Census 2002 Introduction To Primary Lessons Plans

Census 2002 is an activity-based series of lessons for Primary Schools. The aim of the series is to enable children to understand the importance of conducting a census and to develop the knowledge and skills that they will need to participate actively and responsibly in their own community.

By learning about Census 2002 and by engaging in data collection activities in order to solve problems and to make plans, the children will value the importance of census statistics in helping to build our future.

Lessons and activities are aimed at class levels from Infants to Sixth Class.

Each lesson has been developed specifically to incorporate the principles of the 1999 Primary School Curriculum:

• The child's immediate environment is used as the context for learning.
• The child's existing knowledge and experience form the base for learning new concepts and ideas.
• The use of talk, discussion and language are central to the learning process and each lesson begins with a brainstorming session.
• Integration with other subjects and linkage within subjects are a key feature of these lessons.
• The tasks and activities are designed to encourage the use of higher order thinking and problem solving skills
• Many of the activities provide opportunities for collaborative learning
• Lessons also take into account the range of individual difference within the classroom and in multi-class situations as teachers can select material from all class levels appropriate to the age level and ability of the children.

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Practising primary teachers have developed these lessons and the tasks and resources have been piloted in classroom situations.

There are three separate sets of lessons

• Junior Classes
• Middle Classes
• Senior Classes

Each lesson addresses an aspect of the Census through:

• A Theme
• Objectives
• Key Messages
• Integration / Linkage
• Talk and Discussion
• Teaching Approach
• Follow-Up Activities

Ideas are introduced with stories, poems, and information appropriate to the age level and ability of the child but the underlying premise is that the teacher will adapt the lessons to suit the experience and abilities of their pupils. These concepts are then explored and developed through class discussion. Follow-up activities and worksheets can then be used to consolidate the ideas and concepts and to deepen the children's understanding of the theme.

As worksheets are listed at the beginning of each lesson, teachers will be able to choose which activities best suit the needs of the class or of individual groups. Many of the activities are developed separately to facilitate their use at all class levels and ability levels.

The full content of each lesson is given alongside the download options!

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