Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
Junior Infants Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE).
The Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum for Junior Infants fosters children's well-being, self-confidence, and sense of belonging. It provides a foundation for developing healthy relationships, personal safety, and an understanding of their role in the wider school and local community.
01Myself: Self-Identity and Feelings
This unit helps children explore their own individuality, physical growth, and emotional awareness. They learn to recognise and express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Children explore their own physical features, names, and what makes them unique. They learn to appreciate their own individuality and build self-confidence.
Children identify and name different parts of the body. They develop an understanding of how their bodies move, grow, and change over time.
Children learn to name and express basic feelings such as happy, sad, angry, and scared. They explore how feelings affect their bodies and how to communicate them safely.
02Myself: Health and Well-being
Children are introduced to the basics of personal care, nutrition, and safety. They learn practical habits to keep their bodies healthy and protected.
Children explore the importance of food for energy and growth. They learn to distinguish between foods that are healthy for everyday eating and those for occasional treats.
Children discuss basic hygiene practices like washing hands and brushing teeth. They also identify ways to stay safe at home, in school, and when crossing the road.
Children recognize the need for a balance between active play and resting. They explore different ways to relax and recharge their bodies and minds.
03Myself and Others: Friends and Family
This unit focuses on the child's relationships with the people closest to them. Children learn about family dynamics, making friends, and resolving simple conflicts.
Children explore the concept of family and recognize that families come in many different forms. They discuss how family members care for and help one another.
Children learn the qualities of a good friend, such as sharing, taking turns, and using kind words. They practice initiating play and including others in their games.
Children explore simple strategies for dealing with disagreements, such as using their words and saying sorry. They learn the importance of forgiveness and making up.
04Myself and the Wider World: Citizenship and Environment
Children are introduced to their role within the school community and the local environment. They learn about cooperation, caring for nature, and basic media awareness.
Children identify the different people who work in the school and how they help the students. They learn about classroom rules, routines, and the importance of cooperation.
Children develop an appreciation for their immediate environment, including the classroom and school yard. They learn basic concepts of tidying up, recycling, and not littering.
Children begin to explore different types of media, such as books, television, and tablets. They discuss how to use screens safely and understand the difference between real and pretend.