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for Schools 2018 –2019 A comprehensive guide to O’Brien Press children’s books and how to use them in the classroom

www.obrien.ie/schools

t The O’Brien Press, we’re always conscious of the changing needs of schools and of teachers. In this catalogue, we have put together the perfect set of books and FREE resources for you to teach the New Primary Language Curriculum with ease. From stunning picture books to suspensefilled historical fiction, our selection of engaging, entertaining and challenging reads will foster a love of reading, thinking and speaking about books amongst your pupils.

CONTENTS Teaching Resources Black Flag – Picture Books for Younger Readers Black Flag – Picture Books for Older Readers Purple Flag – Reading Level 5+ Yellow Flag – Reading Level 6+ Red Flag – Reading Level 8+ Leabhair Gaeilge Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ Bringing History to Life Themes Accelerated Reader™ The O’Brien Press Website

3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 20 23 24

O’Brien Press books are colour-coded with reading age flags. This guide indicates which flags are most appropriate for different class levels, to support you in choosing the right book for your students.

Reading age flag

Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland

Black flag Picture books

Usable throughout the school (but especially Year 1 [P1])

Purple flag Reading level 5+

Usable throughout the school (but especially Junior Infants, Senior Infants) Senior Infants, First Class (also Second Class)

Yellow flag Reading level 6+

Second Class (also First Class, Third Class)

Year 3 [P3]. Key Stage 1

Red flag Reading level 8+

Third Class, Fourth Class

Year 4, Year 5 [P4, P5]. Key Stages 1 & 2

Blue flag Reading level 9+

Fifth Class, Sixth Class

Year 6, Year 7 [P6, P7]. Key Stage 2

Green Flag Reading level 12+

First Year, Second Year (second-level schools)

Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 (secondary schools). Key Stage 3

Young Adult Books

Older and more confident readers

Year 2 [P2]. Key Stage 1

Where Can I Find O’Brien Press Books? 1. BOOKSHOPS AND SCHOOL SUPPLY CENTRES: they all stock our books. If they do not hold a given title in stock, just ask, and they will be delighted to order O’Brien Press books for you. 2. THE INTERNET: There are lots of choices online, such as books.ie, thebookdepository.com and amazon.co.uk, as well as education sites such as schoolbooksireland.ie, easonschoolbooks.com and schoolbooks.ie. Or you can buy directly from obrien.ie. 3. SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES: All school and public libraries should have O’Brien Press books. If they do not have a title you’re looking for, they can order it for you. (If you do not have a school library, use our guide to setting one up: see obrien.ie/school-library.) 2

4. BUYING DIRECTLY: Orders can be placed by post, telephone, fax or e-mail: The O’Brien Press, 12 Terenure Road East, Rathgar, Dublin 6 D06 HD27, Ireland Tel: +353 1 492 3333; Fax: +353 1 492 2777; E-mail: schools@obrien.ie Discounts: a discount of 10% and free postage is available on all class sets bought directly. Higher discounts are available for larger orders.

Front cover illustration by Lauren O’Neill from Blazing a Trail by Sarah Webb & Lauren O'Neill. See page 16.

Teaching Resources Title Here

Available FREE from obrien.ie TEACHING GUIDES

Are you choosing a new novel for your class? Or perhaps you are using O’Brien Press novels already. O’Brien Teaching Guides provide detailed suggestions for getting the most out of your chosen novel, with plot summaries, activities, discussion points and more. Teaching Guides are available for many O’Brien Press books, and more are being added all the time. obrien.ie/teaching-guides

Mollie on the March

Key themes include: Friendship, Trust, Social Class, Women’s rights and roles, Street politics, Principles.

SUMMARY

in the Spotlight

add buttons, her

Read pages 22-27

ISBN 978-1-84717-845-9 eBook ISBN 978-1-84717-902-9

ACTIVITY SHEET NO 5

Natasha Mac a’Bháird

skirt and legs. Setting Up A Club

3. Make a list of three people that Sinead woke up.

Hannah loves the idea of setting up a club. She enjoys reading the Secret Seven books and the idea of a clubhouse, password and membership badge. But Star Club turns out to be a bit different.

STEP 3

In small groups, discuss the idea of setting up a club. If you were going to set up a club, what would you call it? What would you like to do in the club?

Add eyes,

nose, mouth and hair ...

