a great day out in the future!

How to Enter

Submissions open on Tuesday, 5 May 2020, at 9am

Submissions close on Tuesday, 19 May 2020 at 5pm

Maximum word count: 500 words

Submissions may be in English or in Irish

Authors must be between the ages of 7 and 12 years.

Send your stories in an editable format (e.g. Microsoft Word). Illustrations and comics should be sent as JPEGs.

IMPORTANT: All submissions should be sent from a parent/guardian email address to fiction@fightingwords.ie with STORYKEEPER SUBMISSION in the subject line with the following information included:

All submissions will be acknowledged by email and entrants will receive a copy of the terms and conditions.

The Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Fighting Words reserve the right not to publish submissions if details listed above are not included.

Any questions should be sent by email to info@fightingwords.ie with STORYKEEPER QUESTION in the subject line.

See full Terms and Conditions here.

For information on Parental Consent and Privacy Policy, see here.

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Become a Young Storykeeper | Write Us a Story! | Great Lighthouses of Ireland

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Calling all 7-12 year-olds, Fighting Words & Great Lighthouses of Ireland want your stories! To celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg, Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Fighting Words are inviting 7-12 year-olds to become Young Storykeepers! All you have to do is create a story inspired by lighthouses!

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𝐀 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐞, 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐡 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫í 𝐦𝐡é𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐨, 𝐚 𝐦𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐡 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐭í 𝐝𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐡 𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚. ⁣
𝐆𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐫 𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎 - 𝟏𝟏:𝟒𝟓. ⁣
⁣
Hi all, starting this Friday I will be doing live PE classes through the medium of Irish until the end of the school year.⁣
Every Friday 11:00 - 11:45

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Oisín McV Coaching. 761 likes. Coach � Personal Trainer �

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Lots of fun activities to keep busy and get creative! 

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Lots of fun activities to keep busy and get creative! 

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The Great Isolation Activity Book SEND.pdf

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Get creative with this booklet from An Post! 🤩

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Get creative with this booklet from An Post! 🤩

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Tutorials on how to draw a wide range of items, e.g. robots, animals, people, a unicorn etc! 🦄

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Directed Drawing Videos
There are lots of reasons to try directed drawing with your students! Here are a few skills and benefits:

improved skills in following directions and attention to detail

practice fine motor development

increased stamina in focus and attention

increased self-expression and communicating ideas

growing skills in drawing and appreciation of art

perfect for celebrating seasonal content and decorate the class

an easy center activity to switch out each week

a fun activity to do at home! Send the link to parents and ask them to draw together, and write about their pictures!

Speaking of writing, students are often very motivated to write about their own pictures. We use pre-made templates pictured below in our writing centers all year. You can see more photos of 50 different drawing topics by clicking HERE.

The Directed Drawing Video Collection

Choose the directed drawing video that you would like to play from the picture menu below.
Looking for more videos? Choose from the ones below!
Gingerbread Man
Valentine Hearts (2 videos)
Check back for new videos, or join our VIP Teacher Resource Mailing List to get an email when a new video is added!

Make a calendar with your students! Print out this simple 2020 calendar and use the directed drawing videos to illustrate each month!
Click HERE to download it!

MORE FREE DOWNLOADS

You can access over 50 free downloads by joining our VIP mailing list: CLICK HERE
You may also be interested in our other FREE downloads listed below!
These are informational blog posts with free downloads at the end of each post.

I hope you find some helpful resources!
Just click any link to check it out! Free Downloads: First Grade Writing Free Downloads: Simple Art Templates Math Centers: Free Downloads Free Directed Drawing Videos: Students Draw Along Free Letter Sounds Song Posters Free Educational FUN Math Videos To Play In Class Free Math Posters Collection Free Poetry Collection (20 pages) Free Online Stories Collection Free Directed Drawing and Writing Templates Free STEM Partner Play and Resources
Free Supported Story Writing Templates (Super Popular Downloads!)
FREE Simple Photo Directed Art Lessons FREE Colorful Phonics Charts Downloads
Pin this page so you don't lose it!

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Directed Drawing Videos - Whimsy Workshop Teaching

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There are lots of reasons to try directed drawing with your students! Here are a few skills and benefits: improved skills in following directions and attention to detail practice fine motor development increased stamina in focus and attention increased self-expression and communicating ideas growing skills in drawing and appreciation of art perfect for celebrating seasonal content and decorate the class an easy center activity to switch out each week a fun activity to do at home!

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Free printable visuals suitable for schedules and communication boards 

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Free printable visuals suitable for schedules and communication boards 

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This site has free visuals (picture cards), as well as lots of great information and ideas for educational activities, and social skill development!

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The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. 

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The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. 

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Important Customer Notice

If you need to contact the department you will find the information you need here: Contacting the Department of Education and Skills

Latest
01 April 2020: Important information regarding school administration issues during the current public health emergency 26 March 2020: Government confirms continued funding for Schools Meals Programme 24 March 2020: Covid-19 Statement from the Department of Education and Skills
01 April 2020: Minister McHugh announces contingency plans for temporary assignment arrangements for education and training sector staff

1. Supports to schools and teachers engaged in distance learning

2. NEPS Advice & Resources for keeping Children and Young People well during Covid-19

3. Covid-19 Information poster

4. "Cover your cough and sneeze" posters

5. Coronavirus hygiene poster

6. Link to updated guidance from HSE

7. Chief Medical Officer advice to parents and schools

8. Department circulars and statements

9. Travel Advice

25 March 2020: Letter to principals and teachers regarding continuity of teaching and learning

1. Covid-19 Information poster

2. Link to updated guidance from HSE

3. Coronavirus hygiene video

4. Department circulars and statements

5. Continuation of home tuition

All schools, pre-schools and further and higher education settings will remain closed to students until 19 April 2020

Resources for schools

Resources for other education settings

Further Information on Covid-19

1. Supports to schools and teachers engaged in distance learning

Access to content that has been developed to support schools and teachers engaged in distance learning in order to provide continuity to pupils/students:

https://www.pdst.ie/DistanceLearning

Scoilnet is a resource to support schools, teachers, students and parents

13 March 2020: Download Scoilnet and PDST letter to principals

2. NEPS Advice & Resources for keeping Children and Young People well during Covid-19

The Department of Education and Skills' NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed.

NEPS psychologists have developed guidance for parents supporting children to create new routines at home. Having a Plan for the Day is key for children/young people to manage and stay well at this time.

NEPS psychologists have developed advice for parents and schools on talking to children and young people about Covid-19 here.

3. Covid-19 Information poster

Click on the poster below to download a copy.

The Department of Education and Skills has updated information for schools, preschools and third level institutions on Covid-19; provided by the Department of Health and HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Public health doctors are available to liaise with schools and advise on precautions if staff and/or students have any concerns.

