Up and Away - National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

58
✓
✓
✓
My First English Book
Very young learners
My First English Book is specifically intended for children entering Junior or Senior Infants. However,
teachers have used it selectively for pupils entering higher classes in primary school with zero English.
The content and format of the book was informed by many teachers working in schools throughout
Ireland. The principles underlying the approach are those of the New Primary Curriculum particularly in
involving pupils in the learning process and developing awareness of self-assessment and self-monitoring.
Features of the book
All vocabulary is based on eight thematic areas of the primary curriculum.
The activities are intended to support the development of oracy through point and say, talking about
different topics, talking and colouring, drawing pictures and explaining, and basic numeracy.
A few activities may be used for early writing.
All instructions and prompts are intended to provide teacher support as there is no expectation that
children will be able to read them.
Ladders, which summarize and illustrate a pupil’s early progress, should be mediated by the teacher.
The ladders are intended to motivate pupils but also provide a means of showing colleagues and
parents how the child’s English language proficiency is developing.
! Points to remember!
The printed prompts show how a theme may be developed by the use of games, nursery thymes,
familiar stories, etc.
Rhythmic and clapping rhymes are an excellent way for children to develop the pace and rhythm
of language.
Repetition and familiarity help to build confidence.
The themes of My First English Book:
Myself
My family
Colours and shapes
Our school
Clothes
Food
Seasons and festivals
Animals