Foundations of Language and Literacy · Junior Infants

Active learning ideas

Words Are All Around Us

Active learning is perfect for this topic because young children learn best when writing is connected to meaningful, real-life purposes. When they see words used in play scenarios like a post office or a party planner, they understand that writing is a tool for communication, not just a school task.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Writing
• NCCA: Primary - Language Learning and Communication

• 15–30 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Gallery Walk
• 30 min · Small Groups

Socio-Dramatic Simulation: The Post Office

Set up a classroom post office. Students must write short notes, address envelopes (with drawings or names), and 'post' them to their classmates, who then read the messages during circle time.

Where do you see words in our classroom or on the street outside?

Facilitation Tip

During The Post Office simulation, place sticky note pads, envelopes, and pens in the play area so students naturally incorporate writing into their role-playing.

What to look for

During a classroom walk-through, point to various written items (e.g., a door sign, a name tag, a shopping list, a book title). Ask students: 'What is this trying to tell us?' or 'Why do you think someone wrote this?' Observe their ability to connect the writing to its function.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 25 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Party Planner

In small groups, students plan a pretend class party. They must work together to create a 'To-Do' list and an invitation, discussing what information (like the time or place) is most important to include.

What do you think this sign or label is trying to tell us?

Facilitation Tip

For The Party Planner, provide a large sheet of paper and markers so students can collaboratively create a visual plan with words and pictures before inviting the class to present their ideas.

What to look for

Provide each child with a small piece of paper. Ask them to draw one place in the classroom where they see words and write one word they see there. Collect these to gauge their awareness of print in their environment.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 15 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Sign Makers

Identify a problem in the room (e.g., people tripping over bags). Pairs discuss what kind of sign would help and then create a 'Stop' or 'Look' sign to place in the area.

How do pictures and words work together to give us information?

Facilitation Tip

In Sign Makers, give students blank index cards and chalk to brainstorm signs they see in the classroom or school, focusing on the purpose behind each one.

What to look for

Show students a familiar object with both words and pictures, like a juice box or a simple storybook. Ask: 'How do the pictures help us understand what this is? How do the words help us? What if there were only words or only pictures?' Listen for their explanations of how text and images work together.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should model writing in play areas and narrate the purpose of their writing, such as making a shopping list or writing a thank-you note. Avoid focusing on correct letter formation at this stage; instead, emphasize the function of the writing. Research shows that when children see adults using writing for real purposes, they develop a stronger understanding of its value.

Successful learning looks like students recognizing that writing serves different functions in everyday life. They should confidently use writing in play, explain why they are writing, and understand that the message matters more than perfect spelling or handwriting.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During The Post Office simulation, watch for students who only write in their 'writing books' and ignore the play materials provided.

  Gently guide students to use the envelopes, sticky notes, and pens in the play area by modeling how these materials help them complete their tasks, such as addressing an envelope or writing a postcard.

• During The Party Planner activity, watch for students who believe their writing must be perfect before sharing it with the class.

  Reassure students that the purpose of their writing is to communicate their plans to others. Encourage them to share even if their writing isn’t perfect, and highlight how peers understand their ideas despite any imperfections.

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Methods used in this brief

• Gallery Walk
• Inquiry Circle
• Think-Pair-Share