Anyone who has been to affected regions in the last 14 days and has a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever should self-isolate and phone their GP immediately.

Anyone who has travelled from the affected regions and has no symptoms should visit http://www.hse.ie/ for advice.

The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.

As further advice or information is provided, it will be issued to schools and posted on the Department's website.

Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Note - The Covid-19 affected regions are listed as mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran and the following regions of northern Italy - Lombardy, Veneto Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.

4. "Cover your cough and sneeze" posters for primary and post-primary schools

Click on the posters below to download a copy.

5. Coronavirus hygiene poster

Click on the poster below to download a copy.

6. Link to updated guidance from HSE

For updated guidance specific to education settings please visit the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre's (HPSC) website

Link to HSPC guidance on vulnerable groups

7. Chief Medical Officer advice to parents and schools

8. Department circulars and statements

Circulars:

Statements and Information:
Download poster Public Health Advice
9. Updated travel advice, 04 March 2020

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is advising against non-essential travel to the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. It is recommended that you consult the DFAT's dedicated travel page for Italy here if you or your school is planning a trip there.

Specific information for other affected regions including China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Iran is also available

For updated guidance specific to education settings please visit the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre's (HPSC) website

Link to HSPC guidance on vulnerable groups
Advisory to the Sector regarding student and staff mobility under Erasmus Circular 0023/2020 - COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Arrangements applying to learner payments in Education and Training Boards
14. Continuation of home tuition

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is advising against non-essential travel to the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. It is recommended that you consult the DFAT's dedicated travel page for Italy here if you or your school is planning a trip there.

Specific information for other affected regions including China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Iran is also available

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Information for schools, pre-schools and third level institutions on the Coronavirus. Includes access to supports for schools and teachers engaged in distance learning. Also includes information on how to contact the Department of Education and Skills during the COVID-19 emergency.

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The NCSE is providing online resources for children with Special Educational Needs who are at home as a result of the schools’ closure

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The NCSE is providing online resources for children with Special Educational Needs who are at home as a result of the schools’ closure

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Click the link below

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In addition to the normal supports, the NCSE is providing online resources for children with Special Educational Needs who are at home as a result of the schools' closure.

Click here to find some useful apps that will assist with home learning

Click the button below to access online resources for parents

Click the button below to access online resources for teachers

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Online resources for home learning during the Covid 19 restrictions

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In addition to the normal supports, the NCSE is providing online resources for children with Special Educational Needs who are at home as a result of the schools' closure.

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Free Weaving Well-being Journal for children ❤️😀

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Free Weaving Well-being Journal for children ❤️😀

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Access Collins BigCats Banded Readers for free! 

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Access Collins BigCats Banded Readers for free! 

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Click the link
Go to the teacher portal
Username: parents@harpercollins.co.uk
Password: Parents20!

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Collins Connect | Digital resources for schools

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Digital resources and activities for use in the classroom and at home

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GAA skills and exercise with TJ Reid Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12! 

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GAA skills and exercise with TJ Reid Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12! 

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https://m.facebook.com/TJReidFitness/?ref=content_filter

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Free at the minute - listen to stories read aloud!

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Free to download, PrimEd Parents Packs for each class level

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Free to download, PrimEd Parents Packs for each class level

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Prim-Ed Blog for teaching ideas, lesson plans and educational news

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Welcome to our Prim-Ed Publishing Blog featuring teaching ideas, educational news and free lesson plans and worksheets.

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Imeachtai Gaeilge ar line- Irish activities on line

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Scríofa ag PEIG air . Catagóir: Ailt faoi thrácht.

Is deis í seo píosa Gaeilge a chleachtadh thar am lóin. Beidh Lón ag gach leibhéal ag Is gá go mbeadh cuntas Gael Linn ar an Aoine ag 12:30 freisin. Zoom agat le bheith páirteach mar eolas.

Bíonn "Scéal an Lae" le Futa Fata ar siúl ag 11:00 gach maidin ar cuntas Facebook agus Instagram.

Ceann maith do na páistí é an ceann seo!

Déantar Tráth na gCeist a shruthú beo ar YouTube le @BLOCTG4 agus @misteil. Is féidir breathnú siar ar Facebook nó YouTube.

"Sure cad eile a bhéas ar siúil agat?"

Beidh Pop Up Gaeltacht ar an Satharn seo chugainn. Beidh sé ar fáil trí Zoom. Cuirfear tús leis ag 12:00 PST / 19:00 GMT.

Is féidir teacht ar thuilleadh eolais anseo.

Tháinig Meon na mBan le cheile thar Skype le linn dhúnadh na scoileanna agus roinnt gnóanna de dheasca COVID-19. Labhair Lucy de Faoite, Fiona Ní Gháibhín, Emma agus Éirin Ní Chearúil lena chéile faoina bheith i gcoraintín.

Tabhair cluas dóibh anseo.

Bíonn rang ióga i nGaeilge ar fáil don teaghlach ar fad. Síneadh do chorp, anáil isteach agus amach.

Lig do scíth agus bain sult as Ióga 🧘‍♀

Tá go leor ceoltóirí ag sruthú beo ar líne le déanaí mar chuid den tsraith #TogetherAtHome. Bhí Christine and the Queens, Vance Joy, Picture This agus Garth Brooks ina measc.

Coinnigh súil ar @RaidióRíRá don nuacht is déanaí a bhaineann le ceolchoirmeacha ar líne.
Foireann PEIG.ie

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Imeachtaí Gaeilge ar líne don choraintín - PEIG.ie

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Scríofa ag PEIG air . Catagóir: Ailt faoi thrácht. Is deis í seo píosa Gaeilge a chleachtadh thar am lóin. Beidh Lón ag gach leibhéal ag Is gá go mbeadh cuntas Gael Linn ar an Aoine ag 12:30 freisin. Zoom agat le bheith páirteach mar eolas.

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PE class at 11am with Core NI on Facebook live

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PE class at 11am with Core NI on Facebook live

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Schools are closing and it's even more important to keep routine and add movement into our daily lives.

CORE NI will be running a LIVE Family Workout Every Day @ 11AM on both FACEBOOK and Instagram.

Let's keep positive, active and come out the other side stronger together

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Schools are closing and it's even more important to keep routine and add movement into our daily lives. CORE NI will be running a LIVE Family Workout Every Day @ 11AM on both FACEBOOK and Instagram. Let's keep positive, active and come out the other side stronger together

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Broadcasting daily from Monday 30/03/2020 @11am

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Free access to Grow in Love Religion Programme

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Free access to Grow in Love Religion Programme

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Click the link below, and use these details
email: trial@growinlove.ie
password: growinlove

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Free access to educate.ie online materials and books

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Free access to educate.ie online materials and books

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E.G. Just Phonics, Just Grammar, Better English, My Wellbeing Journal, Just Maps

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To help study at home while schools are closed, we are providing FREE access to all our ebooks and resources on this site. Click below to access.

