We have just opened our new Naionra at our Cornmill creche. The Naionra runs Monday - Friday 9.30 - 12.30.
Enrolements are now taking place for the 2011/2012 Naíonra term in both our Seabrook Manor creche and Cornmill creche. Please pick up an application form and return to guarantee your childs place. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Children will be given the encouragement to learn and improve the Irish language in a natural manner, once the children have begun to feel more comfortable using and understanding the Irish language, the Montessori method will be introduced.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to be introduced to the Irish language and as a result gain a huge advantage going into Primary School.
What is a Naíonra?
The word Naíonra means a place for young children.
The Aims of the Naíonra
The first aim of Naíonra is to aid the development of a young child through means of play and learning. The second aim of a Naíonra is to give a child the encouragement to learn and improve the Irish language in a natural manner. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to be introduced to the Irish language and as a result gain a huge advantage going into primary school.
The method
"Tumoideachas" means immersed education. This method involves the teachers speaking to the children only in Irish. The teachers help the children to understand by using gestures, signals or picture but they don’t converse with them in English. When a child asks a question in English, the teacher understands the question but always responds in Irish. Hearing the language spoken around them allows the children to learn words and phrases in a carefree manner.
The Naíonra Year
The Stiúrthóir bases the first few months on developing the children’s vocabulary in the Irish language, once the children have begun to feel more comfortable using and understanding the language, the Montessori method is then gradually introduced.
The Classroom
The Naíonra classroom is laid out in 7 sections, 6 indoors and 1 outdoor. These 7 sections are designed to encourage dialogue between the child and the teacher. Each section allows the teacher to introduce new vocabulary to the child in a fun manner.
These 7 sections are:
1. "An Cúinne Baile" – the home corner/area, to introduce vocabulary in food, clothing etc.
2. "An Cúinne Ealaíne" – the art corner/area, to introduce colours.
3. "An Cúinne Ciúin" – the library corner/area, to aid comprehension of the language.
4. "An Cúinne Gainimh agus Uisce" – the sand and water corner/area, to introduce language through texture.
5. "An Cúinne Dúlra" – the nature corner/area, to introduce plants and animals.
6. "An Cúinne Ceoil agus Fuaim" – the music and sound corner/area, to aid vocabulary through music.
7. "Spás Lasmuigh" – the space outside, to aid vocabulary through play and nature.
