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While introducing the kids to Greata Thunberg, you could read them the storybook Greta and the Giants.
This engaging and age-appropriate video explains climate change in simple, visual terms—how greenhouse gases warm the planet and the importance of caring for our environment. The friendly narration and colorful animations keep young learners engaged, showing the cause-and-effect relationship in a way junior infants can grasp.
I would introduce these climate facts by first watching the video as a class, prompting questions like, “What makes our Earth too warm?” and “Why do trees matter?” Then, I’d lead a hands-on activity: planting a small tree or caring for classroom plants to show how they help absorb greenhouse gases. We could also draw pictures of healthy and unhealthy Earth scenarios, linking visuals to the video’s message.
To reinforce learning, I’d set up a “Weather Detective” corner where pupils track daily weather, notice changes, and discuss how our actions—like using less energy or walking instead of driving—can protect the planet. This approach makes abstract climate ideas meaningful, memorable, and actionable for young minds.
I love the idea of having a chat about what we could do to help the environment. I’m confident the children would contribute some great ideas.
Activity 3, Climate Reporters, is a great way to help junior infants learn about weather, climate, and how our world might change in the future. Before starting, we watched the Paxi video on greenhouse gases, which was fun and easy for young children to understand. It explained how gases like carbon dioxide trap heat and make the Earth warmer.
Using the temperature prediction tool, we looked at what the weather might be like in 2050 if we take care of the planet or if we don’t. I would use this with my class by keeping it simple—looking at pictures, using colour-coded thermometers, and talking about hot and cold days.
To make the activity more suitable, I would do it in small groups with lots of support and hands-on materials. We could also use our school weather station to compare today’s weather with the future predictions. Sharing our ideas in circle time would help build confidence and understanding.
I love the idea of involving grandparents. It’s a great way to encourage links between school and home and I know the grandparents’ would love it.
In my junior infants classroom, STEM education is playful, hands-on, and rooted in real-world problem-solving. I integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in a way that fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. My pupils explore scientific concepts by investigating materials, observing nature, and asking questions about the world around them. They act as mini engineers—designing and building with blocks, recycled items, or natural materials—learning to think critically and test their ideas. Technology is introduced through age-appropriate tools, such as interactive whiteboards, simple coding apps, or digital drawing, helping children record and share their discoveries. Maths is woven into everything we do, from measuring ingredients in baking to sorting autumn leaves by size or colour. Through collaborative tasks and inquiry-based activities, my pupils develop problem-solving skills and learn that mistakes are part of learning. STEM in my classroom is meaningful, child-led, and filled with wonder.
For Science Week, I would have my Junior Infants engage in hands-on, age-appropriate activities to spark curiosity and foster exploration. Each day would focus on a simple theme. For example:
Monday – Senses Exploration: Children will investigate the five senses using smell jars, texture boards, sound bottles, and taste tests.
Tuesday – Floating & Sinking: Using a water tray, children will predict and test whether everyday items float or sink.
Wednesday – Mini Beast Hunt: Pupils will explore the school garden to observe insects and learn about habitats using magnifying glasses.
Thursday – Colour Mixing: Using food colouring and water, children will experiment with mixing primary colours to discover new ones.
Friday – Baking Bread (Chemical Change): Children will help mix ingredients and observe changes before and after baking. Discussion will include the role of heat.
Activities would be supported by storybooks, songs, and simple experiments to encourage curiosity and questioning, while reinforcing observation and prediction skills.
Hands-on classroom activities are vital in Junior Infants as they promote active learning, engagement, and concrete understanding. At this young age, children learn best through play, exploration, and sensory experiences. Using hands-on activities helps develop fine motor skills, encourages curiosity, and makes abstract concepts more accessible. For example, when teaching about animals living in cold environments, I would set up a small “Arctic sensory bin” with fake snow, ice cubes, and toy animals like polar bears, penguins, and seals. Children could explore textures and practice sorting or matching animals to their environments. I might also create a role-play corner as an “Arctic Explorer Station” with warm clothes, binoculars, and animal pictures, allowing children to immerse themselves in the topic. These interactive experiences make learning memorable and meaningful, fostering language development, social interaction, and a deeper understanding of how animals adapt to cold habitats.
The idea of using a stop motion video is fantastic. I think pupils would really engage well in this activity.
I choose to do a lesson about stars. We would begin by talking about what stars are – tiny lights in the night sky that are really big and far away. We’d read a fun picture book about stars and look at photos of the night sky. Then we’ll learn that stars sometimes make patterns in the sky called constellations. We’ll talk about famous ones like the Big Dipper or Orion, using simple star maps and stories to help the children imagine what they look like.
To keep things fun and engaging, we’ll play a quick game where the children find hidden stars around the classroom. We’ll talk about how people long ago used the stars to tell stories and find their way.
To finish, each child will use crayons and dark paper to draw their own constellation, giving it a name and telling the class what it might represent.
I love that you are starting your lesson with a song. I find that children always respond so well to music.
Activity Set: The Planet
I would use this lesson to introduce the planets to my Junior Infant class in a fun and engaging way. I’d start with a simple discussion during circle time, asking the children, “What planet do we live on?” and gradually introducing them to the eight planets in our solar system. I love how the Planet Game gets the children moving—placing hoops around the room as planets and having them jump, walk or run to the correct one when I call it out is a great way to combine physical activity with learning.
I’d also include the Planet Dance, where the children follow instructions using spatial language like “stand behind your planet” or “sit next to your friend’s planet.” This really supports their understanding of direction and position. Finally, I’d let them “spin” their own planet, walking around their hoop to represent orbiting the Sun. It’s a fantastic, hands-on way to teach basic space concepts.
