Ireland: Beyond Leprechauns: Interdisciplinary Activities, Grades 2-8

The 22 interdisciplinary lessons in this book are about Irish history, geography, language and literature, architecture, dance and music. The activities are for all students: public, parochial, homeschool and traveling students. Students traveling to Ireland may use this book as a learning tool. All students will gain an appreciation for the Irish culture. They will enjoy the process of learning about the Irish people: the hardships, the challenges, the merriment and mischief, and the resiliency of the Irish people! Students will be able to: locate Ireland on a world map for the rest of their lives; speak a few Gaelic words; understand how a monk's community built and thrived in beehive huts; appreciate the time period of the Celts and the High Kings; attempt to build an Irish castle; study the Potato Famine and the fallout of a failed potato crop; explore the building and sinking of the infamous Titanic; delve into the spirit and efforts of the Irish freedom seekers; write some limericks and appreciate the literary contributions of Irish-born writers; learn a few steps of Irish dance like "Squish the Bug"; practice the slants, swirls, and swings of Calligraphy; travel along on St. Brendan's pilgrimages and sea explorations; experience Irish fables, legends, and superstitions; and build an itinerary for a two-week trip to Ireland! The author, Mary Ellen Sweeney, Ph.D., chose interdisciplinary learning in her own higher education studies. She discovered the value to students with this approach in her many years teaching in the elementary, middle school grades and beyond. She has been an American educator for over thirty-five years. Her hope is for students to heighten their knowledge and appreciation for the Irish culture through the lessons and activities contained in this book.