Our teachers are all beavering away meeting together online, working on their blogs, responding to emails and planning for the future. And thinking of you all! 

Are you getting out and about? It can be difficult to stay away from your friends and your relations but why not focus on some gardening over Easter?

Check out the Incredible Edibles website for free resources and gardening tips!

We have been just thrilled to see the work that you boys have been doing at home for the past while. Don't forget to switch off over the Easter break and relax. The teachers will have lots more activities for you to work on and will post them via Aladdin Connect on the 19th April in time for your new routine to kick off on Monday 20th. 

And your parents can email your teacher directly about what is working well for you, and what you are finding difficult. Plus pics of any activities you want to share on the class blog.

Of course lots of the activities you have been doing are just great fun! Lots of you have really enjoyed Science experiments just like these two brothers here. Some of you have enjoyed baking and cooking. And, of course, Art and Music have been popular activities too.

You will need more indoor activities than usual for this Easter. So keep playing away with the activities you enjoy over the Easter break.

Of course the reason for the Easter break is to celebrate Easter! You might like to follow the story of Easter here on youtube  

Don't forget to do a few chores for Mam and Dad every day. Every little helps!

And, most of all-smile whenever you can! You smile brings happiness to everyone!

I can see some of you boys are growing and changing so much in just couple of weeks. Great to hear about the progress you have been making!

​Click on this link for twenty five Easter Craft Ideas! And have lots of fun indoors!

And remember:

Stay Home

         Wash your Hands

                             Keep your Social Distance

And enjoy your Easter Eggs!

Along with sharing some of our families' pics today, we've got a fresh crop of links and ideas to keep you going right through the Easter holidays!

We are definitely living through astonishing times. Huge, huge changes are happening all around us-and to us! If you haven't started already, get your own blog or journal going to record the day to day events.

Or just sign up for the initiative from our local History Society and Millmount Museum!

They would LOVE to get a story, a poem or a drawing from you about what you are doing during this Corona Virus Emergency. Ask your Mam, Dad or guardian to submit it via email-details below!

You could always do a session of birdwatching in your garden. Some of you guys are already keen birders. If you put out a few crumbs or nuts for the birds its amazing to see what birds you can attract. But put the food up high and close enough to a tree or a bush where the birds can shelter. Then you can play this game of Bird Bingo!

​And here's a really popular birder and artist: Don Conroy. He's on TV and also on youtube. And, if you think we've mentioned him before, well, you're right! We really like what this guy does and we think you will too!

Just click on the links below!

https://twitter.com/donconroy/status/1245053911804887043

https://www.virginmediatelevision.ie/player/show/809/171099/0/Ireland-AM

​There's lots of free maths games here
https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/fun-maths-games-activities-for-kids/?fbclid=IwAR196ouIly771nZ5uWohR3s6IRO1jlg9_wH8xcaoYL6O3s-VCHUb8h0l76I

​

​
And David Walliams reads his stories at 11 am every day here.
https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/

​Click on the link below for a raft of free worksheets.

https://www.edhelper.com/teacher-education/Daily-Free-Learning-Workbooks-for-Teachers-to-Share-with-Parents-while-Schools-are-Closed-Kids-will-actually-do-these.htm?fbclid=IwAR3ePchfcNgv0h6v1FkUySDP8_5pAr3Z_74JkE2g_dMs54nTbUV3JJbTncI

These boys are keeping up with their Gaeilge, Music and the fitness through RTE's education hub.  Their Mum joined in the fun too!  We're just waiting for the photo to prove that though! :-)

You don't have to print sheets off either-why not make your own? It's amazing what you can do with a blank sheet of paper! Some GREAT maths practice here!

I havejust got to say... I love this! What a time we're are having now-with a right mix of the good and the bad and the challenging for all. But can also be a great time for family. It's a great time to pull together, get all hands on deck AND create a memento of this time together. 

So, you might like to keep a journal, write a poem or draw a picture to remind you of this unique time in our history. Or just get your paints out and put all hands together. 

Check out our class blogs here everyone! The teachers have been busy getting their blogs set up. You'll be able to send on your pics and your activities to your teacher right away! 

Pics intended for publishing on the blog MUST be sent by parents or guardians.
Your identity or address will not be shared online.

Teachers are also on hand to answer questions or queries via email, tomorrow and after the Easter holidays.

Email Addresses at the end of yesterday's blog post here!

