Launch of An Traein: a booklet about the transfer of children moving from the naíonra to an Irish medium primary school
September 16, 2011
Since 2009, Forbairt Naíonraí Teo. and Gaelscoileanna Teo. have been working on a research project regarding the transfer from naíonra to gaelscoil, funded by Foras na Gaeilge and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The result of that research, carried out by Dr. Máire Mhic Mhathúna, Dublin Institute of Technology, is the booklet An Traein as well as a background paper. This booklet contains advice and information for teachers and naíonra leaders and it will be launched in Áras Fhoras na Gaeilge, Dublin 2, Tuesday next, 20 September at 15.00.
A good transfer from naíonra to primary school has a long term effect on the learning capacity of children throughout primary school as a whole. The aim of the booklet, An Traein, is to help naíonra leaders, gaelscoil teachers, and through them, to help children and parents/guardians to facilitate an easy, calm, happy transfer from naíonra to gaelscoil.
Discussed are the main changes in the physical environment, social changes, changes in the sense of identity and the educational changes which children deal with when moving from naíonra/preschool to primary school. An account is given on the specific characteristics related to early-immersion education and language issues in the naíonraí and gaelscoileanna. The work of the naíonra and play as a method of learning for young children is also reviewed.
According to Máire Uí Bhriain, Chairperson of Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta, “the developmental stage between the ages of 0-6 years is highly important in the life of the child. This period spans the time children spend in naíonraí and in infant classes in primary school. This new booklet will be of great help for the two levels and we hope that it will benefit the children.”
Referring to the booklet, Mícheál Ó Broin, President of Gaelscoileanna Teo. said, “The similarity is becoming more apparent regarding the working methods in infant classes and the naíonra. This is shown in the curriculum frame-work for early years, Aistear, and in the curriculum for infants in primary school. The background paper that is available for this booklet illustrates this similarity, as well as looking at the national standards frame-work which relate to high standards in early years care and education, Síolta, standards which directly refer to the transfer from preschool to primary school. The availability to schools and naíonraí of this kind of booklet is innovative and we are looking forward to seeing the results in the coming years.”
To get the utmost benefit from this research, the two organisations hope to begin a pilot scheme during 2012 to ensure good practice based on results and evidence. The scheme will be a huge help to naíonraí and gaelscoileanna in the future, in identifying the best and most useful practice, and in ensuring the most effective and easiest implementation for children.
GAELSCOILEANNA TEO. is the national coordinating body for Irish-medium schools at primary and post-primary level. It provides assistance and support to parents and local communities who wish to found a school and it supports existing Irish-medium schools in their development. More information about the organisation is available at www.gaelscoileanna.ie
Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta is an all-Ireland voluntary organisation that supports the promotion of care and education services through Irish, for children from an early age. Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta provides support for the establishment, development and administration of the following services through Irish: naíolanna, naíonraí, school age services, summer camps and parent/guardian and toddler groups. For further information visit www.naionrai.ie.
FNT is grant aided by Foras na Gaeilge and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Further Information:
Forbairt Naíonraí Teoranta
Clíona Frost 086-0403709
Gaelscoileanna Teo.
Nóra Ní Loingsigh 01-8535191/ 087-6737560
