Topic: Space and Aliens
I would begin by using a picture book to capture the children’s imagination (Adam’s Amazing Space Adventure is one that I have used with my class). After this we would have a discussion about the many different aspects of space visited by the characters. We could break into groups and choose different areas to draw and then order these to sequence the story.
After this we would focus on Mars and use some ideas from ‘Mars Space week’. I would firstly get an idea of the children’s prior knowledge of Mars and see what new facts they are interested to learn. Using some different images, we would discuss and see the similarities and differences to Earth. Also important to make a link to Mars by showing some images of it in the night sky and encouraging them to observe it at night. Talk about a Martian and design their own Martian in small groups. Do some simple maths activities with the Martians and see how Martians would exist on Mars. Allow the children to use these figures during Aistear/free play to make sense of their new learning.