Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
4th Class Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE).
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) for 4th Class supports the personal development, health, and well-being of the child. It fosters self-worth, resilience, and a sense of belonging in the wider community, aligning with the Irish Primary School Curriculum.
01Myself: Self-Identity and Well-being
This unit focuses on developing self-awareness, understanding emotions, and learning how to take care of personal health and safety.
Children explore a range of emotions and learn healthy ways to express them. They identify how feelings influence behavior and decision-making.
Students investigate the importance of personal hygiene, sleep, and physical care. They understand how daily habits contribute to overall health.
This topic covers recognizing unsafe situations and knowing how to seek help. Children learn about boundaries and the rules for staying safe online and offline.
02Myself and Others: Building Relationships
Students explore the dynamics of friendship, effective communication, and strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully.
Students examine the qualities of a good friend and the importance of including others. They explore how to build and maintain positive relationships.
Children practice active listening and expressing themselves clearly and respectfully. They learn how body language and tone of voice impact communication.
This topic addresses strategies for resolving disagreements peacefully and recognizing bullying behavior. Students learn how to be an upstander rather than a bystander.
03Myself and the Wider World: Active Citizenship
This unit introduces students to their roles within the local community, environmental stewardship, and media literacy.
Students explore the different groups and organizations that make up their local community. They discuss the roles and responsibilities of community members.
Children investigate environmental issues and learn how their actions impact the planet. They explore practical ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle at home and school.
This topic introduces media literacy, helping students understand the purpose of advertising. They learn to critically evaluate the messages they see in various media.
04Health and Well-being: Making Choices
Students learn about nutrition, the importance of physical activity, and how to make independent, healthy decisions.
Students learn about the food pyramid and the importance of a balanced diet. They explore how different foods provide energy and nutrients for growth.
Children discuss the physical and mental benefits of regular physical activity. They identify different ways to stay active in their daily lives.
This topic focuses on the decision-making process and understanding peer pressure. Students practice making independent, healthy choices in various scenarios.