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The resources presented in this section are suggested for teaching 5th and 6th class pupils. These resources have been developed by state agencies or organisations with expertise in the area of SPHE/RSE. Each resource is also freely available to use in Irish primary school classrooms.
The resources presented aim to provide a range of relevant materials to address the strands and strand units of RSE, as an aspect of SPHE. Each resource should be considered in respect to the particular needs and interests of children, their parents, the wider school community, and your school’s SPHE and RSE policies.
Please note that the Stay Safe Programme is listed for the relevant strand units to illustrate that it can be used to teach aspects of SPHE/RSE. However, unlike other resources presented, the Stay Safe programme is mandatory and must be taught in all school contexts.
Self-identity
Walk Tall - PDST (2016)
The Walk Tall resource aims to give children the confidence, skills, attitudes and knowledge to make healthy choices in their lives. This resource was updated in 2016 and now provides a comprehensive set of lessons to teach SPHE.
5th Class Manual Unit 1 / 8
We Are All Individuals
I Like Me Just the Way I Am
Personal Opinions
6th Class Manual Unit 1 / 4 / 6
We are all Unique
Affirming and Accepting Myself
Different Views
Busy Bodies - HSE (2020)
The Busy Bodies resource was updated in 2020 with a new booklet. The resource provides useful and supportive information about the physical and emotional changes that children will experience during puberty, the basics of reproduction, and how young people can look after themselves as they grow up. Teachers can use the booklet to support preparation for teaching and learning while the resource can be shared with parents/guardians as a support and source of information for themselves and their child during puberty.
Introducing Adolescence - Gender Identity
Me, You and Everyone - Amnesty International (2006)
The Me, You and Everyone resource supports teaching about rights and responsibilities that includes key topics and issues related to RSE. The content is mapped across the Primary Curriculum and SPHE.
Identity
Gender
GEM-Gender Equality Matters (2020)
The GEM resource aims to tackle gender stereotyping, gender-based bullying and gender-based violence using an equality and rights-based approach. The classroom materials have been developed for use in upper primary, are age-appropriate, and are grounded in the SPHE curriculum and school policies such as anti-bullying, wellbeing and child protection.
Gender Stereotyping
Picture book and story resources:
Picture books can support children to explore topics from a distance or through a fictional lens. Stories with diverse characters can be used to promote inclusion and celebrate diversity, develop understanding and empathy for others, and support the wellbeing of the children who identify with the characters or see their family members represented.
Children’s Books for Wellbeing - PDST (2020)
The Children’s Books for Wellbeing document explores how picture books and novels may be used to support teaching and learning in SPHE. The book list section includes pictures books that address a wide variety of topics, including books that explore self-belief and self-confidence, gender expression and identity, celebrate uniqueness and diversity, and promote inclusion. Prior to considering a book for your class, please ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Children’s Books for Wellbeing
Different Abilities – Children’s Books Ireland (2021)
Different Abilities is a book list with stories about accepting difference, respecting individuality and celebrating diversity. This resource recommends books that are suitable for children aged 0-18 years. Prior to considering a book for your class, please note the recommended age range and ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Different Abilities Reading List
BOLD GIRLS – Children’s Books Ireland (2018)
BOLD GIRLS is a themed reading guide which highlights strong female role models. It challenges stereotypes and shows female characters with agency, power and opinions. This resource recommends books that are suitable for children aged 0-18 years. Prior to considering a book for your class, please note the recommended age range and ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
BOLD GIRLS Reading Guide
BOLD GIRLS Resource Pack
Making decisions
Rights and Equality
The Stay Safe Programme - Child Abuse Prevention Programme (2016)
The Stay Safe Programme should be taught in its entirety over one school year with topics taught consecutively. The Stay Safe Programme is a personal safety skills programme for primary schools. The aim of the programme is to reduce vulnerability to child abuse and bullying through the provision of personal safety education for children and training for teachers, school management boards and parents.
The Stay Safe Programme
Taking care of my body
Why Does Puberty Happen?
What Happens to the Male Body?
What Happens to the Female Body?
5th Class Manual Unit 7
My Amazing Body
6th Class Manual Unit 1
The Ever Changing Ideals of Beauty
Growing and changing
Looking after yourself - Healthy Realtionships
Introducing Adolescence -Attraction and Sexual Orientation
The Professional Development Service for Teachers, Health and Wellbeing
The PDST Health and Wellbeing Team have created this resource to support RSE.
Puberty Sorting Resource
Conception and Birth
5th Class Manual Unit 3
Talking about Feelings
Being Positive about Myself
6th Class Manual Unit 4
Identifying and Exploring Feelings
Managing Feelings 1
Managing Feelings 2
Feelings
The Children’s Books for Wellbeing document explores how picture books and novels may be used to support teaching and learning in SPHE. The book list section includes picture books that explore a range of feelings and emotions. Prior to considering a book for your class, please ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Safety and protection
SunSmart - HSE (2022)
The SunSmart lesson plans and activity sheets were developed to support teachers to integrate sun protection education and behaviours into the classroom.
