Farm Safe Schoolers - Module Three

Bubble Two have successfully completed the final module ‘Tractors & Machinery’ of the Farm Safe Schools programme. The topics covered in this module taught the children to recognise and keep away from tractor blind spots. The boys and girls also discovered key tips on how farmers stay safe with vehicles and farm machinery. 

Topic 1 - Stay Safe with Machinery & Vehicles

To begin this module, the children brainstormed seasonal farm activities. Their responses were recorded on the white board as seen in the image below.

Following this brief introduction, the children named the different types of farm machinery and pieces of equipment used to complete each of these farming jobs. The children discussed the purpose of such machines. Ms Martin and Ms Malone were very impressed that the children could list so many pieces of farm machinery and their function on a farm yard. Check out the feedback given by the children pictured below.

The children learned that farmers ought to be responsible and safe when using such machines and vehicles. To consolidate this learning, Room One completed a worksheet based on farm vehicles and machines.

Room Two took part in a game of Bingo which focused on all the farm machinery previously discussed. There was great excitement as Ms Malone called out each machine. Maith sibh! 

Topic 2 & 3 - Tractor Safety & Tractor Safety Checklist

The children learned that tractors are essential for the day to day running of farms. The boys and girls know that they are the most useful machine used by farmers to carry out many daily jobs. Before discussing the safety checks carried out by farmers prior to driving their tractors, the children named several tractor brands as displayed in the image below. Ms Martin and Ms Malone were blown away by the children’s knowledge of various brands.

The children engaged in role plays to dramatise the different safety checks the farmer must do before they start their day’s work on a tractor. The children understand how limited a driver’s vision is on a tractor and know the blind spots on this vehicle. Bubble Two wrote incredible ‘Tractor’ acrostic poems based on this learning. Check them out below!

Bubble Two concluded Topic 3 with a 'Tractors and Machinery' webinar presented by Alma Jordan on Thursday, May 27th. The children's new learning was reinforced by engaging in the interesting webinar and by listening to the story 'The Red Tractor'.

It has been ‘farm’tastic learning about the dangers associated with farming and agriculture and importantly, ways to reduce such risks over the last few weeks. Undoubtedly there are some Farm Safety ambassadors of the future amongst Bubble Two. The teachers and children in Scoil Mhuire hope to achieve the status of becoming a recognised ‘Farm Safe School’ very soon. Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed participating in this wonderful programme.

'Thank You’ Mr Smyth from Room 1

‘Thank You’ Mr Smyth

Ms Martin and the children would like to express their most sincere ‘Thanks’ to Mr Smyth for all his hard work and commitment to teaching such wonderful lessons over the last few weeks. The boys and girls truly appreciate the patience, kindness and help given by him during his time in Room 1. Ms Martin and the class wish Mr Smyth all the very best in the future and hope to see him again soon.

Ice-Cream Party

Both Ms Martin and Mr Smyth have noted the diligence displayed by all the children in recent weeks. As a result of their wonderful efforts, an Ice-Cream party was held yesterday afternoon in the classroom. It was a super ‘cool’ way to celebrate the class receiving all eight petals on their Reward Chart and Mr Smyth’s final day in the school.

Ms Martin, Mr Smyth and all the children had a 'n'ice cream time at this well deserved little party. 

Picker Pals Pea Project

The boys and girls in Seomra a Dó were absolutely thrilled to take part in the 'Picker Pals Pea Project' last week. We used recycled materials and collected yogurt pots in preparation for planting our peas. We used the soil from our plant box, shovels and trowels in order to make a nice bed for our peas. We placed our planted peas on the window sill of our classroom, watered them daily and waited patiently to see if we could see any signs of growth. We began to see excellent progress and each child brought their pot of 'Greenshaft Peas' home to move outdoors. Check out our results so far below! 

Maith sibh Rang a hAon agus a Dó on your great efforts! 😀

 

Star Writers in Room 1

Following Friday’s mini awards ceremony, Ms Martin is thrilled to reveal that each child in 3rd Class is now a pen licence holder. Hip hip hooray!

The newest graduates were presented with certificates and pens this week. Ella, Frankie, Harry, Sinéad and Hugh have worked very hard to perfect their cursive handwriting in recent weeks. Their determination and commitment to presenting outstanding handwriting has blown Ms Martin away. Keep up the star writing!

 Ms Martin, Mrs Ward and all the staff would like to extend their congratulations to the 3rd Class children for achieving this special licence. Maith sibh Rang a Trí!

Farm Safe Schoolers - Module Two

Bubble Two have completed Module Two ‘Animals’ of the Farm Safe Schools programme. This module enabled the children to learn key tips on recognising animal behaviours which could be threatening and how to handle animals with care. To commence such learning, the boys and girls brainstormed animals typically found on a farm. The children provided feedback during a whole class oral discussion and a concept map was recorded on the white board as seen below.

Topic 1 - The Bull

Firstly bulls were examined in detail by the class groups. The children learned that a bull is a territorial animal and guards its area at all times. The boys and girls identified the four typical warning signs of a bull who may charge. They understand the importance of treating bulls with caution and care at all times. To conclude learning about this animal, 2nd and 3rd Class designed Bull Safety warning posters. Check out the children in action and the super signs below!

Topic 2 - Cows and Calves

Secondly the children explored cows and calves. The boys and girls shared their knowledge of various breeds of cattle such as Angus, Charolais, Belgian Blue, Limousin and Friesians. Ms Martin and Ms Malone were so impressed that the children could identify the different breeds of cattle by looking at images. The children were fascinated to discover that cows are considered the most dangerous farm animal when protecting their young. 

Topic 3 - Knowing the Warning Signs

Lastly the boys and girls were introduced to the different signs and physical behaviours to show when animals are placid or agitated during a webinar presented by Alma Jordan on Wednesday, April 14th. The children dramatized the four warning signs of a bull during a role play exercise in Drama. They watched a video clip of a bull showing signs of attack. The boys and girls also learned that farmers ought to be extremely carefully when handling freshly calved cows. The children know utilising calving gates will protect the farmer. 

In 1st and 2nd Class, the children chose their favourite farm animal explored and created superb masks. In 2nd and 3rd Class, the boys and girls designed farm safety signage. Scroll down to view the fantastic work completed by the children.

It has been so enjoyable bringing farm safety into the classroom environment in recent weeks. The children and teachers can’t wait to jump into the learning material of Module Three very soon.