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Free access to Gill online materials and books

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Free access to Gill online materials and books

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E.G. Cracking Maths, Super Sleuth (very good for maths problem solving)

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GillExplore is Gill Education's digital resources platform developed specifically with the busy teacher in mind, providing easy access for you and your students to all of Gill Education's digital resources for education.

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Revision Final sounds Double consonants Hard and soft c and g

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Free access to CJFallons online materials and books 

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Free access to CJFallons online materials and books 

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E.G. Busy at Maths, Léigh sa Bhaile, My Read at Home, Rainbows Oral language programme, Map skills, Geography/History/Science Quest

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21st Century Business (4th Edition)
21st Century Business - Third Edition
A new baby
A Surprise for Feena
A Trip in Time - Core Reader 4
A Way with Words Book 1
A Way with Words Book 2
A Way with Words Book 3
A Way with Words Book 4
A Way with Words Book 5
A Way with Words Book 6
A Way with Words Ju…

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Free access to all Folens online materials and books (e.g. Sounds make Words, Abair Liom, Reading Zone, Unlocking SESE) using information below:

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Free access to all Folens online materials and books (e.g. Sounds make Words, Abair Liom, Reading Zone, Unlocking SESE) using information below:

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Click this link to register as a teacher, enter your own details, use Prim20 as the roll number

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Signing up is simple

Complete this form, confirm your school, and get started!

All your digital lessons in one place

FolensOnline brings together all our products and allows you to store your resources in one place.

Access anytime, from anywhere

Teach with FolensOnline from your classroom and plan your lessons from anywhere.

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Complete this form, confirm your school, and get started! FolensOnline brings together all our products and allows you to store your resources in one place. Teach with FolensOnline from your classroom and plan your lessons from anywhere.

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Free access to all EDCO online materials using codes:

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Free access to all EDCO online materials using codes:

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Level - Primary
Username - primaryedcobooks
Password - edco2020

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Parents!! Home schooling driving you mad?! Let me take one lesson off your hands! Curriculum based and most importantly, fun. There's no need for instruments or to feel intimidated. Any age, any ability welcome. Music helps to look after our children's minds and souls, especially at a time when they need it most plus, we may even find the next Elton or mini Mozart!

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Daily Stories with David Walliams elevenses

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Daily Stories with David Walliams elevenses

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Listen to a new audio story each day (new stories are added at 11am)

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Join the The World of David Walliams to be the first to hear about new David Walliams books, special offers, free activities, live shows, events and more!

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Join in on Carol's daily maths lesson at 10am daily (*follows the UK maths curriculum)

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The Maths Factor : Homepage - make Carol Vorderman your child’s online maths tutor

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Unlock your child’s maths confidence with Carol Vorderman’s maths site for 4-11 year olds. Kids can watch her maths videos, play games practise and even make their own medals with the 30 Day Challenge!

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Join in with Joe Wicks at 9am Monday-Friday for a live PE class on his YouTube Channel (you can watch these videos anytime after)

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Welcome to the Body Coach TV where I post weekly home workouts to help you get, stronger, healthier and happier.

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Got to our Children's Zone to find lots on links to educational websites and apps!

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Online Safety is something we all have to keep on top of over the coming weeks! Here you'll find resources for parents in particular, regarding online safety and educating your child in an appropriate way about staying safe online.

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Talk to someone

Worried about something you have seen online or concerned about your child? Childline and the National Parents Council Primary offer free advice and support service.

Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of 18.There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.

The National Parents Council Primary enables and empowers parents to be effective partners in their children's education.

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Webwise offer free information, advice and resources to help parents, teachers and students address internet safety issues.

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This blog offers lots of lovely, fun learning activities!

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Well here's a blog post I never thought I'd be writing! I can't be the only one who feels like we're in a movie? Any moment now the day will be saved and the director will yell 'CUT!!'.... but alas, for now, this is real life and unfortunately we're not sure where we are headed, just yet. However, the teaching community have outdone themselves already - the resources and ideas are flying and there is such a wonderful sense of unity & collaboration.
Whatever we do and recommend, I think it's important that we remember the children are very much aware that there is significant change in the air - they will be soaking up a lot more of the stresses and anxieties than we realise and it's important that what we're asking them to do 'school wise' isn't causing any additional strain.
Here are some suggestions:

Activities to suit all ages:

If it's not a.... then what is it? This is a visual literacy challenge I share sometimes over on Instagram. I'm going to share one a day now for every school day that the primary children absent! It's a fun one for the adults too! Here are a few to get you started!

Good morning gratitudes - Start the day by listing all the things you are grateful for. Helps start the day on a positive note! With all the time at home, it'll be interesting to records all the little things we appreciate! Something nice for everyone to join in with.

Roll the die & move! Challenge the children to come up with their own exercises of choice. Create some DIY movement dice and off you go! Encourage them to get creative with their exercise. Here's a printable template.

- download the chart and see how many you can complete! These are purposeful & fun ways of revising your child's letter knowledge.

Letter Hunts - get out the magazines, flyers, Aldi brochures and the scissors and get chopping! Pick a different letter or sight word each day and have your child hunt for & cut out all the target letter or words they can find. Create a collage on a page. Find the letters in their name! Create a name collage. This is great for letter revision, familiarisation with different fonts and environmental print.

Write a letter to their future selves. Seal it in an envelope and decide on a date to open it!

Write a letter to their teacher! Let them know how they're getting on, what they miss about school and what they don't!

Keep a diary for every day they're not at school. Diary entries are a form of recount writing - one of the writing genres practiced right through primary school!

Make a newsletter to send to your family members - this could be by hand or by email! Interview siblings, parents, include some images / drawings! Keep family in the loop despite the imposed isolation!

Create a wishlist. Get out the Argos or Smyth's catalogues and create a wishlist of all the toys you would like. Include the prices and total up the cost!

Plenty more to come! I'm going to continue sharing as much as I can between here & Instagram. Between working from home & juggling a toddler, my multi-tasking skills are getting quite the workout! I'm looking at the bright-side and as difficult it is to work and care and keep a house from demolition, I'm getting to witness so many special little moments and milestones with Luca which I would have missed had I been in work! The glass is always half full!
Take care, stay apart & stay in touch! This will pass, but it will pass much more quickly if we all stick together in our commitment to help however we can. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

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Well here's a blog post I never thought I'd be writing! I can't be the only one who feels like we're in a movie? Any moment now the day will be saved and the director will yell 'CUT!!'.... but alas, for now, this is real life and unfortunately we're not sure where we are headed, just yet.

