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  • in reply to: Module 5 – Climate Change #262298
    Elaine Salmon
    Participant

      I found your post very interesting as it shows how climate change can have a direct impact on local communities. I agree that using examples such as river flooding can help children understand that climate change is not just something that happens in other countries but can affect their own area. I like how you included practical activities such as sustainable transport campaigns and energy-saving projects. I think these activities would help children develop a sense of responsibility and understand that small actions can make a positive difference. It is also a great way to encourage pupils to become active citizens and care for their local environment.

      in reply to: Module 5 – Climate Change #262296
      Elaine Salmon
      Participant

        This module helped me to develop my understanding of climate change and how it is impacting my local area in County Cork. I learned that climate change is not just a global issue but something that can affect communities close to home. One example of this is the impact of climate change on Youghal in County Cork. As a coastal town, Youghal is vulnerable to flooding and coastal changes caused by rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. These changes can affect homes, businesses, wildlife and the local environment. Learning about examples such as Youghal can help children understand that climate change is an issue that affects people and places around them.

        In the classroom, I would encourage pupils to explore how climate change affects their own local area. I would use stories, videos, discussions and practical activities to help children understand the importance of protecting the environment. Pupils could investigate local environmental issues, take part in biodiversity projects or look at ways the school can reduce waste and save energy. I think these activities would help children develop a sense of responsibility and understand that their actions can make a positive difference.

        Three actions I can take are reducing waste by reusing and recycling materials, using less energy at home and school, and making more sustainable travel choices where possible.

        Overall, I found this module very interesting and practical. I think climate change education can support School Self-Evaluation (SSE) by promoting sustainability, pupil voice and active citizenship. It can also help schools reflect on how they are preparing children to become responsible and caring members of their local and global communities.

        in reply to: Module 4 – Migration and Refugees #261321
        Elaine Salmon
        Participant

          I enjoyed reading your post. I like how you included organisations in your community that support refugees and people seeking protection. I agree that schools can make a big difference by helping new families feel welcome. Your idea of organising cultural events is a great way for children to learn about different cultures and build friendships. I also think encouraging kindness, respect and inclusion every day can help all children feel safe, welcome and valued.

          in reply to: Module 4 – Migration and Refugees #261316
          Elaine Salmon
          Participant

            This module helped me to develop my understanding of migration and the experiences of refugees. I learned that many people have to leave their homes because of war, conflict or persecution. It also reminded me that schools have an important role in helping children feel safe, welcome and included.

            I researched organisations that support refugees and found that Nasc – The Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre in Cork provides support and advice for refugees, people seeking international protection and other migrants. I think organisations like this are very important because they help families settle into their new communities.

            I think schools can also make a positive difference. We could create buddy systems for new pupils, read stories from different cultures and encourage children to be kind and respectful to everyone. We could also organise a fundraiser or an awareness activity to support refugees. I think these activities would help children understand the importance of inclusion and respect.

            Overall, I found this module very interesting and practical. I think the migration module can support our School Self-Evaluation (SSE) by helping schools reflect on how they promote inclusion, respect and a sense of belonging for all children.

            in reply to: Module 3 – Global Inequality #260950
            Elaine Salmon
            Participant

              I found this post very interesting as it shows how climate change can affect children and communities both locally and globally. I agree that events such as Storm Éowyn help children understand that climate change is not only an issue in other countries. I think it is important to encourage children to think about the actions they can take to care for the environment. Activities such as working with the Green Schools Committee can help children understand that even small actions can have a positive impact.

              in reply to: Module 3 – Global Inequality #260934
              Elaine Salmon
              Participant

                This module helped me to develop my understanding of global inequality and how it affects children in Ireland and around the world. I learned that not all children have the same opportunities because of poverty, where they live or the resources available to them. It also helped me understand the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and how schools can help children make a positive difference.

                I think this topic can be taught through stories, class discussions and simple classroom activities. I would begin by asking children what they already know about fairness and equality. We could read stories about children from different countries and talk about how their lives may be different from our own. I would encourage children to think of ways they can help others by being kind, including everyone in games and showing respect to others. We could also take part in a charity fundraiser or an activity that supports people in our local community. I think these activities would help children understand that even small actions can make a difference and would support ESD to 2030 Priority Action Area 5 by encouraging children to take action in their own school and community.

                Overall, I found this module very interesting and practical. I think it can support our School Self-Evaluation (SSE) by promoting inclusion, pupil voice and active learning. It can also help schools reflect on how they are teaching children about fairness, equality and respect for others.

                in reply to: Module 2 – Gender #260759
                Elaine Salmon
                Participant

                  I enjoyed reading your post. I think this is a good example of how gender stereotypes can affect children’s thinking from a young age. I like how you used the drawing activity to start a discussion with the class. Learning about female scientists helped to challenge these stereotypes and showed the children that anyone can become a scientist. I think activities like this help children understand the importance of equality and encourage them to respect everyone, regardless of gender.

                  in reply to: Module 2 – Gender #260758
                  Elaine Salmon
                  Participant

                    This module helped me to develop my understanding of gender stereotypes and how they can affect children from a very young age. I learned that children can be influenced by the messages they hear at home, in the media and from their peers. As teachers, it is important that we help children understand that everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of gender.

                    In the classroom, I have noticed that boys often choose construction toys or football during playtime, while girls are more likely to choose the home corner or art activities. I have also heard children say that some toys are “for boys” or “for girls.” I think these comments show that gender stereotypes are already influencing children’s choices. It is important to encourage all children to take part in a wide range of activities and to remind them that everyone can enjoy different interests.

