Here at Scoil Chlíodhna, we use technology in our teaching and learning every single day! For instance, our GMGY programme, Math and Irish schemes are all online based – providing the children with a huge range of interactive resources. A lot of our Jolly Phonics work can also be completed using technology and the children really love learning through ICT (Information and Communications Technology). We are also really lucky to have a set of iPads which the children can use to reinforce their learning in different areas, and to create exciting digital projects. Watch our Facebook page and Twitter feed for examples of their work.
The apps we use for the creation of digital projects are freely available and are listed below, why not download them and have a go at home?
Scratch Jnr, Lensoo Create, Animoto
Below are some key sites you may find useful. Happy exploring!
Webwise Ireland – a super resource for parents where you will find “…all the information and support you need to ensure your child makes the most of their time online.” (www.webwise.ie)
Literacy Apps
Maths Apps and Resources
Help my kid learn – A wonderful website which is full of ideas for learning, initiated by the Irish Department of Education and Skills. The site can be tailored to suit the age of your child. Check it out!
Starfall – This is a brilliant website for practising phonics. It is also very helpful for parents, as it says the sound that each letter makes in the English alphabet.
Cula4 – This site provides programmes and games that will support language skills in Irish. Your child will benefit greatly from listening to spoken Irish regularly at home, and it’s certain that they’ll enjoy the programmes on Cúla 4. If you’re not confident at reading Irish, click on the ‘English’ button to translate the site.
Scoilnet – A portal that contains many links to educational sites, updated regularly.
Nationalgeographic kids – A brilliant, colourful site, full of information on different countries, animals, science, and much much more.
Woodlands Junior School – An amazing array of activities in all subject areas, including online games to practise skills in maths and English.
Useful apps for learning Irish – This link provides some useful apps for reinforcing your child’s learning in Irish.
Useful online resources for parents of children from infants to 2nd class. – “This resource page is designed for parents of children who are currently in the junior classes or early middle classes such as first and second class. This page contains a range of easy to use, reliable educational resources, ideas and suggestions for parents of these pupils. All resources on this page are primary curriculum referenced and can be used at home to aid, support or extend your child’s learning.” Clare Education Centre
Seomra Ranga Quizzes – A very useful resource used by teachers is running an At Home daily quiz!
Author Read Alouds – Lots of authors are being so kind with their time and reading aloud daily. Our favourite is still Oliver Jeffers- a huge hit with our younger classes.
Will Sliney – Local Cork artist who has drawn with Marvel is running a daily ‘Draw with Will’. Hours of fun!
GoNoodle Exercise – Although we can put on our raincoats to visit the beach, go for walks etc, sometimes all of our children need more activity.
Joe Wicks PE – Joe Wicks runs a PE Class every morning.
Music – Dabbledoo – Dabbledoo are offering a free month’s subscription when you sign up using the link below! Gorgeous music lessons and resources available here for all ages.
Oxford Owl – Reading – Oxford Owl are offering free reading books, requires sign up.
Twinkl Ireland – Twinkl is a resource that we pay for on an annual basis, but they have provided this free service for the duration of the school closures.
World Book Online – World Book Online have developed some resources for distant learning.
Phonics – Alphablocks – Excellent cartoon to consolidate phonics.
ICT Games – Here you’ll find free educational games aimed at children between 5 and 8 years old.
Create a Story – This website allows children to make a story book with images and text.
Reading – An excellent resource for letters, sounds and reading to full sentences. Requires an e-mail sign up.
Digital Library – A huge collection of digital stories to read with and to your child.
Storyline Online – This website shows videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
Cosmic Kids Yoga – A YouTube channel for some simple yoga movements to do along with listening to a story.
Funbrain – Funbrain offers hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in maths, reading, problem-solving and literacy.
How Stuff Works – This website offers easy-to-understand videos and podcasts with answers and explanations of how the world actually works.
National Geographic Kids – National Geographic Kids is a fact-filled website created especially for ages 6 and up with an award-winning combination of photos, facts, and fun.
Learning Games for Kids – These online learning games and songs for children are fun, teach important skills for and they’re free.
Maths Aids – This website contains over 94 different maths topics with plenty of worksheets.
BBC Dance Mat Typing – A fun way to learn touch typing.
NCSE Ideas – The NCSE is providing online resources for children with Special Educational Needs who are at home as a result of the schools’ closure.
The following materials have been developed by Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
SESS Apps – Apps for children with Dyslexia / Literacy Difficulties
Spelling City – This is a game-based website and app used to build literacy skills in vocabulary, spelling, phonics, and writing.
Hubbard’s Cupboard – Printable sight words, phonics books and games.
Sight Words – Dolch Word Games
Sumdog – Sumdog provides engaging learning and practice in numeracy for children aged 5-14, and literacy for children aged 5-11.
Free access to hundreds of book-banded readers. – This link gives you to access 330+ free Collins Big Cat eBooks and a selection of downloadable worksheets to use alongside the books at home.
You can log in as a teacher using the details below:
Username: parents@harpercollins.co.uk
Password: Parents20!
Relaxation and Self Regulation Tools for Children – Breathe – Self-Regulation and Relaxation Techniques for Children’ features a range of calming breathing techniques, written activities and guided visualisations that children can use to bring about a sense of peace and comfort in any situation. The resource is suitable for children of all ages and class levels.