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Links to free APPs and resources

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Lovely ideas for our young learners, especially for fine motor activities

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Free using the code in this link, access decodable readers, and materials for children who are learning to read

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A site packed with interactive phonics games, phonics planning, assessment ideas and many teaching ideas and resources to help children to learn to hear phonemes, recognise graphemes and develop the blending and segmenting skills that are vital for learning to read and spell.

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This company are giving free access to their online textbooks for the next few months. Here, you can access titles such as Busy at Maths, Sounds like Phonics, Léigh sa Bhaile, Geography Quest etc.

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CJ Fallon Ireland's foremost educational publishers.

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A brilliant website for pupils of all ages, covering a wide range of subject areas! Here, you'll also find links to ENFO, whereby pupils can learn all about caring for the environment!

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The Ask About Ireland Learning Zone Primary School content has been developed by the public libraries service in conjunction with primary school teachers and in consultation with the following bodies: The National Council for Curriculum & Assessment, The National Council for Technology in Education, The Primary Professional Development Service.

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Scoilnet - official educational portal of the Department of Education Ireland

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Scoilnet - official educational portal of the Department of Education Ireland

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Lots of online materials for pupils, organised by subject and class level.

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In The Spotlight

Irish Newspaper Archives

Access to primary source documents through national and local newspapers covering hundreds of years of Irish history.

Scoilnet Maps

OSi's large scale maps, aerial photography, historic maps and Discovery series maps for the Republic of Ireland.

Dictionary of Irish Biography

A biographical reference work for Ireland. Free to access Spring 2020. Sample activities inside.

Packed full of amazing resources, great for teachers, parents and students at any time of the year. There are hundreds of videos, activity sheets and ideas for lesson plans and more in Irish and in English.

Find out what's coming up in the school calendar

Create more stimulating lessons with interactive and engaging tools.

TV programmes with a learning focus
this week

Check out Scoilnets' Featured
Learning Paths

Good Practice

Short videos illustrating ways in which digital technologies can be integrated into teaching, learning and assessment.
Read more

Digital Learning Framework

DLplanning.ie provides a lens for how digital technologies can be used to support teaching, learning and assessment.
Read more

Online Courses

Free online courses for teachers with a focus on integrating digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
Read more

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What you need...

To register for a Scoilnet Account you will need to have a Teaching Council number and a roll number for your school in Ireland.

If you already have a Scoilnet Account then you can sign in here.

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A Scoilnet account will allow you to upload your resources or weblinks to Scoilnet as well as enabling you to share and add resources to a favourites listing. Users who have a Scoilnet Account will also be able to fully access Scoilnet Maps and Census@School from home.

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Official education portal of the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland. Curriculum focused resources and support for primary and post primary teachers.

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Keep the children busy and active with these fun games!

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All activities should be supervised by an adult. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

Simon says is a great activity to keep kids busy and active indoors. Whether you are encouraging kids to play a game of Simon Says in a classroom setting, or just at home, it's usually a big hit with lots of giggles and laughter. Sometimes it can be hard to think of creative Simon Says actions on the spot, so we created a list of over 50 Simon Says action ideas you can print off.

RELATED: Would You Rather Questions for Kids

To make it easy, we have created a printable list of 50+ Simon Says Actions.

We also have all of the Simon Says actions in this post if you need them. You can copy and paste to create your own printable, or use the one that we have already created for you! We only ask that if you are reprinting in a community newsletter or school newsletter that you credit our website as the source.

How Do You Play Simon Says?

One person is the leader and calls out the actions. Everyone else must follow the leader and do the action, but only when Simon says. For example, Simon says, touch your toes. Everyone must touch their toes.

Then the leader has to try and get everyone to do an action without saying Simon says. If someone does the action and the leader did not say Simon says, that person is out of the game. For example, if the leader says just "touch your toes" and someone touches their toes, they are out of the game.

The leader can try to make things more difficult by speeding up the pace of calling out the actions.

When Should I Play Simon Says?

Get kids active when stuck inside on a cold or rainy day

Have ideas ready when you need a quick activity in a classroom setting

Bring them with you on a trip or a vacation

Make it a fun activity for a sleepover

Play the game for a family game night activity

Use as an Icebreaker

Printable Simon Says Ideas

Here are the 50+ Simon Says Ideas. Some are simple enough for a toddler to do, others are so silly that it will result in giggles.

Either way, these Simon Says actions are great for kids of all ages and will keep them busy while getting their bodies and minds moving.

Here is an image with all of the actions you can print off. A pdf file for printing is located at the bottom of the post.

50+ Simon Says Ideas for Kids

Sit down

Turn around in a circle

Jump up and down

Hop on the right foot

Hop on the left foot

Clap your hands

Touch your knees

Wiggle your fingers

Put one arm in the air

Flap your arms like a bird

Slither on the ground like a snake

Quack like a duck

Run in place

Stand on one foot

Put your hands on your hips

Pretend you are a dog

Moo like a cow

Wink your right eye

Pucker your lips

Sing as loud as you can

Pat your belly

Put both hands on your head

Wave hello

Raise both hands in the air

Shake your right arm

Shake your left arm

Pretend like you are sleeping

Roll on the floor

Do a somersault

Skip around the room

Gallop like a horse

Meow like a cat

Hop to the right

Hop to the left

Make circles with your arms

Touch your ears

Stick out your tongue

Do jumping jacks

Do a silly dance

Do a cartwheel

Squeak like a mouse

Walk like a penguin

Sit down and scoot across the room

Walk on your tip toes

Make a sad face

Make a happy face

Act like you are ice skating

Do a sit up

Talk like a robot

Act like you are driving a car

Do a push up

Wiggle your toes

Get the PDF printable of all of these Simon says ideas HERE.

We hope your kids enjoy these Simon Says actions and maybe you will as well! No one says that adults can't join in on a fun game of Simon Says too!

If you're looking for another easy indoor game, try Would You Rather Questions for kids. We have a printable file you can get with cards that you can pass around for everyone to take turns asking questions!

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All activities should be supervised by an adult. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here. Simon says is a great activity to keep kids busy and active indoors.

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Spell with phonics!

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A simple spelling game using spelling patterns.
Aimed at children aged between 4 & 7yrs.

Learning Objective:
Y1: Spell words containing each of the 40+ phonemes already taught.

Y1: Apply simple spelling rules as listed in Appendix 1.

Y1: To apply phonic knowledge and skills as the route to decode words when reading

Y1: To respond speedily with the correct sound to graphemes (letters or groups of letters) for all 40+ phonemes, including, where applicable, alternative sounds for graphemes.

