Just to start, I want to say - I am not an expert, nor do I claim to be! All information is either from personal experience or research, or a combination of the two.
So, with that out of the way, I’m here to discuss the ‘DREADED DIP’!! It’s like the title of a horror film! And like some films, it can be broken up into a few parts – I’m thinking Hunger Games! So this will be broken into a couple of posts. So here’s the first post of a few :)
So, with that out of the way, I’m here to discuss the ‘DREADED DIP’!! It’s like the title of a horror film! And like some films, it can be broken up into a few parts – I’m thinking Hunger Games! So this will be broken into a couple of posts. So here’s the first post of a few :)
By the way, the title is slightly tongue in cheek - while we dread the dip, in reality, it's not half as scary!!! Yes. It is a difficult time. But, there are lots of ways to make things easier for yourself, and hopefully, this blog post can help you out!
Part One:
If you are lucky enough to be in the position to do your dip this year, have no fear! Thousands have done it before you, and thousands will do it in the future. There are people who would kill to be in your position. But have faith - you will get through it, and I have some tips to help you and to stop you from pulling your hair out!!!
Firstly, you need to make sure you are eligible to do the dip. You must have a mainstream class, a special class or full resource hours. You need to have 100 consecutive days in this position, or two blocks of 50 consecutive days in order to fullfil the requirements. Remember, if you are ‘dipped’ in a resource position or special school, you will not have full recognition with the Teaching Council of Ireland – you will have restricted recognition, and will need to complete another 50 days in a mainstream setting in order to be fully recognised. You also need to complete the NIPT (National Induction Programme for Teachers) – a series of workshops to help NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers) who are completing their dip.
Once you are eligible to do the dip, your next port of call is Limerick Education Centre. They usually open probation applications early September. So this means you do have the first week or two in September to find your feet and figure some things out. Keep an eye on their website, and apply as soon as you can and find out who your inspector is and get their contact details. Here’s a link to where to apply for the dip: http://www.lec.ie/op1-application-form.html
Before you start:
Prepare yourself mentally
Take a couple of days this week to chill out and enjoy the rest of the holidays. Go out for lunch, stroll on the beach, meet up with friends, go see a film, whatever it is you do to relax. Try get yourself back into your school routine by getting up at normal hours and going to bed reasonably early. You'll find it easier to settle back in if you do this.
See what you have for your class level
I know over my years in college and my first two years teaching, I accumulated so many resources, posters, books, games, activities, etc. (My Mam was delighted when I got the chance to move out of home and clear out the spare room and the attic!!!) So many of us have loads of teaching resources piled into boxes and bags, so root them out and figure out anything you might use. I had a box of sample teacher books for my class level (3rd class) that I had gotten from publishers and bought myself, and so many other bits and bobs that I could use throughout the year. Then, and only then, go and do some shopping!
Part One:
If you are lucky enough to be in the position to do your dip this year, have no fear! Thousands have done it before you, and thousands will do it in the future. There are people who would kill to be in your position. But have faith - you will get through it, and I have some tips to help you and to stop you from pulling your hair out!!!
Firstly, you need to make sure you are eligible to do the dip. You must have a mainstream class, a special class or full resource hours. You need to have 100 consecutive days in this position, or two blocks of 50 consecutive days in order to fullfil the requirements. Remember, if you are ‘dipped’ in a resource position or special school, you will not have full recognition with the Teaching Council of Ireland – you will have restricted recognition, and will need to complete another 50 days in a mainstream setting in order to be fully recognised. You also need to complete the NIPT (National Induction Programme for Teachers) – a series of workshops to help NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers) who are completing their dip.