STEP 4

... and her

arms, boots and stitching.

Club name

1. At what time did Sinead creep out of bed? Circle the correct

Design yourClub badge

Add her

time on one of the clocks below.

basket

4. Do you think Sinead was a silly girl? Why?

5. Who didn’t seem to mind all the fuss?

What our club would do ...

STEP 5 Colour her in! Fiona is now ready for an adventure.

The themes explored are: Friendship Family disputes Bullying and its effects Memories Gender roles and equality Resentments Parenting styles Time travel Forgiveness Misunderstandings Feelings

SUMMARY When her dad returns from Africa to live permanently in Ireland, Molly’s initial delight is tempered by the realization that things can never be as they were, as Molly’s mum is now in a new relationship with her best friend Beth’s dad. Eddie’s attempts at social integration seem awkward. His relationship with his only brother, Stephen, which was always strained, hasn’t been improved by his absence.

Teaching Guide

You’ve Got a Friend

APPROACH This is a gentle tale of a relationship damaged by misunderstanding and bullying. It recounts how Molly and Beth move across time as they try to help Molly’s father and his brother re-establish their friendship. The themes sit firmly within the remit of the SPHE and PDMU guidelines. Development can be more effectively facilitated with small group discussion. The guide has been divided into 3 sections to reflect the development of the story.

Her amazement turns to delight when he explains that he has decided to return to Ireland permanently. Molly is a bit worried about her mum’s reaction to the sudden reappearance of her father, but he reassures her that it was arranged as a surprise and when the others return from the party, the greetings are cordial, much to Molly’s relief. Molly soon discovers the disadvantage of having her father back, when he decides to have opinions about her social life and blocks an invitation to a party that she and Beth were hoping to attend. Molly and Beth decide that having a kitten might cheer her dad up and ask Beth’s uncle Graham if he would donate one from a litter he is trying to find homes for. When Graham cautions them to check with Eddie first, they are surprised that his refusal is emphatic. He reveals that once he had a cat called Pablo and hints at a painful memory that he is reluctant to revisit. A conversation with her mother casts no light for Molly on either Pablo or a reason for the distance between her father and his brother Stephen. She agrees that resolving

the issue causing the distance is the key to SectionT H1E D I S C O V E Rher Y dad CH A L Lcontentment. finding ENGE The Dad Child Molly and Beth then decide to use Rico’s Pages 5 - 89 The time Bigportal to return to 1975, to her dad’s

THE DIS

Fight

SUMMARY

childhood, to identify (and if possible,

Flyer 3 ISBN 0-86278-451-4 Frank repair) what has caused the alienation from Murphy

his brother. Molly and Beth are best friends and The theirBig Fight is based on the relationship has strengthened since BethCuailgne. and Irish Billy, Their first encounterancient is with myth, an Táin Bó her father, Jim, moved in with Molly and her obnoxious bully, who seems to be causing Can you find and mother to live as a family. problemsread for other young Eddie. The girls are ancient Irish myths, of Diarmaid such forced resort to electronic deception to as the story and to Gráinne When an invitation to attend a party at Jim’s or that of nÓg. Cinn to give them Niamh directions to Óir her in Tír na might askhim work excludes Molly, she finds herself leftYou persuade a teacher or librarian to stories from read you these dad’s house. Celtic behind at home to entertain herself. Magic Tales or Celtic Tales of Liam Mac Uistin. Enchantment by 1 Teaching Guide Using a map of Ireland or a large wall map, see any of the places if you can mark mentioned in the stories. Ask grown-up for your teacher or help if you are a not sure of some Did you know of the placename that a lot of place s. names in Ireland ancient Irish stories? link into these

Which story explains EXTRA Causeway in Northernthe origins of the Giant’s Ireland? Your teacher might have a copy of The Giant’s Causeway and the North Antrim Coast by Philip Watson, 0-86278-675-4, and you could do research using this book. [You can find the answer if you use the engine and type Google search in ‘placenam es of Ireland translations’.] What is the name EXTRA townland where of the you live? See if you can find ten other placename s and their translation s near to your home on the same website. If you share your information with your class, you could organise a class table quiz on placenames.

Hannah for her face and

Determined to discover the cause of the distance between her dad and his brother, the girls use Rico’s time portal to revisit the past and discover why the two men’s relationship is damaged.