NB: If you're hearing no sound please refresh/reload the page. HTML5 can lose sound if other tabs are opened afterwards.

Choose a spelling pattern and you will be prompted to spell approximately ten words using that spelling pattern, e.g. 'ay' words. Your child will become more confident in their ability to spell by learning to spell through patterns. The sounds are easy to move around using the drag and drop sound cards. Each correct answer is rewarded with a funny animation. If you need help you can hear the word again or take a quick peek at how to correctly spell the word. A simple scoring system lets you know how well you've done. The game covers 30 spelling patterns suitable for children between the ages of 4 and 7 years of age.

Have fun!

Build on the learning with
these games:

This game is © copyright 2019, J.Barrett, ictgames.com All Rights Reserved.

Made using the and libraries.

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A simple spelling game using spelling patterns. Aimed at children aged between 4 & 7yrs.Learning Objective: Y1: Spell words containing each of the 40+ phonemes already taught. Y1: Apply simple spelling rules as listed in Appendix 1.

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Free for the coming weeks, this page is sure to keep your spellings up to scratch! Use the code in this link to access the materials for free.

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Dear Educator,

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that many schools are moving to a virtual learning option. Your health and safety, along with the safety of your educators and families, are the most important things during these difficult times. Learning can continue outside of the classroom walls, and we want to make sure students still have the opportunity to fill their hearts with the joy of learning.

VocabularySpellingCity is offering free access to our site for the rest of the school year to every school affected.

To take advantage of this offer, simply enter the code: VSCFree90 upon registration on our website, and you'll immediately have access to this powerful tool, no matter where you or your students are!
Again, use code VSCFree90 upon registration to prepare your students and teachers for any scenario with VocabularySpellingCity.
To learn more about VocabularySpellingCity or to sign up today, visit our website at www.spellingcity.com

Please forward to your families or any educator who needs resources to help learning continue while out of the physical classroom.

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VocabularySpellingCity is here to help during school closures with free access

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Dear Educator, In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that many schools are moving to a virtual learning option. Your health and safety, along with the safety of your educators and families, are the most important things during these difficult times.

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A free app available on the apple store which reinforces Irish vocabulary in a fun way

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‎Learn Irish vocabulary with this new, intuitive and fun game! Caoga caoga is a fun Irish vocabulary learning game where players of all ages learn vocabulary by associating words with descriptive images. * 24 topics with over 450 words for A1/A2 and B1 CERF language learners. * Four fun word-image...

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Free to download from mash.ie, this pack is suitable for pupils from JI-2nd class and is sure to keep them busy!

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Tune in to our special series #MashLockdown on YouTube - Watch Now! Close Top Banner

€0.00

A 60 page pdf resource filled with a variety of worksheets, activities, websites, free downloads and youtube channels to keep young children busy during #covidhometeach. Suitable for junior infants - 2nd class.

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Related products

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Tune in to our special series #MashLockdown on YouTube - Watch Now! Close Top Banner €0.00 A 60 page pdf resource filled with a variety of worksheets, activities, websites, free downloads and youtube channels to keep young children busy during #covidhometeach. Suitable for junior infants - 2nd class.

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Pinehill Studios Free Dance Class at home

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Pinehill Studios Free Dance Class at home

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Follow this dance studio on Facebook to follow along with their free dance classes to try at home!

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Pinehill Studios, Letterkenny. 5,003 likes · 591 talking about this · 1,813 were here. Kids classes available for ages 3+ in ballet, hip hop, disco, Irish dancing, Musical Theatre, Disco Freestyle &...

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Here you'll find a huge list of educational companies that are offering free access to materials at the minute - many of these usually charge a fee!

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With schools closing across the nation, parents and educators are in bit of a panic as they try to figure out how kids can learn and obtain their education from home. If this sounds like you, stop stressing. This is going to be super helpful!

We have the Entire List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings.
**Be sure to scroll to the bottom to get a list of even more ideas to do with your kids at home during coronavirus school closures.**
Each of these websites will allow you to sign-up for FREE and help your child along with their education. It is perfect for homeschooling which is something we are all needing to do right now.

Here's The List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings

Below we have the entire list of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings. We've provided direct links for you below. All you need to do is click the link and follow the instructions on that website to sign-up.
ABCMouse/Adventure Academy American Chemistry Society Backpack Sciences Boardmaker BookCreator App Breakout Edu CircleTime Fun CiscoWebex CK-12 Foundation Classroom Secrets CMU CS Academy Conjugemos Coursera for Campus Discovery Ed Dyslexia Academy Education Perfect Edu-Together Elementari Explain Everything Fluency Matters GoGuardian Good2Learn Google For Edu Hawkes Learning HippoCampus Ideas Roadshow InThinking KET's PBS Learning Media Khan Academy Kids Discover Online Learning Apps ListenWise Microsoft Education Minecraft: Education Edition MusicFirst Mystery Science Nimbus Capture PebbleGo By Capstone Rockalingua Salesforce ScienceWerkz ScreenCastify Seterra Geography Scholastic Sight Reading Suite SmartMusic StoryBoard Tes Blendspace Typing Club Voces Digital
More Things To Do While You're Stuck at Home:

If you are looking for some extra fun educational printables, we have hundreds of educational {and fun} printables you can download, print and use with your kids. Check out Printables Library Here.

They are great for lessons, adding to the education you are already planning and simply giving you a minute or two to get something done while they are busy...
Huge thank you to Amazing Educational Resources for this list!

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Here's The Entire List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings

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With schools closing across the nation, parents and educators are in bit of a panic as they try to figure out how kids can learn and obtain their education from home. If this sounds like you, stop stressing. This is going to be super helpful!

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This is a Free Resource Kit for families which is currently available due to the school closures.
It includes 10 of the Let's Get Moving Gross Motor Classes and downloadable resources to work on pencil control and scissor skills

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Tips for parents - mindingyour child's wellbeing at this time

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This can be a stressful time for young people and they can experience confusion, sadness, anxiety and uncertainty about their change in routine and socialising. Here are some tips for how to help lessen the impact of the current situation.

Have an open conversation about Covid-19 in simple language and in an age-appropriate way

Children and teenagers hear lots of rumours from others so make sure to ask your child if they have any fears or worries at the moment

Communication is key, you don't have to have all the answers but talking with your child can help them feel reassured, connected and safe

Don't talk about any financial difficulties in front of your child

Don't discuss concerns over childcare in front of your child

Manage your own fears and worries as best as possible and seek support if you need it

Be aware that younger children can suffer stress, sadness and anxiety and this can show as 'sore tummies', headaches, refusing to eat, disturbed sleep, crying or withdrawn behaviour

Children may want more of your attention and affection during times of stress, so do your best to hug, play, reassure and talk with them as needed.