                    I think Development Education methodologies can help challenge these stereotypes. I would use storybooks, class discussions and group activities to encourage children to think about fairness, equality and inclusion. I think these activities would help children respect one another and understand that everyone should be treated equally.

                    Overall, I found this module very informative and practical. The gender module can support our School Self-Evaluation (SSE) by helping teachers reflect on how equality and inclusion are promoted throughout the school. It can also encourage schools to review their resources and classroom practices to make sure all children feel included, respected and valued.

                    in reply to: Module 1 – Introduction to Development Education #260536
                    Elaine Salmon
                    Participant

                      I really enjoyed reading your reflection. I agree that Development Education should be embedded across the curriculum rather than taught as a separate subject. I also like the practical examples you gave, especially investigating where everyday products come from and completing environmental projects. It was interesting to read about your school’s Green Flag work. It is clear that the whole-school approach helps children become more aware of caring for the environment and encourages them to take responsibility for making positive changes in their own community.

                      in reply to: Module 1 – Introduction to Development Education #260535
                      Elaine Salmon
                      Participant

                        This module helped me to develop my understanding of Development Education and why it is important in the primary classroom. After reading The Role of Global Citizens in Today’s World (Ehigie, 2021), I learned that Development Education helps children understand issues such as fairness, equality, sustainability and diversity. It also encourages them to think about how their actions can affect other people and the environment.

                        I think Development Education can be included across many subjects. To teach this topic, I would begin by asking children what they already know about fairness, the environment and different cultures. I would then use stories, discussions and practical activities to help them develop their understanding. I think these activities would help children think critically, listen to different opinions and respect the views of others.

                        I would also encourage colleagues to include Development Education in whole-school activities. For example, we could take part in environmental projects, celebrate different cultures and mark events that promote global awareness. I think this would help create a positive and inclusive school environment.

                        Overall, I found this module very informative and practical. Development Education can support our School Self-Evaluation (SSE) by promoting inclusion, pupil voice and active learning. It can also help schools reflect on how well they are preparing children to become responsible and caring members of society.

                        in reply to: Module 4 – Earth Observation #259435
                        Elaine Salmon
                        Participant

                          I found this response very interesting as it showed how satellites are used for many different reasons. I liked learning about how satellites such as Aqua, ALOS, and Envisat help us learn more about Earth, the environment, and climate change. I thought it was interesting that Envisat is no longer working but is still orbiting Earth. I also enjoyed learning about Tiangong and how astronauts carry out experiments in space. I think using a satellite tracking app would be a great classroom activity as it could help children become more interested in space and science.

                          in reply to: Module 4 – Earth Observation #259434
                          Elaine Salmon
                          Participant

                            I really enjoyed this activity as I found it interesting to learn about the different satellites that I found using the tracker and how they pass over Ireland. I was surprised by how many satellites orbit Earth and the different purposes they have.

                            The five satellites I discovered were the International Space Station (ISS), NOAA, Terra, Aqua, and Starlink satellites. The ISS orbits Earth about every 90 minutes and allows astronauts to carry out research in space. NOAA is a weather satellite that collects information about weather, climate, and storms to help with forecasting. Terra and Aqua are NASA Earth observation satellites that study different parts of our planet, including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and climate. Starlink satellites provide high-speed internet access to people around the world.

                            I think this activity would be very useful in the classroom as it could help children understand how satellites are used in everyday life. It also links well with topics such as space, weather, and climate change. Overall, I found it fascinating to see how technology in space helps us learn more about our planet.

                            in reply to: Module 5 – Become a climate detective #256577
                            Elaine Salmon
                            Participant

                              I really enjoyed reading your post and I agree with the ideas you shared. I think this is a great way to teach children about flooding and climate change because it connects to their own local area. I like the activities you suggested, especially mapping areas where water collects, as it would make the children more involved in their learning. I also think using examples from Wicklow is a great idea because it helps children understand that climate change can affect places close to them.

                              in reply to: Module 5 – Become a climate detective #256571
                              Elaine Salmon
                              Participant

                                My research question would be: How can we reduce the amount of waste produced in our school to help protect the environment?

                                I chose this question because waste is something that children see and experience every day. I think it is a good topic for pupils to investigate because they can relate it to their own lives and the school environment. Pupils could look at how much waste is produced in their classroom, what types of waste are being thrown away, and what changes could be made to reduce it.

                                To encourage pupils to take part, I would involve them in carrying out a simple waste audit. They could work in groups to collect information, record their findings, and discuss ideas on how to reduce waste. We could also look at ways to improve recycling and reuse materials in the school.

                                I think this activity would help pupils understand how their everyday choices can affect the environment. It would also show them that small actions can make a positive difference.

                                in reply to: Module 3 – The climate change challenge #256000
                                Elaine Salmon
                                Participant

                                  I found the film HOME very interesting and thought it was a powerful way to show the effects of climate change. The images made it easier to understand how climate change is affecting the environment and people around the world. It was sad to see the damage being done to the planet, but it also showed that everyone can make small changes to help protect it.

                                  The other video clips in this module were also very useful. They explained climate change in a clear and simple way and helped to explain the main ideas without making them too difficult to understand. I liked that they used real examples to show how climate change is already affecting different parts of the world. I think these videos would help children understand that climate change is happening now and why it is important to look after the environment.

                                  I would introduce these climate change facts by starting with a class discussion to find out what the children already know. I would then show short video clips and ask simple questions throughout the lesson to keep the children involved. After this, I would use activities such as making posters, discussing recycling, and talking about simple ways to save energy at home and at school. I think it is important to finish the lesson by focusing on positive actions that children can take so they understand that even small changes can make a difference.

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