They will upload the next round of suggested activities for their classes on Sunday 19th April via Aladdin Connect so you're all good to get back into your learning routine from Monday 20th April.

THANK YOU! for the great response for pics and project yesterday! 

Here's the news today.....

Great to see you trying different techniques at work and at play....

Cutting, colouring, drawing, reading, digging...

...learning is even better when it's FUN!

Why not Sing Your Tables?

Use whatever books you have in your schoolbag or at home. Or what you can find online...

If you haven't got all of your school books, remember to check out for FREE books online at CJ Fallon and Folens.
Our school roll number is 18762D-you may need it to access some sites.

It is really wonderful to see you following an interest that gives you joy and pleasure. And what better pleasure is there than the taste of home made bread? Hmmmm.... now if only we could convey the aroma on this blog!

But at least we can follow the story! Click on the link above to see some fantastic descriptions and also the science behind this bread making project! 

Weaving Wellbeing has been a wonderful addition to the curriculum in our school. It's great to see you writing about your emotions! And writing your own book is great for your imagination and creativity.

And look at this as a Lego project on Social Distancing? Well done to that football team!

We know you are finding new ways to play on your own. It's kinda sad that we cannot be with our play mates right now. But it's the right thing if we are to help everyone to keep healthy. Thanks guys for the great pics!

The National Educational Psychological Service have developed tips to help parents during this challenging time. The Plan for the Day document and Relaxation Techniques document can be downloaded  here or from the files below.

We have had lots of feedback and encouragement from you parents over the past two weeks via phone and email. It has been a challenging time for all as we try to stay well and also keep up with our good routines.

Our teachers have set up temporary emails for queries about assignments. We have also got class blogs on our school website. The teachers would LOVE to receive photos for those blogs from their class pupils. So send them on to their class email.


Junior Infants  juniorinfantsdonacarney@gmail.com

Senior Infants: Seninfsdonacarney@gmail.com

​First Class: firstclassdonacarney@gmail.com

Second Class: 2nddonacarney@gmail.com

Third Class: 3rdclassdonacarney@gmail.com

Fourth Class: 4thdonacarney@gmail.com

Fifth Class:5thdonacarney@gmail.com

Sixth Class:6thdonacarney@gmail.com

Gliondar Mara:gliondarmara@gmail.com

And, as always, your comments and pics also welcome here officedonacarneyboys@gmail.com

As you know, all of the teachers have added work to Aladdin for everybody. It would really bother us though if you felt you have to do every bit of it. 
​
A lot of you are already in very good routines. We know that from feedback we are getting from parents. 

You have a nice mix of written work, reading, Irish and Maths going. 

Some of you are doing amazing Science experiments. Some of you are writing books. Some of you are working on projects about your favourite teams or players or heroes.

We know this is a very challenging time for all of you. And in a variety of different ways. So we don't want to add to that stress! Just do what works for you and your Mam and Dad.

Your parents are the bosses that you are working for right now!

So....

• Get a good routine going.
• Help your parents with jobs around the house.
• Be kind to your brother/sister -even when they can be annoying!
• Wash your hands properly.
• And don't worry if you cannot get everything done!(Unless it's hand washing of course!)

Get 'school' set up for earlier in the morning. And just get done whatever your parents think you can manage. 

It's not all about books either. This young chap is growing seeds. And he also made this salt dough plaque. You could make one too. Then bake it and paint it. It will remind you of this special time for as long as you keep it! Or could be a nice gift for Mam or Dad!

Baking is a great learning activity. And here's another nice idea: Why not enjoy a Zoom or Facetime lunch with your grandparents?  Or send them a card or a letter or a ring them? 

Can't get out to play with your friends? Set up your bike on blocks and pedal while you keep up your hurling skills!

Or explore history with a visit to Mornington Tower. This is only recommended of course if you live within a two kilometre radius of it. You can check the 2km radius from your home here.

And that marvellous wood work and willow weaving project we saw yesterday? I forgot to mention what it is!  It's a crannóg-an ancient Irish settlement located in a lake which were numerous in Ireland over a thousand years ago.  

​This really can be a special time to work on a project that you will keep forever. Your mam or dad may have time to work on a special project with you. Or they may have no time at all! Please try to understand that if you can!


Very many of our Mams and Dads and families are working in our hospitals and care homes at this time. They are under a lot of pressure. We really appreciate all they are doing for us!

Or you might like to read some of the magazines in this free site.

