Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · Senior Infants · Myself and the Wider World: Developing Citizenship · 4.º Período

My School Community

Recognizing the different people who work in the school and how they help. Understanding classroom rules and responsibilities.

TL;DR:My School Community introduces Senior Infants to the 'Developing citizenship' strand of the SPHE curriculum. This topic helps children understand the wider network of people who make their school function, from the principal and secretary to the caretaker and cleaners. It also focuses on the child's own role within this community, including following classroom rules and taking responsibility for their environment.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• SPHE Strand: Myself and the wider world - Developing citizenship (My school community)
• SPHE Strand: Myself and the wider world - Developing citizenship (Local and wider communities)

About This Topic

My School Community introduces Senior Infants to the 'Developing citizenship' strand of the SPHE curriculum. This topic helps children understand the wider network of people who make their school function, from the principal and secretary to the caretaker and cleaners. It also focuses on the child's own role within this community, including following classroom rules and taking responsibility for their environment.

In Ireland, schools are often the heart of the local community. Teaching children to appreciate the roles of others fosters a sense of respect and gratitude. This topic comes alive when students can go on a 'fact-finding' mission around the school, interviewing staff and seeing the school from a new perspective through collaborative investigation.

Key Questions

1. Who helps us in our school?
2. Why do we have classroom rules?
3. How can I help keep our classroom tidy?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The teacher is the only person who makes the rules.

What to Teach Instead

Children often see rules as top-down. Engaging them in a collaborative process to create 'Our Class Promise' helps them see that rules are a shared agreement to keep everyone safe and happy.

Common Misconception

The school just 'stays clean' by itself.

What to Teach Instead

Students may not notice the work of the caretaker or cleaners. A 'behind the scenes' tour or interview helps them realize the effort required to maintain their school community.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

School Helpers Scavenger Hunt

In small groups, students walk through the school to find and 'check off' different people (e.g., the person who helps us if we are sick, the person who keeps the school clean).

30 min·Small Groups

Role Play

The Classroom Manager

Students take turns being the 'manager' for different jobs (lining up, tidying books, checking lights). They practice giving kind instructions and helping their peers follow the rules.

15 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

Our Dream Classroom

Students draw one way they can help their school community. They display these drawings and walk around to see all the different ways the class is working together to be good citizens.

20 min·Whole Class

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make classroom rules feel more democratic for infants?

Instead of a list of 'don'ts,' work together to create a list of 'dos.' Use active discussion to ask, 'What do we need to do so everyone can learn?' and let them vote on the most important ones.

What are the NCCA citizenship goals for Senior Infants?

The goals include becoming familiar with the school environment, identifying the people who work there, and developing a sense of belonging and responsibility within the classroom.

How can active learning help students understand their school community?

Active learning, like a school scavenger hunt or interviewing staff, takes the school out of the abstract and into the real world. When students physically meet the people who help them, their sense of connection and responsibility to the community grows significantly.

How can I involve the local community in this topic?

Invite a local 'helper' (like a librarian or a lollipop person) to visit the class. Have the students prepare questions in advance through a think-pair-share session.