Active learning ideas
Media awareness is an increasingly important part of the 'Media education' strand. For Junior Infants, the focus is on identifying different types of media and beginning to distinguish between 'real' and 'pretend.' This helps children navigate the stories they see in books, on TV, and on tablets.
Activity 01
Children look at a series of images (e.g., a real dog vs. a cartoon dog, a real car vs. a flying car). In small groups, they sort them into 'Could happen' and 'Only in stories' piles.
What are our favourite stories or television shows?
Activity 02
Children think of one thing they love to do that doesn't use a screen. They share it with a partner and draw a picture of themselves doing that activity to create a 'Screen-Free Ideas' wall.
How long should we look at screens each day?
Activity 03
The teacher displays different media items (a book, a tablet, a newspaper, a radio). Children walk around and place a 'happy face' sticker on the ones they use at home.
How do we know if a story is real or pretend?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Children often believe that everything they see on a screen is 'real.'
The 'Real vs. Pretend' sorting activity is crucial. Comparing a video of a real animal to a cartoon version helps them identify the visual cues of 'pretend' media through peer discussion.
Students may think that 'media' only means television or tablets.
Use a Gallery Walk to show that books, posters, and even the radio are media. This broadens their understanding of how we get information and stories.
Methods used in this brief
My School Community
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.
8 methodologies
Caring for my Environment
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.
8 methodologies