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Living close to the coast, climate change feels like something that is becoming more noticeable each year. We hear more about rising sea levels, more frequent storms and bad water quality in my area due to pollution which has an impact on the local community. Traffic congestion is also a big issue around the school at rush hour times. I think it is important that children understand that climate change is not just a global issue but something that can affect the places they know and enjoy.
I love to bring learning outside the classroom where possible and use the local area as much as possible. A walk to a local beach or park could encourage them to observe the environment and think about how it has changed over time. We could also carry out simple investigations, discuss ways to reduce waste and explore how small actions can make a difference.
Three actions that I try to encourage are reducing single-use plastics, walking or cycling where possible instead of using the car and recycling correctly. I think it is important that children understand they do not have to make huge changes on their own. Small actions taken by lots of people can have a positive impact. My aim would be to help pupils feel hopeful and empowered, while encouraging them to take care of both their local community and the wider world. I would love to use the walking debate lesson and linking it with persuasive writing to explore this deeper and come up with solutions.The wildflower garden is a lovely initative, thank you for sharing. I would love to find even a small patch to do the same in our school.
In my local community, the Irish Red Cross has played an important role in supporting refugees by helping to provide accommodation and assisting families in finding school places. This shows how important local organisations are in helping people settle into a new community and feel welcome.
As a school, there are many ways we could support refugee families. One simple idea would be to create a buddy system where new pupils are paired with a classmate who can help them settle into school. We could also celebrate different cultures through art, music, food and storytelling so that all children feel that their backgrounds are valued. Where possible, we could organise a collection of school supplies, uniforms or books for families who may need them.
I also think it is important to teach children about why people become refugees in an age-appropriate way. This can help build empathy and understanding while challenging stereotypes.Hi Deborah, I love your idea of having someone from one of the organisations supporting refugees coming to speak at the school. I love global awareness weeks and multicultural weeks in schools and feel like this is a really obvious and invaluable activity that is commonly overlooked.
I would choose Reduced Inequality (SDG 10) using the Step Foward game. It encourages pupils to think about how people can have different opportunities depending on their circumstances. It also helps them develop empathy and understand that life is not the same for everyone.
After the activity, I would encourage the children to discuss how inequality exists in both Ireland and around the world. We could then think about small actions we could take in our own school and community. For example work with the student council to make sure everyone feels seen and included in school. I am always mindful of those in my class and sometimes worry about discussing such topics as there might be children in the class who have experienced some of the inequalities mentioned and I don’t want to upset them.
While saying that, I do think it is important that children see they do not have to solve big global problems on their own. Even small actions can make a positive difference. Activities like the Step Forward game can help children understand why these actions matter and encourage them to become active and caring members of their community.Laura linking it with the waste around hot school lunches is a great idea. It is so hard seeing all the waste and those questioning the need for the hot school lunches while there are children and families who depend on them
Weaving it into subjects across the curriculum is a really good idea. Sometimes it can feel like there are too many initiatives going on during the school year, so providing staff with the knowledge and resources to effortlessly include it in their teaching would be really beneficial.
One example of gender stereotypes that I have seen in the classroom happened during a science lesson with a class of 6th class girls. As a starter activity, I asked the children to draw a scientist in two minutes. When we looked at the drawings together, I noticed that most of them had drawn a man. Many of the pictures also showed the typical “mad scientist” with messy hair, glasses and a lab coat. Only a few pupils had drawn women.
This activity made me realise that gender stereotypes can influence children’s thinking from a young age, even if they are not aware of it. The images they see in books, films and the media can shape who they think belongs in certain jobs or careers.
After the activity, we talked about famous scientists from different backgrounds, including many women who have made important discoveries. It led to a good discussion about why we often picture scientists in one particular way. It reminded me how important it is to challenge these stereotypes in the classroom so that all children can see themselves in any career they choose.
Thanks for sharing Yvonne. This is something I see amongst adults too when people say things like ‘dad is babysitting’, nobody would say the same about a mother. As teachers it is so important to challenge these stereotypes, I always make a conscious effort to make sure my resources I make challenge stereotypes just to ensure a quick and easy win e.g. pictures of women in construction jobs, men in caring roles etc.
I think development education is important because it helps children make sense of the world around them. It gives them opportunities to learn about issues that affect people’s lives and encourages them to think about how their own choices can have an impact. I enjoy teaching lessons where children are encouraged to ask questions, listen to different opinions and think critically.
In my own classroom, I would use development education through novels, current events and group discussions that link to topics we are already exploring. I would also look for opportunities to make links across subjects so that these conversations happen naturally throughout the year. In particular, I think the Learn Together curriculum links nicely to this. To encourage colleagues, I would share ideas that have worked well in my classroom and suggest simple activities or resources that can easily be adapted, especially within the Learn Together curriculum.