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Hi Ross, I really like how you’ve used different Google tools to support inclusion. Giving pupils a choice of Docs or Slides is a great idea, and Voice Typing is a brilliant way to remove barriers.
For this module, I chose to use Google Forms with my 2nd class. I think this activity could support inclusion as it gives all children an opportunity to answer questions in their own time and at their own level. I could adapt the questions to suit different abilities and include pictures to support children who may need extra help. I think pupils would be engaged as they are using technology in a way that is different from traditional written work. Google Forms would also allow me to get a quick overview of what the children understand and where they might need more support. The feedback from the activity would help me identify any areas that need to be revisited. I could use the results to plan my next lesson and provide extra support or extension activities where needed. I also think it would be useful for the children to see their own progress and understand what they need to work on next.
I really like how you started with a hook question to get the children thinking and talking straight away. Consistent layout and use of images sounds really effective too, especially for helping children process information
For my learning sequence, I chose to do the topic of The Water Cycle for my 2nd class. I wanted to use Google Slides to create a simple sequence of activities that would help the children understand the different stages of the water cycle.
One design choice I made was to keep each slide focused on one idea, using pictures, short explanations and simple questions. I felt this would make the learning clearer and easier for the children to follow. I also kept the layout and format consistent throughout so the children would know what to expect as they moved through the activities.
One adjustment I would make would be to include more opportunities for the children to interact with the slides rather than just reading or answering questions. For example, they could add their own drawings or drag and label the different stages. I could link this to SSE by reflecting on how well the children engaged with the digital activities and whether using Google Slides helped support their learning. I could then use this to improve future digital lessons.
Hey, great answer. I really liked your idea of using Google Classroom as an e-portfolio. It would be great for the kids to look back on their work and see their progress throughout the year.
I think Digital Technology can be a really useful way of making learning more engaging and interactive for children. In my classroom, I could use Google Workspace tools such as Google Slides, docs, forms and Google classroom to give children more opportunities to work together, be creative and show their learning in different ways. It can also be helpful for differentiation, as activities can be adapted to suit different abilities.
I can use the School Self-evaluation process to look at how I am currently using technology in my classroom, what is working well and what could be improved. I could gather feedback from the children and look at how technology is impacting on their engagement and learning. Developing my own skills could also benefit the wider school, as I could share ideas and resources with other teachers. I am currently part of the I.T. team.
One resource I would like to use more is Google Slides. For example, I could use it for a ‘My Local Area project’ with my 2nd class. The children could work in pairs to create a slide about a local landmark or place that is important to them. They could add pictures, drawings and a few sentences about their chosen place. I would model how to use Slides first and then let the children explore it themselves. This would link nicely with SESE, English and Visual Arts while also developing their teamwork and digital skills.
Research question: How can we make our school grounds more welcoming to wildlife?
I chose this question because I think it would be something my 2nd class could really get involved in. Rather than giving them lots of information about climate change, I would like to give them a problem that they can actually see and do something about in their own school environment. I think this would make the learning much more meaningful for them. I would start by taking the children outside and asking them what they notice around the school grounds. We could look for insects, birds, plants and areas where there isn’t much wildlife. I would encourage them to ask questions and make suggestions about what we could do to improve the area. We could then work together to come up with some simple ideas, such as planting wildflowers, adding bug hotels or creating small areas for insects and birds. I would let the children have as much input as possible, including deciding what they would like to investigate and helping to carry out the changes. We could take photographs and keep a simple record of what we find over time. I think this would be a lovely project for 2nd class because it would get them outside, working together and seeing that even small actions can make a difference.
If I was explaining EO Browser to a colleague who had never heard of it, I would describe it as a really fun online tool that lets you look at images of the Earth taken by satellites. You can explore different places and see what they look like from above, which I think would really catch children’s attention. It is a nice way of showing them that we can use technology to learn more about our plan. With my 2nd class, I would start by using it on the interactive whiteboard and exploring it together. We could look at our local area and see if the children can spot places they recognise. We could look at things like fields, rivers, the sea and green spaces and talk about what we notice. I think there would be lots of “I can see…” and “I wonder…” comments, which would be great for discussion.
I would probably let the children explore it in pairs once they were familiar with it. They could choose somewhere they would like to look at and share something interesting they discovered. I think the fact that the images are taken from space would really excite them. It would be a fun way to bring technology, Science and geography together without making it feel like a traditional lesson.Hi, I really like how you’ve broken the lesson into clear, manageable steps. Starting with a KWL chart is a great way to build on the children’s prior knowledge, and I love the idea of letting them explore the TEAL tool freely first. I think that would really spark their curiosity and get them excited before moving on to the group task.
I really enjoyed Activity 3 – Climate Reporters. I thought the Paxi video was a great way to introduce the topic because it explained the greenhouse effect in a simple and engaging way. I think it would really capture the attention of a 2nd class and encourage lots of questions and discussion.
I would use parts of this activity with my class, focusing more on talking about the weather we experience every day and simple ways we can help to look after our planet. We could go outside to observe the weather, record what we see and chat about how looking after the environment is everyone’s responsibility. I would also encourage the children to come up with ideas for small changes we could make in school, such as recycling, saving electricity, planting flowers or reminding each other to use reusable water bottles. I think some of the climate data and graphs would be too difficult for a 2nd class, so I would leave those out and focus on the practical, hands-on parts of the activity instead.
Hi Lea, I really enjoyed reading your reflection. I agree that focusing on positive actions is so important, especially with younger children. I also like your idea of linking the learning to the local community and Green Schools, as it makes the topic much more meaningful and relevant for pupils.
I found the ‘Home’ video really thought-provoking. It was also the name of my wedding song recently, so I loved the title instantly! The images of our planet were beautiful, but they also highlighted how much of an impact people are having on the environment. It definitely made me stop and think about the importance of looking after the world around us. I also watched Greta Thunberg’s TEDx talk, and although her message is incredibly powerful, I feel that some of it would be quite overwhelming for a 2nd class. At that age, I think it’s more important to focus on giving children hope and showing them that even small actions can make a difference.
If I was teaching this topic, I would begin by asking the children what they already know about climate change and what they notice about the weather and the environment around them. I think children are much more engaged when they can make connections with their own lives. We could then use age-appropriate resources, such as the Paxi videos, to introduce the topic in a way that is easy to understand and encourages lots of questions. Rather than focusing on the problems, I would encourage the children to think about the positive things they can do every day, such as recycling, turning off lights when they’re not needed, using reusable water bottles and lunch boxes, planting flowers or trees, and walking or cycling to school where possible. I think it’s important that they come away from the lessons feeling that they can help, rather than feeling worried about something that seems too big to change.
I’d also include of practical activities and discussions, linking the topic with SESE, SPHE and Art. I think my 2nd class would really enjoy creating posters, taking part in simple investigations and talking about ways we can all look after our environment. My hope would be that they not only learn about climate change but also begin to see that the small choices they make every day can have a positive impact on the world around them.