Using information they gathered from their sortie into the past and an artifact that they manage to retrieve and transport back through time, they are able to restore the brothers’ relationship and re-establish an ambition that they had held together as children.

Feeling abandoned, Molly answers the phone to her father and is shocked to discover that he is standing on her doorstep.

RY CHAL LEN

shape ...

Worried about her dad’s unhappiness and his inability to reconnect with any of his old friends, particularly his brother Stephen, Molly and Beth decide to help.

When her best efforts to help her dad prove unsuccessful, Molly and Beth decide to use their own personal time portal at the back of Rico’s quaint shop to visit the past and investigate Eddie’s childhood in an attempt to identify the reason for his sadness. There they discover a trail of misunderstandings that help to explain the distance between Eddie and Stephen and point to the source of his sadness.

THE DIS COVE

four-sided

shape

His departure to Africa had prompted the breakup of her family and her mum is now in a new relationship with Jim, who is Molly’s best friend’s dad.

a raindrop

RATIONALE & THEMES Molly’s dad, Eddie, has returned from Africa to live in Ireland, however her initial delight at having him back in her life is tempered by the pall of unhappiness that seems to surround him.

CHALLEN

Favour ite Rhymes from an Ir ish Childhood

Draw a circle

(Read pp 9–10): What chores do you have to do around the house? Do you think it is important for children to help their parents in the house? Why do you think Mollie and Harry have different tasks at home? Is this fair? (Read p23): Mollie describes how horrible it is to see your enemies get humiliated. Is she right? Discuss a time when you have been surprised to find yourself feeling sympathy for someone you may have disliked? What happened? How did you feel? (Read p28): Mollie talks about Maggie’s cousin who moved to America and never returned. Is there anyone in your family who emigrated? Where did they go? Do you ever speak to them? Discuss with a partner whether you think emigration is as isolating now as it was then. What technology can we use? Is it the same as speaking face-toface? (Read pp55–59): How does Grace behave differently? Do you think it is because she ‘wasn’t thinking about impressing anyone’? Does this change your opinion of her? (Read p75): Mollie talks a lot about how books make her feel. Has a book ever had a really strong effect on you and made you feel really happy or sad? Discuss with your partner. Why do you think it affected you like this? Would you recommend the book to others? (Read p86): Nora and Mollie talk of sacrificing buns to hire a rowing boat to use for the suffragettes. What sacrifice would you be prepared to make to do something you loved or believed strongly in?

Audrey Devereaux is a resource teacher in a Dublin school.

COVER GALLERY

Sally Go Round the Stars Sarah Webb & Claire Ranson Illustrated by Steve McCarthy

... and this

Developed by resource teachers for reluctant readers, you can download and print these specialised activity sheets for free at obrien.ie/discovery-challenge Mollie on the March

STEP 2

Lightly draw

DISCUSSION POINTS

DIFFERENTIATED RESOURCES

teachers for teachers, with the primary school curriculum in mind. Ideal for classroom use, with puzzle pages, suggested activities, language development and visual arts activities and much more. obrien.ie/activity-sheets How to draw Fiona

Section 1: The Start of the Summer Holidays Pages 9–110 SUMMARY The first letter is dated 21st June 1912 and Mollie’s main concerns are about her upcoming school exams. She also explains how some suffragettes have been the focus of attention for breaking windows. Her second letter is also focused on school. With the exams now over, we hear about the politics amongst the girls at school and the rivalry based on examination results. As the summer holidays begin, her letters begin to focus more on her daily life and her adventures with her best friend Nora. Nora’s terrible cousin Grace is to come and stay due to a family emergency, which causes much upset and the conflict between Grace and the girls. The two cousins clash regularly, with Mollie trying to act as the voice of reason. The local tennis club becomes a key backdrop in the novel as the characters visit a local tournament and find that Grace has a keen interest in the game. Mollie and Nora are amazed at the changes in Grace, especially as she seems to be a dog-whisperer, handling the irritating little Barnaby with ease. Mollie is an avid reader and spellbound by Anne of Green Gables, which she describes at length. In her last letter in this section, dated 8th July 1912, the girls visit the Phoenix Park, and a truce is drawn as they become more friendly over tea and cakes, but an argument over the suffrage movement causes Mollie and Nora to quarrel as Mollie finds herself acting as mediator between Nora and her cousin.

