Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Module 5
Before completing this module, I probably associated sustainability with recycling and reducing waste. However, it made me realise that sustainability is much broader than that and is already happening in many ways within my local community. Whether it’s local tidy towns volunteers, people supporting local businesses, community gardens or efforts to protect local beaches and green spaces, these all show how working together can have a positive impact on the environment. As an infant teacher, it reminded me that children learn best when they can make connections with the world around them which stems from the aistear framwork too. Instead of teaching sustainability as a separate topic, I would like to encourage pupils to explore it through their own experiences. A simple walk around the local area could lead to discussions about biodiversity, litter, recycling or the importance of looking after shared spaces. Giving children opportunities to investigate, ask questions and come up with their own ideas would make the learning much more meaningful. This module also reinforced the importance of leading by example. Simple classroom routines such as reducing paper waste, reusing materials for art activities and encouraging children to care for their classroom can help develop positive habits. Overall, the module has reminded me that sustainability is about creating a sense of responsibility and helping children understand that even small actions can make a real difference.
I agree there is ample learning opportunities in the greenways and different initiatives in different towns like tidy towns.
Module 4
This module made me reflect on how important it is to help young children gain understanding as to where their food comes from and why making healthy food choices matters. I found it interesting to learn more about the nutritional value of seafood and how it supports children’s growth, brain development and overall health. It also reminded me that many children may not regularly eat seafood, so school can play an important role in broadening their knowledge and encouraging them to try new foods just like other initiatives that are In schools too. As an infant teacher, I think nutrition is best taught through practical and engaging activities rather than simply giving children facts. I would like to use hands-on lessons where pupils investigate different foods, discuss what makes a balanced diet and explore the journey of seafood from sea to plate. These activities could be linked with Science STEM , SPHE wellbeing and Geography SSE, helping children make meaningful connections across the curriculum. The module also highlighted the importance of encouraging healthy habits from an early age. Small classroom discussions about lunch choices, healthy lifestyles and sustainable food can have a lasting impact on children’s attitudes towards food. Overall, this module has reminded me that teaching nutrition is about more than learning facts. It is about helping children develop lifelong habits that support their health and wellbeing.I totally agree with your comment. There is such an importance of teaching about seafood nutrition in the curriculum to foster healthy habits for children
I agree with your comment and the use of real life examples for teaching STEM from the course are excellent.
Module 3
Working through the ARC online lessons and resources gave me lots of practical ideas that I can use in my own classroom. One thing that stood out to me was how STEM can be integrated into everyday teaching rather than teaching the subject in isolation. I liked the focus on hands-on learning, problem-solving and giving children the chance to explore, test ideas and learn from mistakes.The resources also highlighted the importance of real-life learning experiences that encourage teamwork, creativity and critical thinking. I want to include more STEM activities across different subjects to make learning more engaging and meaningful for my pupils. These ideas link well with the STEM Education Policy Statement by promoting curiosity, innovation and confidence in learning. On a whole-school level, STEM can be included in the School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process by reviewing current practice, sharing ideas among staff and identifying areas for improvement. Overall, the ARC resources have given me more confidence to make STEM a regular and enjoyable part of my teaching.Module 2, Where Do We Farm?, really made me think about the role aquaculture plays in Ireland, especially in our coastal communities. I had never given much thought to why farms are located in certain places, but I now understand how important clean water, sheltered bays and the right environmental conditions are for growing healthy fish and shellfish. As a primary school teacher, I think this is a topic children would really enjoy learning about. I teach in the midlands and many children know the beach as a place to swim or collect shells, but they may not realise that it is also where many people work and earn a living especially as we are in the midlands. However learning about aquaculture is a great way to help pupils make connections between the sea, food production and the people who live in coastal areas.This module has given me ideas for bringing real-life learning into the classroom. It has reminded me that helping children understand and appreciate Ireland’s natural resources from a young age can encourage them to care for the environment and their local communities.
