Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Future generations will indeed face the brunt of climate change, so it’s important to instil awareness and proactive habits in students early on. Your ideas for whole-school initiatives like recycling programs, tree planting, and energy-saving projects are fantastic. We are fortunate enough to have a garden space in our school and each class gets an opportunity to plant in a bed assigned to their class each year. These activities not only educate students about sustainability but also empower them to take action.
Adding an extension activity about the different jobs in house building and their relation to STEM subjects is a fantastic way to show real-world applications. Retesting with the same materials to achieve the most stable house ensures that students can apply what they’ve learned in a fair test environment. We created a structure using mechanical Lego to resemble a house. Groups were given different elements to complete, for example the roof, garden area, first floor, second floor etc. The inclusivity of the project is what made it all so worthwhile!
You’re absolutely right about the importance of computational thinking (CT) skills which is something I remind myself in my classroom. Introducing these skills early can really set a strong foundation for future learning. In my school we use ipads in our junior end and chromebooks in our senior school. Engaging young children through playful activities and programming tools tailored for their level is a smart approach. Teacher training and support are crucial for the effective integration of CT into the curriculum.
The financial aspect is definitely a challenge I know this from personal experience in my school. Having more funding or a school-wide subscription would be ideal. It’s great that you’re planning to discuss this in September (something I will also be doing). In a special school setting, where differentiation and custom resources are very important, these tools could really help reduce the workload and enhance learning.
I think the idea of a pen pal scheme between urban Dublin and rural parts of Ireland is excellent. It not only promotes understanding but also builds empathy and communication skills. The idea of writing letters to the Minister of Education or local politicians is a useful step that empowers students to advocate for change.
Bringing up situations like footballers crying during a match is a clever way to challenge their thinking. Supporting forward-thinking is definitely key to breaking down these societal norms and power structures. For school improvement, your idea of focusing on gender-sensitive language is a solid starting point.
I like your idea of field trips along the river. It’s true that kids often know more about distant places like the Nile than their own local rivers (apart from the Shannon of course). Involving them in clean-up activities and bringing in an education officer to talk about the council’s plans are superb ways to connect them to their immediate environment.
The idea of having days when all the children play with toys from the opposite gender is wonderful. It’s a great way to show them that toys are just toys, and everyone can enjoy them. It’s also great to see how this leads to meaningful discussions, even with the little ones.
You’ve made some excellent points about the increasing importance of assistive technologies in education. It’s great to see how you’re planning to use these tools to make learning more enjoyable and meaningful for your students. The focus on engaging SEN students with AT is particularly noteworthy.
Using YouTube and Twee together to streamline your lessons sounds really practical. I can see how this will save you time and ensure your lessons are comprehensive. And Diffit sounds perfect for creating differentiated tasks quickly and effectively. It’s great to see you exploring new tools to enhance your teaching. Keep up the great work!!!
Making sure all students feel confident and comfortable participating in all activities is important. Your mention of Emma Watson’s UN speech is really motivating and reminds us that we all have a part to play in making these changes. Promoting an inclusive environment where every child feels that “I’m possible” is a necessity for their growth and confidence.
Encouraging all children to play with a wide range of toys, from dolls and unicorns to footballs and other physical activities, can help eliminate gender stereotypes. This inclusive approach to play helps children see that interests and activities aren’t limited by gender.
Using Google Slides to create digital stories is a brilliant idea. Adding multimedia elements makes the lessons much more engaging for students. The fact that students can collaborate on these slides adds a whole new level of interaction. If you found mind maps hard to use, perhaps integrating simpler, more intuitive graphic organisers might help streamline the process.
As educators, it’s important to create an environment where students feel free to explore their interests and capabilities without being restricted by these stereotypes. By allowing all students to take on various roles and responsibilities, we can help a more inclusive and welcoming setting.
