Introduction
Welcome to the Language section of the START Competition resource hub. Here, we will explore how participating in the START Competition helps students achieve key language curriculum goals in both English and Irish through engaging and meaningful activities.
The Importance of Language in the Primary Curriculum
Language learning enables children to understand the world around them and to communicate effectively. It is central to how and what we learn, playing a vital part in the expansion of the child’s understanding of the world and their acquisition of knowledge, dispositions, and skills. The curriculum emphasises active learning methodologies and the importance of playful, engaging experiences in language development.
How the START Competition Activities Support Language Curriculum Goals
Developing Communicative Relationships Through Language
The goal is to help children become better at sharing ideas and information. Through the START Competition, students choose a question they want to study, and then they work together to plan and carry out their study. Each stage requires team efforts and therefore, clear communication between all participants.
For example, children might decide to find out if working in groups or alone leads to better results (2024 second-place trial). They’ll need to talk about how they will conduct their study, explain their ideas to participants, and share the results with classmates, teachers, and even the community. This helps them become clearer and more confident communicators.
Understanding the Content and Structure of Language
The curriculum goal is to help children understand the content and structure of language across different contexts. In the START Competition, students are required to explain their projects and findings in a report, which can take various forms. This report will be reviewed by judges who have no prior knowledge of the topic the children chose to study. Because of this, students are challenged to communicate clearly, ensuring that each step of their trial is explained in a logical and structured manner. This not only helps them improve their language skills but also teaches them the importance of clear communication in sharing ideas and findings with others.
Exploring and Using Language
The curriculum goal is to encourage children to explore and use language creatively and effectively. Students have the freedom to choose any format to present their findings. This could be written documents, PowerPoint presentations, digital books, or even videos where they verbally explain their project. This flexibility allows children to express their ideas in ways that suit their strengths and interests, fostering creativity while enhancing their communication skills.
Pedagogical Practices in the START Competition
Fostering Engagement and Interaction
The goal is to support meaningful interactions and conversations among children. In the START Competition, the project is entirely child-led, with students taking the reins to decide which question they want to study. From the start, they engage in lively discussions to choose their trial question, determine the methods, and decide how to present their findings. This approach not only encourages cooperation but also ensures that students are fully invested in the learning process. By working in groups, they collaborate to design and conduct their trials, fostering active dialogue and teamwork
Encouraging Playful Learning Experiences
The goal is to use playful and engaging experiences to enhance language learning. Children love to play grown-up, and with the START Competition, they get to play scientist! The fact that teachers only supervise while the children lead the way is something our young participants find very fun. It has also been reported by our multi-class groups as one of the highlights of the project. Older kids guiding younger ones and conducting a study together becomes child’s play!
Promoting Digital Literacy
The goal is to develop digital literacy by encouraging students to engage with technology in creative and critical ways. Within the START Competition, students are invited to explore our website to learn about randomised trials and watch videos that explain the various steps involved. They are also encouraged to use digital tools throughout their project. For example, they can research their chosen question online to see if similar studies have been done before, use tools like Canva to create banners or presentations, and employ software to present their trial findings through graphs, typed reports, or digital slideshows. This hands-on approach not only enhances their understanding of digital resources but also empowers them to use technology effectively to support their learning and communicate their ideas.
Integrating Language Across the Curriculum
The goal is to provide authentic contexts for language learning by integrating it with other subjects. The START Competition blends language activities with science, mathematics, and even subjects like art and PE as part of the trial process. This multidisciplinary approach allows students to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios, making their learning more meaningful and engaging. For example, students might write a hypothesis, record observations, and interpret data, all of which involve both written and oral communication.
Reporting Findings Creatively
The START Competition encourages students to report their findings in any format they choose, aligning with the language curriculum’s focus on creativity and effective communication. Students can:
- Produce a Video: Use film to narrate their trial process and results, incorporating interviews, practicing clear and expressive speech.
- Design a Collage or Poster: Visually represent their data and conclusions through mixed media, combining text, images, and other materials.
- Write a Report: Combine visual elements with written content to produce a comprehensive and creative documentation of their trial.
Conclusion
By participating in the START Competition, students not only engage in meaningful scientific inquiry but also achieve key goals of the Primary Language Curriculum. The competition fosters effective communication, creative expression, and critical thinking, helping students see the practical applications of their language skills in real-world contexts.
