I plan to use the planet’s activities in my classroom next year. I work with a child who has ASD and one of his interests is the planets. While I have taught the planets before. I have learnt so much during this module that would enhance and improve my teaching and the children’s learning.
The Plants is a great topic for stimulating STEAM teaching and learning in the curriculum. I really enjoyed the planet’s song from youtube and I think the children I work with would really enjoy it too. It also supports different types of learners and children who are more auditory learners.
I would use this one with older children from second class
I think this one is more suitable for infants
I employ KWL (Know, Want to know, Learned) charts with students at the start and conclusion of a topic. This approach allows me to assess their existing knowledge, identify misconceptions, and discover their genuine interests. Additionally, it serves as a valuable assessment tool to track their progress and guide my planning.”
I would ask the children to work in groups with a picture of the solar system to talk and discuss some of the following questions depending on their age and ability/level of understanding
What is the name of the planet we live on?
Do you think that we are the only planet?
What are the names of any other planets you know?
If you discovered a planet what would you name it?
What do you think a planet needs to have for humans to live on it?
Why do you think each of the other planets are not as good as earth for living on ? (Make a list for each planet)
If you have to live on another planet which one would it be and why (give at least two reasons)?
In the past, I’ve achieved great results by creating models of planets with children in first and second class. I organise the children into groups, assigning each group a specific planet. Providing them with pictures and relevant details, I guide them in using balloons or sphere-shaped styrofoam (which can be obtained from Mr. Price) and Papier Mache to construct their planets. They then get creative, using various materials like plastic, marla, paint, fabric, and recycled items to craft the planet’s surface. Once each group completes their model, I hang them from the ceiling, ensuring they’re arranged in order and measuring the distance between each one.
To finish off the topic of the planets I would go back to the questions we had at the start of the topic and complete the KWL chart section ‘what I have learnt’.
Some of the support materials and videos on youtube could be watched during wet play days to enhance the children’s understanding and interest in the planets.