Senior Infants/First Class Split

Orlaporla

Hi,

today we were given our class options for the next school year. (Early I know)
We currently have a straight juniors, straight seniors and a juniors seniors mix of 16 juniors and 6 seniors.
My principal is considering the option of mixing the three classes and have three Seniors/First splits for September. The other option is to let them go on as they are but with this option I would be responsible for teaching maths and english to all first class (34 children).

Just wondering if anyone has had this split, and how they felt it worked. It's an awkward one as the first class are have a longer day.

byhookorbycrook

Senior infants and first aren't a natural mix, senior infants and juniors /first and second, would be better. Maths and Literacy to 34 is quite a lot, especially if there are extra needs like EAL and special needs in the group.

Merak

I taught this split for several years. It's not an ideal mix but sometimes you have no choice. I found that it was similar to any multiclass situation, the younger group learn from the older and are probably stretched a little and the older group get a little extra revision of some of the basic skills. As for the extra hour it was great for doing work with first that you wouldn't do with seniors - tables, tin whistle etc.

Orlaporla

Thank you. That's slightly reassuring. My principal has more or less left it up to me to decide what to do, in consultation with the children's current teacher. I just want to get as much information as I can before making a decision.
The teachers have said that they think that they'd be fine to go on as they are but the principal has stated that it would not be fair for the 6 children that would stay in the split. She has suggested that a different 6 be put in each year if we proceed as they are. Obviously this would change the dynamic of the class year on year.

It's a difficult situation and obviously what ever is decided I want to put the best interests of the children first.

rozo714

Hi, just joining post. I have just been notified by my principal that I will have this class group of Senior Infants and First as we have lost a teacher. I have taught 6th Class for 5 years. I am lost!Is there any chance anyone would send me on their Senior Infants and First Class plans. I will send you back any 6th Class plans or plans for Second/Third Class. I would be very grateful.

ShamoBuc

rozo714 wrote: »

Hi, just joining post. I have just been notified by my principal that I will have this class group of Senior Infants and First as we have lost a teacher. I have taught 6th Class for 5 years. I am lost!Is there any chance anyone would send me on their Senior Infants and First Class plans. I will send you back any 6th Class plans or plans for Second/Third Class. I would be very grateful.

Why not get a hold of the schools plans that they had last year for Sen Inf and first?

rozo714

Thanks for reply,
Sadly the teacher who had this class before is the teacher who was let go. Thanks for advice though