COVERY

Set in Dublin in the summer of 1912, the novel is a story told through a series of letters from Mollie Carberry, a 14-year-old suffragette, to her friend Frances, as she and her friend Nora prepare for a summer filled with ‘fighting for the cause’. They encounter many obstacles along the way including Nora’s insufferable cousin Grace, Mollie’s awful brother Harry and an irritating little dog, called Barnaby. Everything comes to a head when Prime Minister Asquith visits Dublin, and Mollie and Nora are determined to take part in any demonstrations, despite the dangers of an angry public – not to mention their families finding out what they’ve been up to.

This is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. Although the plot refers to a number of historical events, it is an engaging read with many opportunities for discussion. This guide has divided the story into three sections and the activities offer suggestions on developing the themes.

HUNDREDS of FREE activity sheets, created by

STEP 1

Teaching Guide By Peter Heaney

By Nicola Heaney RATIONALE & THEMES The purpose of this guide is to help the reader to understand the themes of the novel, to explore the writer’s techniques, and to develop empathy skills – all through a range of reading, writing, talking and listening activities, which pupils can complete either individually or in groups.

ISBN 978-1-78849-051-1 eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-075-7

Judi Curtin

Teaching Guide

APPROACH

ACTIVITY SHEETS

You’ve Got a Friend

ISBN 978-1-78849-008-5 eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-035-1

Anna Carey

An innovative way of introducing your class to creative visual arts, cultural diversity and language development. To view our incredible range of covers from Irish and foreign editions, go to obrien.ie/cover-gallery

2. How do you know that Sinead shouted ‘fire’ very loudly?

Out now from

THE O’BRIEN PRESS, 12 Terenure Road East, Rathgar, Dublin 6 Tel: +353 1 4923333 Fax: +353 1 4922777, E-mail: books@obrien.ie Website: www.obrien.ie

By John Doherty. Based on Fireman Sinead by Anna Donovan. ISBN 0-86278-529-4 © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

Hannah in the Spotlight

Activity Sheet

THEMES

At The O’Brien Press, we realise that teachers need adaptable and versatile resources when choosing and using books in the classroom. That’s why we’re giving you an in-depth list of the different THEMES and TOPICS covered in our books, at all of the different class and reading levels, completely FREE! This unique thematic breakdown offers help and advice when selecting a book or novel, and enables you to get the most out of O’Brien Press books in the classroom. obrien.ie/themes

BILLEOGA SAOTHAIR

Billeoga saothair bunaithe ar na leabhar SOS: Fíor nó Bréagach, Aimsigh na Difríochta, Deir Ó Grádaigh, Rabhlóga … obrien.ie/billeoga-saothair

POSTERS, BOOKMARKS & DISPLAY MATERIAL

E-mail marketing@obrien.ie today and we’ll send you a selection of colourful posters and bookmarks to brighten up your classroom or school library, completely FREE!

ne A book for everyo of who dreams world changing the

Whatever happens … you’ve got a friend!

‘Ireland’s answer to Jacqueline Wilson’ Irish Independent

Best friends Mollie and Beth travel back to the ‘70s, but this time have they gone too far?

IRISH BOOK AWARD WINNER

New from Irish Book Award winner Judi Curtin

YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARY

Get great advice and suggestions on setting up and maintaining a fantastic library in your school. FREE at obrien.ie/school-library

YOUTUBE LOGO SPECS

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ACCELERATED READER™ BOOKS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

Check out our fantastic teaching ideas based on over one hundred novels and make O’Brien Press books work for you. Great books for all ages at obrien.ie/schools

Is your school participating in the Accelerated Reader™ (AR™) programme? If so, we’ve made life easier for you at O’Brien Press. A number of our books have been quizzed and assigned an AR™ rating, to help you and your students choose books at appropriate readability levels for them. You’ll find a full list on page 23. 3

Black Flag – Picture Books for Younger Readers We’ve got you covered for the New Primary Language Curriculum with O’Brien Press Picture Books! Base your successful oral language and poetry lessons on these quality resources, stunning visuals and vibrant characters. These books are a fantastic addition to any classroom and a great support for teaching the New Primary Language Curriculum. NEW

come after all! one had Every

that they didn’t see the goblins …

who were STEALING ALL THE CAKE!