RTE have started broadcasting their primary school hub every morning at 11 am

But learning through play is something we all can do. Keep it simple-water and a few containers can teach you about capacity. Or about sinking and swimming. Or about using your imagination and creativity.

Great to see your pics here! And to hear how you are getting along in this challenging time. Maybe you are working on a special project that you would like us to see? Or have a story that you have written that you would like to share?

Send it on to officedonacarneyboys@gmail.com

Wow! Some of you boys and your parents are sharing some really great ideas with us for today's blog.

I love this one: two boys tucked up in bed listening to their Granny telling them a story via Facetime! So good for the grandparents to be with their grandchildren in this way. And what could be better than a nice story before you go to bed?

Here's another idea. This chap's mam outlined shapes for him to fill in with paint on his window. It must have kept him busy for hours.

And here's another great idea from another Mam...

Time To Come In Bear: A story about social distancing on youtube

There are some very skillful families in our community who can work a jigsaw and also weave. We will be calling on your skills when the school reopens again! Lovely for your children to watch that handiwork in action-and to enjoy the finished results.

It's also great to see families enjoying boardgames and construction kits together.

And who doesn't love this time to sort out all the things we have been meaning to get to but don't? LIke our great big football card collection! Now is a golden opportunity to sort out those Match Attax or GAA cards!

Or something as simple as a scrap book. Or-if you cannot get to the shops-a few pages stapled together, can be the start of a project for your favourite band or team. Or anything you want.

.And the written work and reading continues. Maybe get that done first before you play with your favourite toys?
Our Teachers have given work in the Aladdin app today for every class. These are suggestions-your parents will decide what works best for you for learning at home. This chap has free worksheets from Twinkl.

Don't forget to keep reading! Roald Dahl is a particular favourite for lots of you and here's a link to some indoor activities from the Roald Dahl website.

Help around the house as much as you can. And take this time too to have fun with your family!

 We know you miss your classmates and play mates. And that birthdays are quieter affairs during these challenging times. But maybe we are learning too that our families are very precious and create some very special memories for our memory box during this unique time.

When all the work is done, get out there, keep your social distance. And keep sharing your great ideas and pics on offficedonacarneyboys@gmail.com

Great to see familiar faces here today and some new ones too!

That was some weekend, wasn't it? Leo fairly took the fun out of it with all the new restrictions imposed on us. 

Still, as your Mam and Dad no doubt have said to you before "It's all for your own good!"

So yes, let's manage to get a good balance of work and exercise and a good routine for the week ahead. And flattening the curve!

Good to see you enjoying the fresh air, and the start of Spring. The outdoors can be a great adventure land. Some of you are lucky enough to live within 2km of the beach. And there are lots of adventures to be had within a 2km radius of every home.

You can have lots of fun with your family and on your own. But remember, you have to stay away from your friends just so we can all help people to stay healthy.

We have LOTS of Mams and Dads working very hard at the frontline for our community: workers in care homes, in hospitals, in the food industry and in other essential services. We are truly grateful for all they are doing right now.

And the best way we can show our appreciation is to obey the rules: keep our social distance, wash our hands properly, stay at home.

You don't have to go far to get exercise either. Go out to the back garden with a ball. Or catch an indoor exercise session with Joe Wicks.

The back garden is a perfect place to be! And these two brothers have the added advantage of having a beehive in their garden. Bees are incredible creatures, This would be a very good time to plant seeds and watch them grow, Or even just encourage a wildlife patch in your garden.

And here we go.... this chap is getting stuck into some gardening. 

Start small. You don't need to go out and buy seeds. You have seeds already at home! You can start an orange or lemon tree off from the pips inside an orange or lemon. That would be a great project for any of you this week.
Or how about planting garlic or pepper in a pot on your kitchen windowsill?

Gardening is a wonderful activity so help out your Mam and Dad to tidy up your garden. Or even watch the weeds grow-remember, the weeds and wildflowers are REALLY important for our bees and for other wildlife.

So, Monday is coming around again and like the boys in the photos here, it's time to get some of your school work out again. Lots of the parents have already downloaded  worksheets from twinkl. That's something your Mam or Dad might like to check out-the School Closure Activity packs on twinkl are free. There are lots of other pages on that website that parents will find useful.

And our teachers have been busy too. If Mam or Dad log on to the Aladdin app from Monday 30th March they'll see lots of suggested assignments and activities for each individual class.

Here's to the routine for the week. It doesn't have to be the same as last week's one. Make out a timetable. Put it up on the fridge where you can see it. Or in your homework journal. Or somewhere you can see it.

