My Body
Children identify and name different parts of the body. They develop an understanding of how their bodies move, grow, and change over time.
TL;DR:Understanding the body is a core component of the 'Taking care of my body' strand in the NCCA curriculum. At the Junior Infant level, the focus is on naming external body parts and recognizing the amazing ways the body can move and grow. This builds the foundation for future lessons on hygiene, safety, and physical health.
About This Topic
Understanding the body is a core component of the 'Taking care of my body' strand in the NCCA curriculum. At the Junior Infant level, the focus is on naming external body parts and recognizing the amazing ways the body can move and grow. This builds the foundation for future lessons on hygiene, safety, and physical health.
Students also reflect on their own growth since they were infants, helping them grasp the concept of change over time. This topic is highly physical and benefits from movement-based activities. Students grasp this concept faster through structured movement games and physical modeling of body functions.
Key Questions
- What are the names of my body parts?
- How can my body move in different ways?
- How have I grown since I was a baby?
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionChildren often think that growth happens all at once, like a birthday present.
What to Teach Instead
Explain that growth is a slow, continuous process. Using a height chart over several months allows students to see the gradual change, making the concept more tangible through observation.
Common MisconceptionStudents might only name 'main' parts like arms and legs, ignoring joints.
What to Teach Instead
Use movement games like 'Simon Says' focusing specifically on joints like wrists, ankles, and necks. Physical modeling helps them realize how these parts allow for complex movement.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Simulation Game
The Growth Timeline
Students use items like baby clothes, toddler shoes, and their current school jumpers to simulate the stages of growth. They work in groups to sequence the items from smallest to largest.
Stations Rotation
Movement Lab
Set up stations where children test what different body parts can do: a balance station for legs, a fine motor station for fingers, and a stretching station for the whole body.
Inquiry Circle
Body Outlines
In pairs, one child lies on a large sheet of paper while the other traces their outline (with teacher help). They then work together to label or draw in parts like knees, elbows, and shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I teach body parts respectfully in a diverse classroom?
What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching body awareness?
How can I involve parents in the 'Growing and Changing' unit?
Is it too early to talk about internal organs?
More in Myself: Self-Identity and Feelings
Who Am I?
Children explore their own physical features, names, and what makes them unique. They learn to appreciate their own individuality and build self-confidence.
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My Feelings
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.
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