Once you are eligible to do the dip, your next port of call is Limerick Education Centre. They usually open probation applications early September. So this means you do have the first week or two in September to find your feet and figure some things out. Keep an eye on their website, and apply as soon as you can and find out who your inspector is and get their contact details. Here’s a link to where to apply for the dip: http://www.lec.ie/op1-application-form.html
Before you start:
Prepare yourself mentally
Take a couple of days this week to chill out and enjoy the rest of the holidays. Go out for lunch, stroll on the beach, meet up with friends, go see a film, whatever it is you do to relax. Try get yourself back into your school routine by getting up at normal hours and going to bed reasonably early. You'll find it easier to settle back in if you do this.
See what you have for your class level
I know over my years in college and my first two years teaching, I accumulated so many resources, posters, books, games, activities, etc. (My Mam was delighted when I got the chance to move out of home and clear out the spare room and the attic!!!) So many of us have loads of teaching resources piled into boxes and bags, so root them out and figure out anything you might use. I had a box of sample teacher books for my class level (3rd class) that I had gotten from publishers and bought myself, and so many other bits and bobs that I could use throughout the year. Then, and only then, go and do some shopping!
Shopping:
This is the fun part!!! I went completely over-board, and that’s totally OK. It was my dip, I was anxious, I was excited, and it helped to prepare me and keep the nerves at bay! You don’t need to go spending your own money, but I know most people will. I’ve posted previously about getting your classroom ready for September here – so take a look!
When shopping, I got myself some storage boxes, tubs and baskets to help with classroom management. I also got some pencils, rubbers, colours, some art supplies, stationery, poster paper, cute labels, backing paper, borders, some curricular area posters (Maths and SESE mainly) I got these in a few different shops – Tiger, Dealz, Michael Doherty School Supplies, ABC School Supplies, Stakelum’s Office Supplies Thurles, and some other local shops. I also got hold of some other activity books I found useful during the year, such as Cloze Procedure books from PrimEd and Table Toppers from CJ Fallon.
And then…… I went to IKEA!!!!! If you haven’t been, then you’re missing out. This was my favourite part. I love IKEA, so getting things for my classroom and my dip was just the best! There’s so many options in IKEA to make your classroom pretty and functional. As I’ve said already, you don’t NEED to buy anything, but this is something that I really enjoyed and found brilliant for keeping my emotions in check (excitement and nerves!)
This is the fun part!!! I went completely over-board, and that’s totally OK. It was my dip, I was anxious, I was excited, and it helped to prepare me and keep the nerves at bay! You don’t need to go spending your own money, but I know most people will. I’ve posted previously about getting your classroom ready for September here – so take a look!
When shopping, I got myself some storage boxes, tubs and baskets to help with classroom management. I also got some pencils, rubbers, colours, some art supplies, stationery, poster paper, cute labels, backing paper, borders, some curricular area posters (Maths and SESE mainly) I got these in a few different shops – Tiger, Dealz, Michael Doherty School Supplies, ABC School Supplies, Stakelum’s Office Supplies Thurles, and some other local shops. I also got hold of some other activity books I found useful during the year, such as Cloze Procedure books from PrimEd and Table Toppers from CJ Fallon.
And then…… I went to IKEA!!!!! If you haven’t been, then you’re missing out. This was my favourite part. I love IKEA, so getting things for my classroom and my dip was just the best! There’s so many options in IKEA to make your classroom pretty and functional. As I’ve said already, you don’t NEED to buy anything, but this is something that I really enjoyed and found brilliant for keeping my emotions in check (excitement and nerves!)
I love this post from the Teacher’s Pet Blog:
http://blog.tpet.co.uk/posts/christina/my-september-classroom-with-a-little-help-from-ikea/
As I've said before, you do not NEED to buy anything for your classroom, but if you'd like to, I hope you get some inspiration!
When I had everything organised (all my bits from home and my bits I had bought), I then transported everything into my classroom and got some things set up. You can see another post on setting up your classroom down further in the blog posts - called 'Back to School Essentials' :)
So, that’s the first of my series of posts on the ‘Dreaded Dip’. Next up, I’ll tackle the prospect of planning and preparation.