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That was a sad situation to witness Jonathan . Yes I agree with you that these traditional ideas and stereotypes happen at a very early age . Most parents would paint a nursery pink if they knew they were having a baby girl . So what do we do ? I think as a Teacher and as parents we need to follow our children’s leads more closely . If they choose to not play with dolls or wear pink then I wouldn’t question that or make any reference to it even being “out of the norm”. I also know that when I taught infants I used to put a selection of toys out for the boys and girls to play with . They took whatever one they wanted then on that particular day .
I liked your three simple actions Clodagh . Encouraging recycling and promoting the reuse of certain materials is a very realistic approach that children can take . It’s something that they can almost see instant benefits of doing . They will be more likely to keep this up then .
Climate change is no longer a distant global issue . It is certainly something that is becoming increasingly evident within my local community . In my area I have noticed more frequent heavy rainfall, some localised flooding, stronger storms and periods of unusually warm weather . These changes affect not only the natural environment but also people’s daily lives , local wildlife, agriculture and community well-being . Green spaces, parks and other spaces that children enjoy can become inaccessible and ruined due to flooding . The temperature s outside can be too hot for young children to play outside in . There is also the impact that changing weathers have on biodiversity and the habitats of native plants and animals.
As a teacher, I believe that I have an important role in helping children to understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a social and global justice issue . Through Development Education, I can encourage my class to think critically about the causes and consequences of climate change .We could start of the lesson by brainstorming what is climate change? We could go on some nature walks around our school and our local area, recording evidence of biodiversity .We could collect rainfall data and monitor temperatures and compare these with historical records.. We could do some project based learning giving the children opportunities to work collaboratively on such topics .
This work links closely with SSE particularly in promoting student well-being , student voice and active learning . Encouraging the children to investigate real world issues develops critical thinking , collaboration and communication skills . Although no individual can solve climate change alone , collective action begins with individual choices .
Hi Sarah , this is a good reflection on module 4. I agree with your idea on immediate , everyday inclusion through visual supports and structured routines . These children will require a lot of time, support, empathy , kindness and patience from everyone . We can display posters , get books and do lessons that represent different cultures , organise an intercultural day , organise speakers and empower each other as to why this is happening .
Module 4 response –
I was very surprised to learn about all the different agencies working with refugees in my community . Here are a few-
1. Dublin City Volunteer Centre
2. Crosscare
3. Irish Refugee Council
4. Doras
5. Irish Red Cross
6. UNHCR Ireland
I didn’t realise there was so many and obviously this is a good thing because they each seem to specialise in a different aspect of migration from promoting awareness to housing and services .
Schools can support refugees in many ways . As we read in one of the previous modules “Education is a right, not a privilege”. This will be a safe space for a child to go to . One where they can meet their peers and for them to just feel like a child . As a school we can do a number of things like –
1.Develop a whole school welcome policy for new families
2.Pairing new pupils with a “buddy”
3. Whole school intercultural day
4. Having EAL teachers where necessary
5.Using books, lessons, posters around the school to support inclusion
6. Work closely with the parents and our local support organisations
7. Use the HSCL as they will play an important role in acting as the bridge between the home and the school
There were many good videos there in relation to migration and refugees . It is also important to empower our own children on what that means as the media has created perceptions in some young minds so no harm for these to be challenged in some ways . The lessons seemed very interesting and extremely relevant . They are geared towards the senior end of the school but they could be adapted to suit the younger classes . We could use the “Head, Heart, Hands” approach when teaching about refugees. Head- learn why people become refugees . Heart- read stories written by refugees. Hands- take cation by helping out. They could donate , run a bake sale , sale of work , make posters , help new families to integrate and most importantly choose kindness .
This topic fits in particularly well within an SSE focus on well-being , DEIS inclusion for all, History , Literacy and Development Education . It will provide students with opportunities to take meaningful social action within their school and local community .
Hi Yvonne , you have some lovely ideas there in relation to how you would go about empowering the children in your classroom . Project work, discussions , stories and active learning are all fantastic ideas . They allow for honest open discussions , promote respect, fairness and equality and aid critical thinking . Thank you.
I’m choosing lesson 4 inequality and access to education to respond to . I think these figures and examples will really hit home with our students when we do this lesson . I was certainly surprised to learn them .
