Unfortunately, because of Covid restrictions this year, we haven't been able to get an official class photo taken. So here are our 'amateur' attempts of creating a class photo! It was a bit tricky to get everyone looking at the camera at once, and with all eyes open. But we took a few photos so you can pick your favourite!

Aistear Stations:
Searching for minibeasts in compost
Making minibeasts from playdough
Minibeast Investigation Laboratory role play
Programming bees to pollinate a flower (or just beebot dancing!)
​Constructing habitats from lego

On 1st March, after several weeks of remote learning, we welcomed all the children from Senior Infants Red back to the classroom. It was so nice to see all the happy, smiling faces and we were excited to learn about a brand new topic in Aistear: Space! Here are a few photos of their first week back.

To infinity and beyond!

Our Aistear role play area was transformed into an International Space Station, a Lunar Module and a NASA control panel. Here, the children launched astronauts into space, by communicating with each other from the different zones. Some even encountered aliens and asteroids along the way!

Beebots:
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Beebots support children in learning computing skills and applying computational thinking. Here, the children sent their "spacebots" to different planets and stars. Some of creatures even danced along the Milky Way!

Construction:

Construction requires a lot of teamwork, compromising and problem solving. This is where our engineers build rockets, space stations and... Mandalorians!

The Sand Area:

In the sand area, the children explored different planets using their space rovers and collected sand and rock samples. 

Art:

Here, the children turned themselves into astronauts for our wonderful display!

Science (forces):

Making a balloon rocket: Using a balloon, a straw and some thread, the children made predictions about what might happen and then observed the balloon rocket blast off! What made the rocket move?

Taking advantage of outdoor learning during Covid times, Senior Infants Red really challenged themselves and worked with their partner to work out the answers on the Maths Trail. 

The children have been learning about and observing the life cycle of a frog: From frog spawn, to tadpoles, to frogs!

Well done to Senior Infants Red. What an amazing performance, they've done themselves very proud!

Season's Greetings from Esker Staff Band!

Senior Infants might be having lots of fun playing with Beebots, but they are actually learning the very basics of computer programming. Beebots provide a great starting point for coding, while also learning control, directional language and even number formation!

Whats happens to the balloon when you mix vinegar and bicarbonate soda together inside the bottle? Let's find out...

Throughout October, Senior Infants played as customers, veterinary surgeons and nurses; taking care of animals by conducting x-rays, providing vaccinations and bandages and constructing animal crates.

This was our last week learning about the farm in Aistear. Next week's Aistear topic is the Vet!

Assemblies may be a little different this year, but every bit as enjoyable to be greeted by Colette, Gemma and Catherine on Friday mornings!

Senior Infants Red took a well-deserved brain break after some hard work during literacy.

The children used playdough to practise number formation. Great work!

Senior Infants worked in their pods as builders, shopkeepers and farmers. They learned about farm life through play and exploration.