The Army!!!

Last week I went to the army on work experience in the Curragh, and I was so nervous...

That was until I arrived. I couldn't believe how nice everyone in the army was to us. 

There were 40 TY's including me, so we had a big group which, in my opinion was a good thing.

The briefings we got on all of the different corps and areas of the army were very interesting. 

We visited the MP (Military Police),  Medics, Engineers, CSSC (Combat Support Services College) and the Artillery corp just to name a few. 

We met soldiers that had returned from oversees missions in places like Chad and Lebanon. We heard first hand, what it was like to be oversees, which I realise is not something everyone gets to do. We also spoke with soldiers preparing to go oversees. They all seemed very excited to go. 

We met some Cadets which I found really interesting. They told us what becoming and being a Cadet involved. A lot. 

Going into the Army on Work Experience, I was armed only with what I had learnt from watching action movies. I have honestly learnt so much over my week that I never thought I'd get the opportunity to find out about. I also now feel that I am up to date on most of my abbreviations!

I'd like to thank The Irish Defence Forces for having me, Its truly been a week I'll never forget! 

 

picture source

:)

xx

Montessori Time

Two months ago, I went to a Montessori school on my work experience. To say I had a lot of fun would be an understatement. I absolutely loved it!
Montessori teaching focuses on helping the child to develop in a natural way to their full potential.
Here is a link to a Montessori website that explains it's methods in a lot more detail.
My days were short but very busy. From circle time, french time, work time and snack time , it's safe to say there was never a dull moment.
The children, who were aged from 2-4years were always trying out something new.
I loved talking to them, listening to all their news and helping them if they needed it. My week flew by way to fast and I was heartbroken when the children gave me hugs on my last day to say goodbye.
It is defiantly a work experience placement that I would recommend to anyone and I would defiantly consider a future career in. Thank you so much to la petit ecole for having me.  
thanks,
bye,
:)
xx

Work Experience in a Primary School!!

On Monday the 14th of November, my work experience in Scoil Bhríde primary school begun. It was absolutely brilliant! Here is a brief outline of what I did each day....

Monday 14th

I was so nervous starting! I spoke with the principal in the morning who told me to go to room 3 (junior infants). I mostly just watched what was happening and helped out with zipping up coats, opening lunchboxes, yoghurt's, drinks and cheese-strings and giving out books. By the end of the day I had relaxed a bit so I really started to enjoy it!

Tuesday 15th

By Tuesday morning the nerves had turned to excitement and, for once, had no problem getting up when my alarm clock went off. I laminated pictures, cut out masks and did most of the things I did the day before. I slowly begun to learn their names (and not just because they were written on their tables!) It was so much fun, by day two I was sure primary teaching was the career for me! We had a fire drill which the juniors were very excited about! It was their first in the school so the teacher was worried in case they would think it was a real one but they all loved it and wanted to know when the next 'emergency' would be!

Wednesday 16th 

On Wednesday, we had P.E. It was great! We played with bean bags and hoops. It was so much fun! Other than that I corrected copies on top of my usual routine. I knew all their names by the end of the day :)

Thursday 17th 

On Thursday, I went into the other junior infants class. Again the day flew by too quickly! The difference between the two classes was surprising, one was a lot more boisterous than the other but not in a bad way. I loved them both! Thursday evening I came to the shocking realisation that I only had 1 day left :(

Friday 18th 

Friday I was with both classes. And as usual before I knew it the day was over. It was so sad leaving them all. You get very attached to them! The teacher explained the paper work side of the job to me and I asked her so many questions that anyone would have gotten annoyed, but she didn't. She's very patient! 

After reading this, I realise I really didn't do it enough justice! Everyone in Scoil Bhríde was so kind and welcoming to me. I now defiantly want to be a primary school teacher and I am so grateful to Scoil Bhríde for having me. Its a brilliant school and I had an amazing time! I wish I could have stayed longer! It was actually so much better than how I have described it but I'm afraid I just can't put it into words!