Module 2 assignment: the planets
To begin this topic (aimed at Second Class), I would probably begin this topic with a whole class discussion. Building on the idea of discussing Earth as a planet, I would also present the children with named pictures of the planets and ask them to share any knowledge that they might already have about the individual planets. Something that worked well the last time I covered this topic was allowing the children to note down the facts that they found interesting in their SESE copies. This time I would probably build on that by creating dedicated booklets which a page for each planet where the children could draw the planet and write some facts.
I would encourage the children to seek out their own facts that they can share with the class during this time. I would make space related books/ booklets (fiction and non fiction) that I can source or print out available for the children to look through as early finishers work/ during DEAR time or for whole class storytime.
I would integrate this topic as much as possible, for example using games mentioned in the planet resources during PE (planet game and planet dance), the planet song for music, art creation of the planets, oral language and presenting in English etc. I have found when a topic is integrated in this way, it encourages the children to really engage with the subject. The completed booklets could be a great addition to our class library, encouraging the children to take pride in their work and learn from each other.