And don't forget to add three great rules:

• Wash your hands
• Practise social distancing.
• Stay at Home

I bet all of you are looking forward to the weekend and a break from the week's routine? Right?
You've worked hard this week, setting up a routine, getting a good balance of exercise, and learning in lots of ways.

It's been good to see more of you than ever taking exercise indoors and out.

And to see how creative you have been about your learning.

This Make-a-Book activity is super for anyone of any age.
You could start your own novel. Or a diary about your life?
​Or write something factual-a biography of your favourite musician or actor or sports' star perhaps? 

And lots of you have been practising your maths everyday too. It could be in your school book, in your copy. Or how about using a white board or blackboard if you have one? Or rolling two or three dice to make your own sums?

my.cjfallon.ie/dashboard/student-resources/?levels=0&classes=0&subjects=0&serieses=0&booktitles=0&types%5B0%5D=Book+Sample
​You can get access to free books here from CJ Fallon and also from Folens

I love that these lads are learning new skills AND helping Mam and Dad around the place.

And it's great to see you outdoors with your family. (But don't visit friends for another while please. We really have to get out social distancing right to help save people from getting sick)

Daffodil Day was very quiet this year. But this chap remembered it anyway with his lovely drawing. 


Keep it light for the weekend boys. We've seen lots of you working really well this week.

• Help out at home
• Do at least one kind act every day.
• Wash your hands lots of times.
• And don't forget to practise social distancing....

                                                                                  ....just like County Mayo and the Sam Maguire Cup!

...and here is a very very important message for the Mams and Dads themselves

A lot of you are really setting up some GREAT daily routines.
​

Get up early in the morning, catch some exercise, a good breakfast-yes, maybe even on the beach and then...

...workout with Joe at 9 am!

Of course you don't have to wait for Joe Wicks to get started! You can make up your own exercise regime at home. Yoga, stretches, squats...there's lots you can do to make your body stronger and fitter.

And then....

down to work. You've all got copies in your bags to write in. You can write a story, copy some writing from a book or use your handwriting book to practise writing your letters.

Don't worry about moving on to the next page. Just try to take your time and think about how you're doing it. Your teachers will be delighted to see that you are really making an effort!

And enjoy writing your own story. You can write about what you did today. Or write a letter to your friend. Or look for more ideas here!

Or find some free maths sheets here! (Mam and Dad, you can find the answer sheets here too! Shhhh!!!!)

It's really important to read every day...

Find a book you like-even if you have read it lots of times before. Or listen to your Dad or Mam reading to you. Or read for your younger brother or sister. Or your dog! 

Your Mam or Dad might like to try some Paired Reading with you.

Or you might get a chance to listen to David Waillams reading every day at 11 am.

Read comics, newspapers, the side of the cereal packet, the instructions for following a recipe.

Now is a great time to become a bookworm!

Art is just brilliant for your heart, your soul and your mind! 
Maybe it's time to practise drawing Easter bunnies?

Pick up a new hobby now and you could find a passion that stays with you for life!

 And remember learning happens indoors and out...

Get outside every day-after lunch time might suit your family best. 

It's great to see so many of your hobbies-walking, horse riding, art, gardening and board games are all great for you in so many different ways. And great to see you keeping your social and physical distance! 

                                                  Yes, Learning Can Happy Anywhere!

And, at the end of a long day, if you cannot get out to your favourite restaurant....

Why not have your Italian restaurant come to you?

If you can dream it, you can do it!

Have fun learning all!

Our teachers will send more suggested work assignments via the Aladdin app for the week ahead. You will have them on time to get your Monday morning off to a great start.

Mams and Dads a huge THANK YOU! for all the great pics, and for your feedback on what is working for you. Your photos here are inspiring for all our staff and our school community. And a welcome distraction from other news going on in the world.

I'm delighted to hear how the learning is going, the challenges and joys involved. More pics always welcome too!
officedonacarneyboys@gmail.com

Okay let's talk about the really serious business first, everybody.

In a letter sent to all schools this evening, the General Secretary of the Department of Education stressed the absolute need for all of us to 

 "to practise social and physical distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. This should include advice to avoid meeting up and in all circumstances to adhere to HSE guidelines. As part of your school community, parents and guardians should also be urged to support their children to maintain the restrictions on congregating for the safety of all in their community".

The HSE Covid 19 resources are in different languages-just click on the link below

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/

Our first activity of the day shows this chap making a very healthy fruit smoothie for his breakfast. He's got two messages for us:

• Keep up the healthy diet everyone!
  