Soon they were so busy chatting and playing music 18

From the illustrator of the beautiful The Moon Spun Round Join the Pooka as it attempts to throw the party of the century in this fun and beautifully illustrated picture book. This madcap tale of what to do if you feel sad and lonely, starring one shapeshifting hero with some musical monsters is ideal for shared reading in your classroom.

NEW

Humpback Whale

A humpback whale’s tail can be 3.5m wide.

Golden Stockings Oliver St John Gogarty

Symphony in Yellow Oscar Wilde

Golden stockings you had on In the meadow where you ran; And your little knees together Bobbed like pippins in the weather.

An omnibus across the bridge Crawls like a yellow butterfly, And, here and there a passer-by Shows like a little restless midge.

Harbour Porpoise

Mackerel is a favourite food of dolphins in Irish waters.

Bottlenose Dolphins eat fish, crabs and squid.

A beautifully illustrated collection of favourite nursery rhymes.

What is a bu tterfl y? A tb est ,

b ’s

ut re s . sed

d lar

Fin Whale

Lucky for us, and for our visitors to Ireland, our waters are teeming with amazing wildlife. Whales, sharks and dolphins swim around our coastline. You can go whale and dolphin watching from the land or from a boat. Obviously, you can get much closer to them from a boat, but there are many areas along the coast where you can see marine life swimming by. Get up high on a coastal hill or a cliff and you may see a gentle giant out at sea. If you’re on a boat, the guide will tell you what to look out for, such as feeding seabirds, flocking around feeding whales. And it’s not only in summer that we get to see these magnificent marine creatures. There are many species passing through our waters all year round including the giant Fin Whale – the second biggest animal on the planet after the Blue Whale. Grab your binoculars and get to the coast!

l rpi ate

Diver

Watch Whales & Dolphins

Basking Shark

This beautifully illustrated hardback explores places of Ireland, and will be ideal for developing mapping skills, creative artwork and discussion with your class.

Irish Children’s Book of the Year ( Junior) – 2017

From the author and illustrator of Sally Go Round the Stars. Owls and pussycats, cockles and mussels, golden stockings, wiggly worms and rattlin’ bogs – they’re all here, and more. ‘A beautifully illustrated collection of nursery rhymes to treasure, and songs, poems and rhymes to share.’ – Primary Times Magazine

‘… a treasure trove for young and older readers alike …’ – Irish Times

‘McCarthy’s illustrations are fun, sweet, hilarious, detailed and beautiful.’ – The Looking Glass ‘a cracker’ – The Late Late Toy Show

Black Flag – Picture Books for Younger Readers Dog is sad. She needs a best friend. When she meets Henry, they go on amazing adventures together under the sea, in outer space and in the deep, dark jungle. A gentle and simple story, bound to appeal to junior classes. Based on the very popular TV series by award-winning Irish company Wiggleywoo.

NEW

From the author and illustrator of Let’s See Ireland ‘A day out at the zoo … The mix of family relationships, tech versus old-fashioned methods, and animal information is very neatly done.’ – Books for Keeps

Hello Henry, hello Dog.

Hello Space Station!

Hello Planet!

Hello Henry, hello Dog.

Hello Moon!

Hello Henry, hello Dog.

ight b lwaayyis- trh inGGaalw chin is is reisgide ishAArrch thees ht b Spannish isdeeat. watch boat ra Spa he ces.

I hope there’ll be some left for me!

s ea

wh er e

Who’s that enjoying a nice snooze in the sun? 22

‘vibrant, engaging illustrations which will captivate children. There are plenty of opportunities for discussion and oral language development on each double page spread … this book would be ideal for use as part of a travel/holiday theme in Aistear or incorporated into SESE lessons on Ireland for first and second classes’ – InTouch Magazine

Check out lots more O’Brien Press picture books at www.obrien.ie/childrens/picture-books

Black Flag – Picture Books for Older Readers Real Resources for Oral Language Development Picture books are not just for younger children. A well-chosen book can promote critical thinking and encourage real talk and discussion in older classes too. These lavish large-format books will enhance engagement of your pupils and provide an excellent resource for fostering joint attention and reflective dialogue in your classroom. M A GICA L CELTIC TA LES

The Seal Catcher’s Story

‘Here we are,’ said the Stranger, as they stopped on a cliff. Hamish dismounted and peered over the edge. There wasn’t a seal to be seen,