Signs of stress, anxiety or sadness in teenagers can be a change in their sleeping and eating habits, mood swings, crying, withdrawing to their room, excess video gaming or anger outbursts

Talking openly, reassuring and responding as calmly as possible with teenagers can help keep them feeling supported

Be aware of what media is in your home via television, phones and tablets and how much screen time your child has

Limit your child's access to images and news as images of hazmat suits and hospitals can be disturbing to them and cause them stress

Try and keep life as normal as possible for your child

Where possible look for creative activities for your child, this can give them a good quality outlet as well as provide them with fun and distraction

Try and get outside as much as possible, in times of social distancing it is still okay to go for walks and get some fresh air

Remember this will pass

Talk to someone you trust about how you feel

Do something you enjoy and practice some self care

Remember it's normal to be feeling sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

This can be a difficult time for parents and family members with uncertainty about what is happening. If you are concerned about your child's mental health contact us on 074 9129630 or by email for further guidance or information about available services.

Tips for young people
Staff will continue to respond to email correspondence and will be contactable as normal during office hours.
Donegal Youth Service Statement

In light of the announcement made by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar the Management of Donegal Youth Service have made a decision to suspend all youth groups including drop-in provision and youth clubs until the 29th March 2020.

As this is an unprecedented situation we ask for the public to bear with us and will continue to provide updates on social media and our website as the situation unfolds. Please keep safe and well!

Contact Donegal Youth Service on (074) 91 29630, e-mail admin@donegalyouthservice.ie, visit www.donegalyouthservice.ie, or call in to us at 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny.We are also on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.Donegal Youth Service is a registered charity.Charity No.CHY 15027.

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Minding your child's wellbeing during the Covid-19 outbreak

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This can be a stressful time for young people and they can experience confusion, sadness, anxiety and uncertainty about their change in routine and socialising. Here are some tips for how to help lessen the impact of the current situation.

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Access online materials for free

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Do you have a little avid reader on your hands? Check out the top 20 Kids #ebooks and #eAudiobooks downloads from February.

In our e-Audiobooks junior charts - 'The Animals of Farthing Wood' is at...

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This excellent site is packed with online links divided up into class level and subject. Lots of the recommended pages/apps are free!

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Welcome to Cool Apps for Schools! The aim of this website is to provide you with a comprehensive guide to apps which support the Irish primary curriculum. Many apps that we have included so far can be used across a range of class levels and curricular areas. These apps could also be used at home to extend learning further. Please check back regularly to see new apps and reviews and if there are any apps that you feel would be worth including, please do let us know on our

At the moment we have reviewed over 70 apps and would recommend each and every one of the apps featured for use in Irish primary classrooms! We have tried to include as many free apps as possible, however any paid app that we have featured is worth purchasing in our opinion. Many of these paid apps have a 'Lite' version which allows you to try some aspects of the app before buying.
"Contact Us" page. Also take a look at our Facebook page for lots more ideas about how our featured apps could be used in the classroom. We are also on Twitter-come and follow us!

​

Useful Links

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Explore the wonderful world of animals, space and history!

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A great page offering advice and ideas for parents supporting their children at this time.

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This is a really strange time but I wanted to come on here to share some tips and ideas that might make the next few weeks at home a little more manageable. Maybe some of them will be useful for you and maybe some won't work so pick and choose to best suit your children - you know them best! In my school we are meant to be off Monday and Tuesday anyway so its still important that the children have a rest.

While I think it is absolutely brilliant to see so many companies, teachers and early childhood educators sharing ideas and activities for you to use at home, I do also find that it can be totally overwhelming and can lead to parents and guardians wondering if they are doing enough or comparing themselves to other parents. You know your child best - you know what they need and what works best for them so do it your own way. Don't be under any pressure to complete every single fantastic idea that you see. Pick and choose what you think will work best for you and your family.

Share the information (in a child friendly way)

A lot of children will really benefit from being informed about what is happening. Why are schools closed? Why are we asked not to go to the playground or to crowded places? What will happen if we get Corona Virus? Why can't we go and visit granny and Grandad?

Some useful videos and resources

Let them be kids

This is a scary time for everyone. It's strange to be working from home and not really sure when this will all be over. Our 'normal' day to day routines are completely changed so it's really important to remember this - be kind to yourself and don't be too hard on yourself to perform or meet the same goals and targets you might be able to achieve at work. The same goes for the children. This is a tricky time for them - I'd imagine the initial delight of having 2 weeks off school has worn off a bit as they are not able to just carry on as normal, meeting and playing with friends and going to G.A.A. or rugby or gymnastics. Let them have time to just be kids as they try to make sense of what is happening and process the changes to their normal lives.

Routines

Children need routine - no matter how laid back they may seem. It is really important to maintain some sense of normal for them throughout the time they are off school and can't go to training etc.

Make a timetable with them so they know what to expect each day. Include a nice

This can be as simple as a wake up time each morning and a bedtime at night. This is not the same as the holidays.

Try to keep screen time limited to the normal amount that you usually would allow. (A little extra won't do any harm but I would try to stick to a limit where possible.)

Some school work is likely to be sent home from the child's teacher. Have a set time each day where the child can complete this work.

Exercise is really important - every day - whether its a run/jog, a youtube workout or a quick cycle around the estate - try to get outside if possible.

Chores/jobs around the house

Family time/ games etc.

Activities/School work

Try to complete the work that has been assigned by your child's teacher.

Use the time to revise what the child has learned already and then maybe give them some challenges based on what they've learned.

Teach your child 'real life' skills - baking and cooking, sewing on a button, putting on a wash, folding laundry, ironing, budgeting, money, telling the time, cleaning etc.

Some examples of activities

Maths

I'm basing these activities based on things you might find in your house rather than having to go out and buy different materials. I'll put together little packs of resources and share resources and ideas I've found online too. (From Wednesday I'll have a mini maths activity on my instagram page which you can find )

Counting

Forwards (from 1 or from another given number)

Backwards (from 1 or from another given number)

In 2's/ 5's/ 10's etc.

Objects/ toys

Estimating and then counting a set of books or teddies etc.

Place value

This is one of the most important areas in Maths. If children have a good understanding of place value then this will help them with different operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).

Using a deck of cards or magnetic numbers

Pick out 2/3 cards (depending on the age of your child)

What's the biggest number you can make?

What's the smallest number you can make?

Real life Maths pack - this is a pack of material suitable for 3rd to 6th class. (The first few ideas could be used with younger classes too).
English

Reading is key - read a range of fiction and non fiction texts. Read together or encourage your child to read independently.