I guess on a local level we are very fortunate here in Ireland to have to have such a strong education system . But sadly due to different family circumstances not all children here have the same opportunities to succeed . There are many factors which influence access to education locally . Here are a few.
1. Socio-economic inequality which may mean families on low incomes. 2.Educational disadvantage so schools in disadvantaged communities.
3.And lastly children with additional educational needs . So children with disabilities or learning difficulties .
On a global level . As it said on one of the slides “Education is a right , not a privilage” . I thought this was a very powerful statement to start your lesson with.
Children globally are affected by their access to education in many ways. Education influences not only academic achievement but also health , employment , equality and future opportunities . Children who are denied education are more likely to remain trapped in cycles of poverty . Sadly, in some parts of the world girls face significant barriers to attending school due to poverty and cultural expectations. Girls who receive education are more likely to delay marriage and having families . Education empowers children to know their rights , make better choices and participate in society .
To conclude access to education has a profound impact on children’s lives worldwide . It improves health, reduces poverty, promotes equality, supports economic growth and it empowers children to participate fully in society .
I really liked the lesson idea on the privilege walk. I think that would be a good visual representation of the the array of children that we are teaching . It is certainly important to for us to be aware and to acknowledge how lucky we are. Also, as a 3rd class teacher my class could definitely do the class projects about children’s lives around the world. Researching and presenting different countries and situations that people live in .
This will contribute to SSE by helping us to foster inclusion, equality , critical thinking, and active citizenship . It will support whole-school improvement.
How might gender stereotypes affect young people ?
I feel they can have a significant impact on many young children because they influence how children see themselves, how they might interact with others and the opportunities they believe might be available to them .
Children may believe that certain toys, games, colours, clothes, jobs or subjects are only suitable for boys or girls . For example many boys avoid playing with dolls , wearing pink or choosing humanities as a subject . And on the flip side many girls avoid playing with cars or choosing Maths/Science as a subject.
Boys are often encouraged to be “strong/brave” and discouraged from crying and showing their more emotional side . Girls may be expected to be gentle and caring . This can make if difficult for children to express their feelings in a more healthy way.
As educators we cam help in many ways in the classroom . We can give the children equal opportunities to play with a wide variety of toys that we might have in the classroom . We should encourage children to pursue their interests regardless of their gender . Like the teacher in the video we should have a class-based discussion around gender and what it means, and the importance of respecting each other’s views and decisions about their own choices. The children may naturally come up with stereotypical comments so it is important for us to challenge those comments and promote respect for differences. It is important that we create a safe environment that each child feels valued, heard and respected .
This is an important consideration within SSE because it will promote equality and inclusion , support wellbeing and it keeps topics up to date and current .
That’s a good idea to share all of these resources on the drive. At least everything is in the one place then so it is easy for all . There are loads of good tips on the Plan International site . Nice ideas with how to incorporate and differentiate these lessons to our own classes .
It might even be a good idea to have a global citizenship awareness day/week at some stage during every school year too . At least then this very important topic doesn’t get left behind .
I really enjoyed reading this article by Ehigine on The Role of Global Citizenship in Today’s World . I found it very interesting and insightful . It is no harm for us to be reminded that we are all part of one global community and that our actions no matter how big or small can affect people and the environment around the world. In today’s world we have many issues such as war, poverty , gender inequality , racism , migration , poor or inadequate education that is just to name a few. We cannot solve these issues alone it requires cooperation and a shared responsibility . I learned that today in one of the slides that it is important to remind the children that the little difference they make won’t change the world but it will make a difference . I think the term used was “it’s the process not the project”.
I also learned today exactly what a global citizen is . And I took from it that a global citizen respects diversity, values human rights , and promotes equality and inclusion . As educators it is important that we are teaching our children about global issues. This will enable them to make more responsible choices in their daily lives, such as reducing waste, supporting fair trade, and respecting different cultures and beliefs .
I found a few good lesson ideas that I hope to incorporate into my class in September .
1. Connecting head, heart and hand . This idea encourages the children to think, feel and act in response to the issues that they study . Hopefully helping the children to think critically , care deeply and act responsibly .
I will share this idea with my work colleagues when I return .
2. The many videos and resources on Irish Aid . These are all very informative and I think most children will be interested to learn about the real life issues/challenges that are affecting so many people across the globe.