• Wash your hands!

And exercise is important too. Remember our Run A Mile footprints in our school yard? Well, I love that this family are keeping that great habit up and running a mile around their green! 

Great going, guys!

Don't forget to write and read every day boys. You'll find lots of ideas for activities at the end of this page.

You also have work assigned from each class teacher in your homework journals. And the good news is all teachers will be sending you on more work via your parents' Aladdin app for next week! 

No pressure for the Mams and Dads though! Just do whatever you can. The boys will learn a lot themselves by following their own interests. Take a look at the photo of the buildings. This boys in sixth class has a big interest in architecture and has been recording information and sketching some famous ones. Great to see!

Writing cards and letter to Granny is a good writing exercise for everyone. Grandparents enjoy it too!

Art is really important for developing creativity, fine motor skills, observation and our appreciation for line, form and colour. The family above are following artist and birding enthusiast Don Conroy on TV for his inspiring art lessons!

Lego and Jigsaws are also GREAT for developing eye hand co-ordination, creativity, and thinking skills. And they're FUN!

Baking is fun too! Or just putting together a snack for you and your family!

Don't forget to get outside! Keep your physical distance. And listen to your Mam and Dad!

They're your very best teachers!

Mams, Dads, Guardians, we love to hear how you are getting on with home learning. And we especially delighted to get pics of the boys. But if they just want to show pictures of a project they are working on, or examples of their writing, maths or art for instance, that's great too!

Contact officedonacarneyboys@gmail.com with your ideas, photos or feedback.

Pic Credits: To our Super Parents and their Families!

Remember the Rules:

Wash Your Hands

Cover your cough or Sneeze

Keep Your Social and Physical Distance

Patricia, Pat, Claire and Brian have been busy inside and outside our school in the past couple of days, keeping it nice and clean for us all on our return but it's a sad place without all our boys, their energy, their enthusiasm and their zest for life. And sadder to think that we might not get back there for another while.

It really does keep us all going to stay in touch and show each other what we've been up to during this strange time.

Don't forget-and especially for those of you who have asked today-there are lots of activities that you can do from our list of resources. Set up a timetable that suits you and your family.  Try to read, write, do maths, Gaeilge, every day. Then make sure you find some learning activity that you really enjoy and get stuck in!

You might need to stick at it for a little while to get better. The more you stick at it, the better you will get! I promise!!

Lots of art and geography going on in this young man's life. You'll see what's inspiring him in another picture further down. I love it!

Excellent writing skills on display here. And such an adorable picture! It's amazing what you can do with one blank sheet of paper! Great work!

This young man is a fan of Harry Potter. He's going to reading the book with his family. And then they're going to watch the movie afterwards.
Nice idea! And good family bonding time too!

This is a perfect time for sowing seeds. And so interesting for all age groups! Maybe keep some plants for our school garden for our return? Brian is sowing potatoes and onions in our garden this week.

And who doesn't love chocolate cookies? Baking involved reading and maths. And the rewards are appreciated by all!

Its always a good idea to get your reading, maths, phonics and writing done early in the morning, before you go outside.

And the learning can continue outside too. Look closely at the writing on these whiteboards-it will give you some ideas for making your own treasure trail for someone in your family.

Ah! I love this! This young man is standing at the estuary. Do you know what the river is? What sea does it run into? And where is that ship coming from? Such a lot of learning on our doorstep in Mornington. We are so lucky!

And here he is again. He's learning a lot about his environment-all while getting some exercise in.

Yes, exercise is important. Get out and get moving as much as you can! But keep your social distance!

And maybe it's time to take up a new hobby!

Don't forget to take regular breaks in between all those learning activities!  
More resources, activities and books available for free in the websites below.

 Maths: https://www.mangahigh.com/en-gb/

Reading: https://www.vooks.com/ 

Reading:https://www.getepic.com/promo

Gaeilige: https://www.cula4.com/en/

Lots of Primary School Resources https://www.scoilnet.ie/

Lots of resources here https://www.twinkl.ie/

​6pm Reading Time here. https://www.oliverjeffers.com/

Free Ukelele Tutorials https://rockjam.ie/


Thanks for all the suggested activities everyone. And the pics! They inspire us all. Please note that I will not post any pics that might identify a child to the broader general public, or their address to anyone. Great to get your feedback and pics on officedonacarneyboys@gmail.com

​