Lesson Plans and Activity Sheets
Stay Safe Programme
Myself and my family
My Family
Changing Families
Different Kinds of Families
Picture Book and Story Resources:
Stories with diverse characters can be used to promote inclusion and celebrate diversity, develop understanding and empathy for others, and support the wellbeing of the children who identify with the characters or see their family members represented.
Celebrating Families Reading List – Children's Books Ireland (2021)
The Celebrating Families Reading List includes books that celebrate all types of families. This resource recommends books that are suitable for children aged 0-18 years. Prior to considering a book for your class, please note the recommended age range and ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Celebrating Families Reading List
Myself and other people
Different Families Same Love - INTO LGBT+ Teachers' Group
The Different Families Same Love resource aims to support teachers to effectively implement the Anti-Bullying Procedures, with strategies to address homophobic and transphobic bullying. The resource includes good practice guidelines for inclusive schools, advice on class-appropriate use of language, and lesson ideas for all classes in primary school.
Poster
Lesson ideas
All Together Now - BeLonG To (2016)
The All Together Now resource is aimed at addressing and preventing bullying, in particular LGBT bullying.
Human Rights
All Together Now!
The Children’s Books for Wellbeing document explores how picture books and novels may be used to support teaching and learning in SPHE. The book list section includes picture books that explore friendship and bullying. Prior to considering a book for your class, please ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Relating to others
Introducing Adolescence – Healthy Relationships
Gender-based bullying and GBV
Developing citizenship
5th Class Manual Unit 9
Are All People Equal?
6th Class Manual Unit 10
Between Cultures, Bridging the Gap?
The Me, You and Everyone resource supports teaching about rights and responsibilities that includes key topics and issues related to RSE. The content is mapped across the Primary Curriculum and linked to SPHE.
Me and You
Responsibility
Valuing Difference
Making a Difference
Picture Books and Story Resources:
Picture books can support children to explore topics from a distance or through a fictional lens. Stories can be used to develop understanding and empathy for others, promote inclusion and celebrate diversity.
The Children’s Books for Wellbeing document explores how picture books and novels may be used to support teaching and learning in SPHE. The book list section includes pictures books that address a wide variety of topics, including human rights, poverty, homelessness and refugees. Prior to considering a book for your class, please ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Together With Refugees Reading List – Children’s Books Ireland (2020)
The Together With Refugees Reading List encourages readers to see the world from the perspective of a refugee. This resource recommends books that are suitable for children aged 0-18 years. Prior to considering a book for your class, please note the recommended age range and ensure it is suitable for the class level(s) you teach.
Together With Refugees Reading List
Different Abilities Reading List – Children’s Books Ireland (2021)
BOLD GIRLS Resources – Children’s Books Ireland (2018)
Media education
Introducing Adolescence - Social Media and Taking Care of Yourself
Myselfie and the Wider World - Webwise (2015)
The Myselfie and the Wider World resource was developed to address cyberbullying and help students develop the necessary skills and understanding to be responsible, socially conscious and effective users of the internet and social networks.
Lesson 4: You’ve been framed (digital photo sharing)
Gender Stereotyping and the Media
MediaWise: Media Literacy Resource - Safefood (2017)
The interactive activities in this resource were designed to support children to make sense of the digital world and develop medial literacy skills. It aims to develops critical thinking skills and support children to navigate media, marketing and advertising.
What is the Media?
The Message and Emotion Behind the Media
Who is the target?
Media's Influence on Us
Professional Development Services for Teachers (PDST)
Tips for parents on how to support teaching of RSE
Making the 'Big Talk' many small talks (HSE)
A resource to support parents have conversations with their children aged 8 to 12 about relationships and healthy sexuality development.
Making the 'Big Talk' many small talks
Busy Bodies
National Parents Council – Primary
NPCp exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to become effective partners in their children’s education.
NPCp runs workshops for parents on talking to your child about relationships and sex. Call 01 8874475 or 01 8874481 for more information. They also have a helpline number: 01 887 4477. You can visit their website here
BeLongTo parents (LGBT+ support)
BeLonG To Youth Services is the national organisation supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland
Website
Gendered.ie:
An information resource for families of gender variant children and transgender young people in the Republic of Ireland.
Webwise: Provides a wide variety of up-to-date internet sfaety resources, supports and information for parents/guardians
The Stay Safe Programme: The Stay Safe Programme should be taught in its entirety over one school year with topics taught consecutively. The Stay Safe programme is a personal safety skills programme for primary schools. The aim of the programme is to reduce vulnerability to child abuse and bullying through the provision of personal safety education for children and training for teachers, school management boards and parents.
Parents Guide
Stay Safe Parents | PDST