eTwinning is a highly dynamic and successful initiative of the European Commission (2005). It provides teachers and children with a free, simple and effective framework for informally ‘twinning’ schools throughout Europe, to explore curriculum themes collaboratively, using ICT. Currently, over 90,000 schools are registered for eTwinning, at pre-primary, primary and post primary level.

This workshop is aimed at any teacher wishing to link up with a European school for a class project which enables ICT integration. It will begin with a short presentation of eTwinning class projects.  After that, teachers will be facilitated in exploring the many useful tools and resources of the eTwinning Portal www.etwinning.net

If you are interested in attending this event please complete an application form

Alternatively, please contact Doireann Kilbride (01) 452 8020 / 452 8000

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Download Information Letter & Application Form

The course will be presented by a team of practising teachers and psychologists.

The aims of the course are:

• to provide an understanding of the nature of dyslexia, the difficulties in language processing experienced by persons with dyslexia, and the practical implications of these for classroom and teaching practice.
• to provide course participants with knowledge and skills relevant to assessment and intervention, suitable for pupils and students who have dyslexia.

Topics covered will include:

• the history of dyslexia
• causal theories
• what does it mean to have dyslexia
• why reading is difficult
• recognising indicators in the classroom
• screening and assessment
• interpreting psycho-educational assessment reports
• implementing recommendations
• teaching phonics
• teaching reading comprehension skills
• spelling
• the writing process
• creating an inclusive classroom environment
• co-existing conditions
• assistive technology and IT
• dyslexia and maths

In addition, information with regard to suitable teaching, screening and testing materials will be available to view, as well as recommendations for further reading.

At the end of the course a participant will:

• Have an understanding of the possible causes of dyslexia.
• Be able to identify in a pupil/student learning behaviours which are consistent with dyslexia.
• Have an understanding of assessment and diagnostic reports.
• Have knowledge of appropriate methodologies and strategies for intervention.
• Support the child who has dyslexia in the general classroom.

The DAI course certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the course. The criterion for successful completion includes full attendance.

Please contact DAI if you have any queries (01 6790276 or email)

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Bookmark Exchange Project

The ISLM Bookmark Project 2010 is an international project that involves matched schools making homemade bookmarks (any style, shape, etc - be creative) that reflect the International School Library Month theme of:

DIVERSITY, CHALLENGE, RESILIENCE: SCHOOL LIBRARIES HAVE IT ALL

The bookmarks must be mailed to your matched school in October 2010.

If you would like to become involved in this project, you will need to send the following information to the ISLM Bookmark Project Coordinator, Breege O'Brien.

• your school’s name
• your school’s location (city, state/province/country)
• the grade/age level of the students to be involved
• the number of students involved (this is very important to ensure you are matched to a school of similar size)
• the contact information (name and email address - include a contact email where you can be reached during any school holidays)

Every few weeks until early September, a new list of schools will be sent to the participating schools to choose a match. Matching will be taking place on a regular basis and it is vital that you provide us with contact information during your respective school holidays. Last year many people missed out on matches because we could not contact them.

For more information or to add your name to the list of participating schools, contact:
Breege O’Brien, Bookmark Project Coordinator, at rahardagh@gmail.com 

International School Library Month (ISLM) is an event  promoted by  the IASL (International Association of School Librarians) www.iasl-online.org/

Middletown Centre For Autism

Date: Monday 17th January 2011
Venue: Dublin West Education Centre

Seminar for Parents & Professionals

Monday 17th Jan 2010 – Parent Training

First Session 10am-12 Noon

Title: Sensory Processing

The course will examine the sensory processing difficulties frequently associated with autistic spectrum disorders, and will demonstrate how these deficits influences play, social interactions, life skills and behaviour in the home and other environments.  Ideas for meeting your child’s sensory needs will be suggested, along with strategies to improve sensory-based behaviours.

Second Session: 1pm-3pm

Title: Promoting positive behaviours

The challenging behaviours, which may be associated with ASD, will  be discussed. This will then be followed by practical examples and strategies for positive behaviour management. 

This training session will provide participants with information on how aspects of ASD can give rise to behaviour that challenges and suggest strategies for the prevention and management of such behaviour.

Twilight Session – Professional Training

Professional Training Session: 5pm-7pm

Title: Promoting Positive Behaviours

Target Audience
Mainstream and ASD Specific Unit Teachers, Learning Support, Resource Teachers and Teachers in Special Schools.

Content

This training will examine how the core features of autistic spectrum disorders can influence the behaviour of children and young people with this diagnosis. Ascertaining the function of challenging behaviour will be highlighted as the starting point of any behaviour support plan and participants will be provided with guidance on how to conduct a functional assessment and how to record incidents of challenging behaviour so that interventions can be effectively targeted.

Learning Outcomes

• Participants will have a greater understanding of how the core difficulties associated with ASD affect the behaviour of children and young people with this diagnosis.
• Participants will gain an understanding of how their own behaviour impacts on the behaviour of the children and young people they work with.
• Participants will become familiar with a range of strategies aimed at supporting children and young people with autism who also display challenging behaviour.

For more information please visit www.middletownautism.com

What is the Irish Primary Physical Education Association

• The Irish Primary Physical Education Association (IPPEA) was founded in 2002 by and for primary teachers who were particularly interested in the subject of Physical Education.
• The association aims to heighten awareness of PE issues in primary schools and to promote physical activity in an educational context.
• The IPPEA liaises with other organisations involved in the promotion of PE.
• The IPPEA website www.irishprimarype.com is regularly updated and contains IPPEA news, PE teaching tips, useful links and PE articles.

Why would I join the IPPEA?

• To be part of an association that represents and supports the needs of primary teachers involved in PE
• To have continued access to up-to-date knowledge in the area of PE
• To benefit from membership entitlements.

What does my membership entitle me to? Your €10 subscription entitles you to….

• Information on upcoming PE events and current events including PE workshops held during the school term.
• Subscription to the IPPEA newsletter/e-flyer which keeps members up to date on the latest issues and developments in PE and related areas. Teaching tips are also included.
• Reduced fee at the annual IPPEA conference.
• It is planned that a “members only” section will be developed on the website with restricted access to teaching tips and resources

Where can I get more information?

For further information or a membership application form, visit our website http://www.irishprimarype.com or contact  Orla Howlin, Membership committee, IPPEA,by email

Download Membership application form