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As I teach infants the hands on activities resonated with my the most. The sorting dress-up box circle activity is one that I truly enjoy. In my opinion, this would work well as an Aistear station for packing suitcases and designing Teddy’s holiday wardrobe.
I would start by talking about the weather that day and your reasons for choosing why or why not the pupils brought a coat, hat, gloves, or other items. After that, we would do the colouring activity that was described, each group would be given a season to focus on. I would then ask the various groups to show and describe each of their pictures individually. After that, everyone in the class would discuss the seasons, the memories we have of each, and the climates of each.
I have chosen the activity set The Stars.
I have planned this lesson to suit an infant class. I would complete this lesson by:
Gathering the students and ask if they have ever seen the stars in the night sky. Engage them in a brief discussion about what they remember seeing and what they think stars are. Explain that stars are big, glowing balls of gas in space and that they are very far away, which is why they look so small from Earth.
I would then introduce the book “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield. Read the book aloud to the class, emphasizing the beautiful illustrations and story about a young boy who learns to see the beauty of the stars and the importance of dreaming big. Stop occasionally to ask questions, such as “What do you think the boy is feeling when he looks up at the stars?” and discuss the key messages of the story.
After reading, talk about what stars are and share a few interesting facts using images.
Provide each student with a piece of black construction paper. Ask them to draw or create stars on their paper using gold or yellow crayons/markers. They can also use glitter to make their stars shine.Once the starry night pictures are complete, invite students to share their artwork with the class.
Ask them to describe what types of stars they created and if they included anything else in their drawings.
Lastly, recap what they learned about stars and ask, “What did you like about the story?” and “What are some things we can do to look for stars at night?” I would finish by using a flashlight, turn off the lights and use the flashlight to pretend you’re shining light like a star, explaining how stars twinkle in the sky.I have chosen The Planets as my activity. I would aim to teach this lesson to a Senior Infant Class. I would begin by asking the children to gather the in a circle and ask if they know what makes up our solar system.
Next I would introduce the concept of planets and explain that there are eight main planets orbiting the sun. Show them a model or images of the solar system and briefly explain that each planet is unique. I would go through each planet one by one, sharing simple facts and characteristics.Keeping explanations brief and engaging:
Mercury: Closest to the sun and very hot.
Venus: Known as Earth’s twin but is very hot and has clouds.
Earth: Our home planet with water and living things.
Mars: The red planet; may have had water.
Jupiter: The biggest planet with a big storm called the Great Red Spot.
Saturn: Famous for its beautiful rings.
Uranus: Has a tilted axis and looks blue.
Neptune: The farthest planet and very windy.
Use planet cards for visual reinforcement.Activity: Create Your Own Planet (20 minutes):
I would then ask the pupils to choose one planet to draw or paint. I would provide them with paper, crayons, and markers. I would encourage them to use their imagination and add features they think would be on that planet.
While they are drawing, walk around to engage with each child and ask them about their planet (e.g., “What color is your planet?” “Does it have rings?”).Once everyone has completed their artwork, invite students to share their planet with the class. Ask questions like, “What did you name your planet?” “What makes it special?” Lastly I would gather the drawings and create a “Planet Gallery” on a bulletin board to display their artwork, recap the names of the planets, encouraging students to shout out their names or do a simple chant together. This lesson provides an interactive and enjoyable way for young children to learn about the planets in our solar system while allowing them to express their creativity.
I really enjoyed learning and reading everyone’s different ideas in this module. I got some lovely ideas. I really like the idea of creating rockets. For this lesson plan I will make rockets using simple materials. Firstly I would discuss rockets, what they are for and how they go up to space.
I would then give each pupil 2 paper rocket templates that they can design uniquely. I will then ask the pupils to glue their paper rockets together (3/4 of the way) but to ensure there is no glue at the end of it so that they can then put a straw through the two stuck together.
Following on from that I would bring the children outside and ask them to blow through the straw. The paper rocket they made should fly off with the force of the pupils breath. We will measure how far each rocket goes and discuss why it happens!
Thanks for sharing Emma, we also do this book but it would be nice for the pupils to hear it read by the author!
I am teaching Senior Infants this year for my second year in a row. This is my third year working in an all boys Junior school. One of my favourite space facts is that there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the Earth’s beaches combined!
Last year I found inquiry-based activities worked really well to engage pupils. I would introduce a “Planet Exploration Station” in the classroom. Each child could select a planet to investigate, using a mixture of books, videos, and hands-on materials representing different planets. They could draw their planet and describe its colours, size, and any unique features, allowing them to express their understanding through art. I would prompt them with questions like, “What do you think it would feel like to walk on that planet?” or “What animals do you imagine live there?” As children research, share findings, and engage in discussions, they will while foster a sense of curiosity about the cosmos. This approach not only nurtures their love for science but also empowers them to take charge of their learning in a fun and engaging manner.
This is a lovely idea Claire! I always find my pupils remember the most when they’re doing hands on activities!