Some activities

Predict what might happen in the next chapter

Design a new cover for the book

Write a book review

Summarise the book/ chapter in 100 words or less

Complete a character profile (draw the character on a piece of paper and write words to describe the character around the drawing - find evidence to back up what adjectives you use)

Go on a noun hunt/verb hunt/ adjective hunt in one chapter

Create a quiz based on the book

Write a letter to the author

Oral language

Talk about what is happening around the world in relation to Corona Virus. Look at the 'good news' stories as well as the news and have discussions about different things.

Some activities

Look at pictures from around the world and have a chat about them

Talk about the people who are helping us at this time (nurses, doctors, truck drivers, Gardaí, ambulance drivers, supermarket workers, scientists, the government, journalists, pharmacists, those working in factories, coffee shops, hotels and hundreds of other people)

Talk about the positives of working from home/ online schooling and the negatives

A game my class love - we call it Categories but it is really brilliant for quick recall so a topic or category is chosen e.g. colours and your child then has to list as many as they can. To make it a game you could write down a list of topics and then play together or siblings could play together and take it in turns to name something that fits with the category. It keeps going until someone can't think of one (only 3-5 seconds allowed for thinking).

FaceTime or video call family members and friends you can't be with at the moment

Websites such as Pobble365 are fantastic - there is a new photo shared daily and lots of ideas for discussion

Below are just a few ideas or topics your child could write about

For younger children - revising and practising the letters they have been taught at school

Make a cake - write the instructions (procedure writing)

How to wash your hands (procedure writing)

A letter to Boris Johnson on why schools should be closed in the U.K. (persuasive writing)

A letter of thanks to the local supermarket workers/ nurses/ doctors/ truck drivers and everyone who is helping us at this time (letter writing)

A diary about this time (This could be written or it could be a video diary but it will be something to look back on in the future so I would definitely encourage it) (Recount writing)

Story - for inspiration give your child a character, setting and problem/event and let them create a story about it (narrative writing)

Write a letter to grandparents or other relatives who you can't see at the moment (if you're worried about going to post it etc. take a photo of the handwritten note and send it by message/WhatsApp or email and ask them to write back by letter too)

Irish

Beatha teanga í a labhairt! If possible talk to your children in Irish. I put this video on key phrases for the theme of Mé Féin together last year so this would be a great place to start!

Choose 2/3 phrases to learn and practice each day!

S.E.S.E.

Learn about the local area - walk around the local area, investigate where the names of estates/ streets came from. What are the local landmarks or tourist attractions? Create a brochure advertising the local area.

Go on a nature walk - what sounds can you hear? what birds can you see? what trees do you recognise? what signs of spring do you notice?

Learn about the counties of Ireland. Which counties are close to where you live? Complete a project on a county in Ireland

Learn the capitals of European countries

STEM Activities (see below)

Music

Listen to a piece of music and write about it - what does it remind you of? how does it make you feel?

Learn a song that your parents loved when they were your age? 5 years ago?

Listen to the different instruments of the orchestra

Listen to a variety of different pieces of music

Art

Draw scenes from the book you're reading

Create a monster using recycled materials

Using an old shoebox create your dream bedroom (use recycled materials or draw)

Create a rollercoaster using recycled materials

P.E./ Exercise

Walk, jog, run, cycle around your local area.

Create an obstacle course in your house or back garden.

Youtube/Go Noodle

Create a list of movement breaks

Independent time/space

I think during this period of time it is really important that children have a place to go for some independent time and space. I can imagine that it may feel a bit cramped in lots of houses with everyone working at home but having a space or a time where your child can go to just have 10-15 minutes of time on their own is really important.

Family time

Continue with your usual family routines where possible. Have breakfast/dinner together, play board games or watch TV, do a workout together.

Overall I hope you are all doing ok and I'll be available through Instagram/Facebook and email (niamh@irishprimaryteacher.ie) to help in whatever way I can.

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This is a really strange time but I wanted to come on here to share some tips and ideas that might make the next few weeks at home a little more manageable. Maybe some of them will be useful for yo...

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Follow Seomra Ranga on Facebook to access their daily quiz which tests the general knowledge of pupils (and their families) around the country! The winner each day gets a €20 book voucher!

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Today's quiz winner was Anna from Co. Clare. The answers to the questions were:
1. Pride
2. Justin Trudeau (not Boris Johnson as lots of people said)
3. Book of Kells
4. Badminton...
5. Draughts
6. Joey
7. Escudo
8. Cartographer
9. Bonnet
10. Caddy
11. Protractor
12. Emerald City
13. Vermont
14. H2O
15. Rio de Janeiro
16. Books
17. St. Denis
18. Knickerbockers/Breeches/Plus Fours
19. The Greatest Showman
20. Owl

There will be another quiz on the site again in the morning. We had 1,039 entrants to today's quiz, so it's keeping lots of kids (and parents!) all around the country busy.

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Today's quiz winner was Anna from Co. Clare. The answers to the questions were: 1. Pride 2. Justin Trudeau (not Boris Johnson as lots of people said) 3. Book of Kells 4. Badminton... 5. Draughts 6. Joey 7. Escudo 8. Cartographer 9. Bonnet 10. Caddy 11. Protractor 12. Emerald City 13.

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This facebook page has up-to-date social stories and web links to support children and their families

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Autism Awareness Northwest. 952 likes · 33 talking about this. Autism Aware Northwest are a group of people with a vision to promote autism inclusion and awareness in our community.

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Watch celebrities reading popular children's stories aloud!

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Fun science experiments to try at home!

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Science Experiments and Crafts - TheDadLab

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Children (and adults) love this webpage! It's packed with fun dance, exercise and relaxation tutorials, and often links other curricular areas such as literacy and maths while keeping fit!

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Available on all devices, this hugely popular site promotes reading skills (particularly among pupils in Junior/Senior Infants and First Class)

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Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games

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Help children learn with our free, award-winning reading, mathematics and phonics games.

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Sign up for free

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Dabbledoo makes teaching the arts more accessible, engaging and fun for primary school teachers and children alike.

Music

The award winning method for Irish primary schools.

Drama

Ireland's first online programme for primary schools.

Weekly lessons and planning content

Step by step weekly lessons and planning content make it easier than ever to teach the arts subjects in the classroom.
Start your free trial

Accessible for all

Accessible and engaging lessons for teachers and students alike.

Our resources can adapt to suit you and your class and have been developed to support children with additional learning needs.

Videos and interactive resources

We work with leading educators, artists and musicians to create fun and engaging content for your classroom.

