Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I like how you have linked climate change to things that children can see and experience in their own local area. I agree that with younger children, simple activities such as nature walks, planting flowers, recycling, and litter picking are a great way to introduce them to caring for the environment.
Climate change is having a real impact on Ireland, including here in Laois. We are seeing more heavy rainfall, storms, and periods of very hot weather. A good local example is the severe flooding in Mountmellick in November 2017, when many homes and businesses were badly affected after heavy rainfall. Events like this show how extreme weather can have a major impact on people’s lives and highlight the importance of preparing for and responding to climate change.
Climate change is also affecting farming, which is an important part of life in Laois. Changes in rainfall and temperature can make it harder to grow crops and care for livestock. Our natural areas, such as the Slieve Bloom Mountains and local rivers, also need to be looked after.
There are many ways we can help children learn about climate change. We can use class discussions, books, videos, and practical activities to explore what climate change is and why it is happening. Schools can encourage pupils to recycle, save energy, reduce waste, and take part in Green Schools activities. Growing fruit, vegetables, or flowers in a school garden can also help children understand the importance of caring for the environment.
The idea of coffee mornings is great and that also happens in our school too. The multi cultural week is a good way to have children recognise the different nationalities that are represented within the school.
There are many simple ways our school and students can help refugees feel welcome and supported in our community.
One way is by raising awareness. We could organise activities to help students learn about the experiences of refugees and the challenges they face. This could include inviting guest speakers, watching short videos, or taking part in class discussions.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive school environment is also very important. We can celebrate different cultures and traditions through special events and encourage all students to respect and value diversity. This helps everyone feel that they belong.
Language can often be a challenge for newly arrived students. Older pupils could support them by helping them practise English or simply by being a friendly buddy during the school day.
We could also provide a welcome programme for new refugee students to help them become familiar with the school, make new friends, and learn about school routines.
Working with local organisations such as Connect Laois, the Irish Red Cross, and GOAL can provide valuable support and resources for both the school and refugee families. These organisations can also help schools build stronger links with the local community and support families as they settle into the area.
I really enjoyed reading your post. It’s great to see all the ways your school is helping children learn about looking after the environment. I like the idea you mentioned about the school uniform swap and clothes collections. These show children that reusing items is good for the environment. Like you said children learn best by taking part in practical activities.
Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, is all about protecting our oceans, seas, and marine life so that they can continue to support people and the planet.
In many coastal areas, families are reliant on fishing to earn a living. When fish stocks become low because of overfishing or pollution, it can affect family incomes and make it more difficult to provide for children’s needs.
Healthy oceans are also an important source of food. If sea life is harmed or damaged to excess this can cause a shortage of food for families.
Helping children understand the importance of protecting our oceans encourages them to appreciate the connection between healthy sea environments and the wellbeing of people around the world.
This links well with the ESD for 2030 framework. Schools can help children see that small actions make a difference. Activities such as reducing plastic waste, taking part in local clean-up projects, joining the Green Schools programme, or learning about local rivers and beaches help children understand how they can protect the environment.
I really enjoyed reading your post. Your examples show how early gender stereotypes can shape children’s attitudes and choices, particularly around expressing emotions and taking part in certain subjects. It highlights how important it is to create a classroom where all pupils feel comfortable exploring their interests without fear of being judged. I also like your suggestion of using diverse books and role models to challenge these stereotypes in a positive and age-appropriate way. Your point about using pupil voice and classroom observations as part of the SSE process is excellent, as it allows schools to identify areas for improvement and take meaningful action.
Gender stereotypes can influence children’s attitudes and beliefs from a very young age. Often shaped by society and the messages they see around them, these stereotypes can limit children’s confidence, aspirations, and perceptions of what they can achieve. As educators, it is important that we challenge these ideas and create a classroom where every child feels valued, included, and free to pursue their interests, regardless of gender. Development Education provides valuable opportunities to explore these issues and promote equality in a meaningful way. I remember teaching first class a few years ago when we were talking about different jobs. I was surprised by how strongly some of the children believed that certain careers were only for men or only for women. It really highlighted how early these ideas can develop and reinforced the importance of addressing them in the classroom. One effective way to challenge gender stereotypes is by using a wide range of inclusive books, learning materials, and real-life examples that represent people in a variety of roles and careers. Introducing children to diverse role models helps them see that interests, talents, and career choices are not determined by gender. By encouraging open discussions and exposing pupils to different perspectives, we can help them develop a more inclusive outlook and recognise that everyone should have the same opportunities to follow their ambitions.
Hi Louise,
It’s a great idea to integrate Development Education in the subjects of SPHE and SESE. The use of real life events and project work really engage pupils and encourage them to see that they are part of a much larger world. I also like your idea of a resource -sharing drive. Working together and sharing resources helps teachers bring Development Education into classrooms across the school.
After reading the article I can see that development education is an important part of helping students make sense of the world around them. It encourages them to think about global issues and recognise the role they can play as responsible global citizens. By exploring topics such as poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and human rights, students develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a greater understanding of the challenges facing our world today.
Development education works best when it is woven into everyday teaching and learning across the curriculum. By working together, teachers can create meaningful learning experiences that encourage students to ask questions and make connections between what they learn in school and the wider world. This might include class discussions, debates, real-life case studies, educational visits, guest speakers, or projects that involve the local community.
A whole-school approach helps to make development education a shared experience for everyone. Looking at the diversity within the school community, working with local organisations, and taking part in initiatives such as Green Schools, the Global Citizenship Schools Award, or the Blue Flag programme all help to bring learning to life. They encourage students to become active learners about the world in which they are growing up in.