The Middle infants screening test is a criterion-referenced, diagnostic test that helps us to identify children who would benefit from completing the 8 week follow on programme 'Forward together.' This is normally completed towards the end of Naíonáin Mhóra. 

There are 6 subtests to the M.I.S.T and they are as follows.

Listening skills (1)

Letter sounds

Written vocabulary

Three-Phoneme Words

Sentence Dictation

Listening skills (2)

This Assessment looks at 5 non academic skills such as Perceptual Processes - this helps us to get a picture of how a child understands information they receive aurally and visually.

Motor Development here we look at both fine and gross. Fine motor skills are essentially skills using the muscles in the hands; cutting, tracing etc. Gross motor skills are movements using the larger muscles in the body; throwing or jumping.

The next area we look at is Early Learning Styles essentially this tells us if the child is an independent learner or if they are more dependent on others to learn. We also get a picture here as to how they learn, are they focused or distracted, reflective or impulsive. Useful information to have as a class teacher!

Another important area we look at is Language and Communication Skills. This helps us to understand how the child expresses his/herself. It looks at his/her understanding of the spoken word, and their ability to use language as a means of communication.

The final non academic skill we look at in the B.I.A.P is Social & Emotional Development.

This section looks at how the child’s emotions are displayed in the classroom. It looks at the extent that feelings and emotions are under the child’s control. It also looks at their interaction with their peers, and their temperament. 

 

We use the results of the B.I.A.P to inform you the parents as to how best we and you can help your child learn in school. 

It really is a beneficial and rewarding assessment. 

We also have a number of other programmes that teachers use at their own discretion to help children develop different aspects of their literacy skills. Please look at the list below to get an overview of some examples.

~ Phonic blending programmes.

All children are bright and beautiful and all children are different. Sometimes some children need additional, specific help in school. We as a school maintain a strong relationship with the P.D.S.T and are in regular contact with our School psychologist from NEPS. 'She' is always extremely willing to guide, advise and support us as we support  individual children in GSNL. They help with Wellbeing-assessments of children- and help us by providing training to teachers