Module 1 Introduction to Aquaculture really opened my eyes to a topic I honestly knew very little about before starting this summer course. I never realised how important aquaculture is in Ireland or how much work goes into making sure it is carried out in a sustainable way. Learning about Social Licence also helped me understand how important it is for local communities to be involved and informed about aquaculture projects. As a primary school teacher, I think it is important that children learn where their food comes from and how it can be produced in a sustainable way. I can see lots of opportunities to bring these topics into the classroom through science, geography and SPHE. Children are naturally curious, and learning about marine life and sustainable food production can help them develop respect for the environment from an early age. This module has encouraged me to think about how I can make these topics engaging and relevant for my pupils in the infant classes while helping them become informed and responsible citizens in the future.The BIM Social Licensing projects that stood out most to me were the ones focused on working with communities and schools. I liked seeing how education and open conversations can help children better understand aquaculture and its benefits while also addressing any concerns or questions they might have.I also enjoyed exploring the ARC online lessons and watching the four videos. They are colourful, engaging and full of ideas that would work really well in a primary classroom. As a teacher, I think it is so important to introduce children to topics like aquaculture from a young age. It helps them understand where food comes from, encourages them to care for the environment, and shows them the many careers connected to our seas.
<p class=”p1″><span class=”s1″>Module 1 Introduction to Aquaculture</span><span class=”s2″> really opened my eyes to a topic I honestly knew very little about before starting this summer course. I never realised how important aquaculture is in Ireland or how much work goes into making sure it is carried out in a sustainable way. Learning about Social Licence also helped me understand how important it is for local communities to be involved and informed about aquaculture projects. As a primary school teacher, I think it is important that children learn where their food comes from and how it can be produced in a sustainable way.<span class=”Apple-converted-space”> </span>I can see lots of opportunities to bring these topics into the classroom through science, geography and SPHE. Children are naturally curious, and learning about marine life and sustainable food production can help them develop respect for the environment from an early age. This module has encouraged me to think about how I can make these topics engaging and relevant for my pupils in the infant classes<span class=”Apple-converted-space”> </span>while helping them become informed and responsible citizens in the future.The BIM Social Licensing projects that stood out most to me were the ones focused on working with communities and schools. I liked seeing how education and open conversations can help children better understand aquaculture and its benefits while also addressing any concerns or questions they might have.I also enjoyed exploring the ARC online lessons and watching the four videos. They are colourful, engaging and full of ideas that would work really well in a primary classroom. As a teacher, I think it is so important to introduce children to topics like aquaculture from a young age. It helps them understand where food comes from, encourages them to care for the environment, and shows them the many careers connected to our seas.</span></p>
so wonderful to work in a school in Donegal close to beaches and water to explore this further. I teach in the midlands of Ireland so the learning opportunities from my class to yours would look very different but great to have local fishery schools nearby. A fantastic resource
For Space Week, I would plan a range of simple, hands-on activities that encourage the children to explore and ask questions about space. We would begin by reading a story about the Moon and stars to spark their interest. Throughout the week, the children would investigate different aspects of space through play, art and STEM activities. They could build rockets using recycled materials, create moon craters using flour and cocoa powder, and explore how astronauts live in space through role play in the dramatic play area. Using Aistear, I would include space-themed small world toys, books and construction materials to encourage discussion and problem-solving. We would also learn songs and rhymes about space and use simple non-fiction books to introduce new vocabulary. At the end of the week, the children could share their favourite activity and something new they learned. I think Space Week is a great opportunity to develop curiosity, teamwork and scientific thinking while making learning enjoyable and meaningful for Junior Infants.
I agree this is a great book ‘ The Way Back Home’ for this lesson. It provides opportunities for discussion on the idea of travelling through space and how rockets move and function. Exploring this story as a stimulus for the lesson. Excellent idea of progressing the lesson for the children to make their own rockets I agree first and second would really enjoy this.
I would choose the hands-on classroom themed activities because I find that Junior Infants learn best when they are actively involved. Next year I plan to use more practical STEM activities during our Space topic. For example, the children could work in small groups to build rockets using recycled materials. This would encourage them to think, make predictions, solve problems and work together. I also like that these activities allow every child to contribute in their own way, whether through designing, building or explaining their ideas. After each activity, I would give the children time to talk about what they discovered and what they might change if they were to try again. I think this reflection is an important part of learning. I would also keep samples of the children’s work and observations to help me see how their scientific skills are developing throughout the year and to inform future planning.