Start your free trial

Diversity, Integration and Equality

We are committed to growing our content for schools and our organisation in a way that values diversity, inclusion and equality.
Learn more here

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Dabbledoo - The Complete Primary Arts Programme

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Irish primary school music, drama and arts education that's fun and accessible for every classroom. Weekly lessons, planning content with videos and interactive resources accessible to all.

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😃 Roinnt scéalta i nGaeilge do phaistí atá ar fáil le éisteacht leo saor in aisce ar líne!

Listen to well loved picture books online "as Gaeilge" for free!

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walker eireann search results on SoundCloud - Listen to music

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RCC for Kids is a Facebook group that set a daily art task for children of all ages. Parents can then photograph and share their child's completed task on the page - it's truly wonderful to see the amazing creativity and talent in our county!

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The RCC is a Multidisciplinary Arts Facility, described by the Irish Times as 'a Cultural Beacon'. We specialise in Visual Art, Music, Film, Education and Community & Intercultural Workshops and...

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Access reading lists, ideas for books, competitions and free book resources. This website features many fun activities based on well-loved book characters!

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Book ideas hub – brilliant stay-at-home ideas & free resources - World Book Day

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Welcome to our book ideas hub! While you are at home, we’re here to help with fun ideas, crafty activities, …

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A wonderful resource - they've made over 3000 eBooks available for free! Click the link below, and use these details:
Username/login: wbsupport
password: distancelearn

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A comprehensive suite of e-learning resources designed for all ages and abilities with articles, videos, educator tools, eBooks, research guides and more.

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Access links to many subject areas online, as well as 100s of art ideas for all the children!

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Join online for free to access their BorrowBox to access eBooks and audiobooks

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Library Services in Ireland | Libraries Ireland

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You can join the library online and get eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers for free straight away, or even take language and other courses. Here's how!
Join online

To join the library online, fill out this form with your name, address, email and some other details.

Click, 'Submit' and you'll be taken to a new page that gives you a 'Temporary' library barcode.

This will be your library number and you need it to access online services so save it somewhere or write it down and keep it safe.

This page will also instruct you to 'set a PIN' and will give you a link to do that.

Once you've set your PIN and you have your library number, you're all ready to access all the online services.

If you are having trouble joining, you can contact your library by phone or email or you may find this FAQ on joining helpful

We've included short guides to getting and using these services below. These user guides and tutorials are also listed here.

How to use Borrowbox for eBooks and Audiobooks
You can download the Borrowbox app or find your library here to get directed to the web version.

Please review Borrow Box Terms and Conditions on Bolinda's website by clicking here.

Then you just:

choose your library from the dropdown menu;

enter your library number where it asks for your ID/Barcode; and,

enter your PIN where it asks for PIN/Password.

That's it, you're signed in and ready to browse and read!

You can read more in the BorrowBox User Guide
How to use Libby for online magazines
You can use the Libby app or access online at

You will have to register for a free account, with your library number and PIN. When you visit it will prompt you through the steps to sign up for Libby, including:

Indicating whether you have signed up for your local library yet or not

Selecting your local library service - you will be given three options for how to find your local library: transferring data from an already registered device, searching for your local library, or having Libby try to determine for itself

Enter your library card number

Entering your PIN

That's it, you're all set up!

You can read more at the following link:

Support queries can be made within the Libby App or via the web form here.
How to use PressReader for online newspapers
You can access PressReader at pressreader.com or by downloading the PressReader app for apple or android devices.

You will need to log in with your library number, here's how

Press 'sign in'

Select the 'Library and groups' option

A list of libraries will then open from which you can choose your library. Simply start typing your county or local authority areas and you should find it easily. Look out for the Libraries Ireland logo.

You will then be asked to enter your library card number.

That's it - you're now logged in and ready to read!

Your login grants you 30 days access initially. When this 30 days has expired a new period can be started simply by logging out and back in using the same method.

You can read more at the following links:

You can watch a video tutorial about how to use the PressReader app here.

For any support queries, please email pressreader@wfhowes.co.uk
How to use Transparent Languages for language learning
Transparent Languages can be accessed through RB Digital - see above to find out how to do that.

Once you're logged in to RB Digital, you'll see a link to Transparent Languages. Click that and you'll be taken to the service.

Read more in the Transparent Languages User Guide.

You can watch a video tutorial about how to use Transparent Language Online here.

For any support queries please email rbdigital@wfhowes.co.uk

How to use Universal Class for online courses

You can register for Universal Class at http://lgma.universalclass.com/register.htm

Enter your library card number in the field and click the Go button.

Complete the required fields on the registration page:

First Name; Last Name; Email address; Password and Age Check, (Over or under 16 years).

Click on the Continue button

You will then be shown the home screen for your Universal Class account and can start learning.

You can watch a video tutorial about how to access Universal Class online courses here.

For any support queries, please email universalclass@wfhowes.co.uk

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You can join the library online and get eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers for free straight away, or even take language and other courses. Here's how!

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Lots of free online materials and ebooks

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Find out more

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You are viewing this site in an unsupported browser. See our browser support page for more information.

Discover expert advice, educational resources and free eBooks to support children's learning at primary school and at home, from Oxford University Press.

Oxford Owl for School

Teaching resources and
expert school improvement support

Award-winning subscriptions and leadership support

Free teaching resources and eBooks

Free Professional Development videos

Oxford Owl for Home

Free resources to support learning at home

Advice and support for parents

Educational activities and games

Free eBook library for 3- to 11-year-olds

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Find out more You are viewing this site in an unsupported browser. See our browser support page for more information. Discover expert advice, educational resources and free eBooks to support children's learning at primary school and at home, from Oxford University Press.

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Twinkl is allowing parents to set up a free account for a limited time, and has 1000s of resources, worksheets etc. as well as school closure packs. You can select ROI resources and your child's class level to find suitable activities.

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Teaching Resources - Early Years, Primary, Junior Cycle, Parents

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Instant access to printable lesson plans, assessments, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, ebooks and teaching ideas in English and as Gaeilge.

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This family blog gives access to social stories and activities, as well as advice for parents trying to support their child at home.

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This link takes you to a website called Seomra Ranga. Here, they have compiled a list of websites & apps that specifically support pupils with SEN, and their parents.

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ESL Kidstuff – resources for ESL teachers – yearly fee of $25 but there is some free stuff and also has classroom ideas

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Learn touch typing for free! A great way for pupils to improve typing accuracy and speed

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Learn touch typing online using TypingClub's free typing courses. It includes 650 typing games, typing tests and videos.

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This website has many fun games, and is organised by subject and class group/age

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Topmarks: teaching resources, interactive resources, worksheets, homework, exam and revision help

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Searchable site of thousands of quality teaching resources, interactive resources, homework, exam and revision help. Useful for teachers, pupils and parents.