Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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).
Who helps us in our school?
Activity 02
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.
Why do we have classroom rules?
Activity 03
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.
How can I help keep our classroom tidy?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The teacher is the only person who makes the rules.
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.
The school just 'stays clean' by itself.
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.
Methods used in this brief
Caring for Our Environment
Learning about the importance of looking after the local environment. Exploring simple ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
8 methodologies
Media Awareness
Beginning to explore the role of media and technology in daily life. Differentiating between real life and what is seen on screens.
8 methodologies