Suddenly, arrows came flying out of nowhere – some of the little people were shooting at me! I tried to scramble into my house, but an arrow hit me in the face, and nearly took out my eye! ‘Hey! Who did that?’ the captain of the guard shouted. He rounded up six of the little archers, tied their hands behind their backs, and brought them to me. They stared up at me, quaking in their tiny boots. At last, I thought, a chance to have a bit of fun! I scooped them all up in one hand, and dropped five into my pocket. I held up the sixth little man to my open mouth, as though I intended to eat him, like an ogre in a fairytale. ‘Yum, yum,’ I said and patted my tummy. The poor creature nearly passed out and a great gasp came up from the crowd. When I took out my penknife, they all screamed. But I had no intention of harming any living creature, no matter how small. I cut the strings that tied the little man’s hands, then I set him gently down on the ground. I took the other five out of my pocket and did the same with them. Great cheers rang out from the crowd. Soon after, night fell on Lilliput and people began to go home, waving and blowing little kisses to me. I waved back, being careful not to wallop anyone by accident. I heard later that the Emperor was delighted with my merciful behaviour towards his people.

just the sea booming and thrashing the rocks. A cold feeling of dread came over him. He turned to the Stranger. ‘Where are the seals you told me about?’ he asked. ‘You’ll see them soon enough,’ the Stranger answered. Then everything happened at once. Suddenly Hamish was falling from the cliff – down, down, down into the roaring ocean. Diving beside him was the handsome Stranger. Hamish hit the water with a smack. Waves crashed as he plunged through the blue-green gloom. ‘This is the end of me,’ he gasped, ‘I’m sure to drown.’ But to his surprise his breath came easily, no water in his lungs and no gulping for air. The Stranger dropped beside him as they sank ever deeper. Their fall only ended when they reached the sea floor. There stood a door, studded in seashells, opening into a wonderful cavern. Walls shimmered with seaweed, sand sparkled on the floor. Coral and pearls hung in pink and blue clusters. Fish hovered and darted in brilliant shoals. He turned to the Stranger, wondering what was happening. But no question came. The Stranger was a man no longer, but a sleek seal. He swam away, leaving Hamish alone with the others. Only then did he notice his own skin and flippers – he too was now a seal! ‘Oh, no!’ he thought. ‘What’s become of me? I should have paid heed to the legend. This is my punishment - I’ll be a seal forever!’ He almost sobbed at the thought of this curse. Around him groups of seals swam to and fro. He couldn’t help noticing that they looked upset. Some were sighing, some sobbing, some wiping their eyes. He wondered what had happened. Poor creatures! Why were they so sad and distressed? Then the Stranger returned with a long, sharp knife. Hamish almost lost his courage. 20

Stories of giants, dragons, fairies and princesses from Brittany, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. With large, accessible text and beautiful illustrations, you and your class can enjoy each tale individually or all in one sitting – we don’t mind!

CBI Book of the Year 2016: Merit Award for Illustrations

Explore the theme of adventure with this gorgeous take on Gulliver’s Travels. In clear, accessible language with intriguing illustrations, your students will enjoy predicting what happens to poor Gulliver next, discussing the inhabitants of Lilliput, and what they intend to do with him!

Sweet is the scent of the hawthorn, and sweet are the bluebells that hide in the valley, and the heather that blows on the hill. Yet Love is better than Life, and what is the heart of a bird compared to the heart of a man?” So she spread her brown wings for flight, and soared into the air. She swept over the garden like a shadow, and like a shadow she sailed through the grove. The young Student was still lying on the grass, where she had left him, and the tears were not yet dry in his beautiful eyes. “Be happy,” cried the Nightingale, “be happy; you shall have your red rose. I will build it out of music by moonlight, and stain it with my own heart’s-blood. All that I ask of you in return is that you will be a true lover, for Love is wiser than Philosophy, though she is wise, and mightier than Power, though he is mighty. Flame-coloured are his wings, and coloured like flame is his body. His lips are sweet as honey, and his breath is like frankincense.”

Myths & Legends

“ his lips are sweet as honey” 44

A book to be treasured, this collection of Oscar Wilde stories with striking, original artwork can be enjoyed in your classroom just as it is, or as a stimulus for amazing visual arts lessons. ‘Both The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant provide a considerable body of work in English, Drama and SPHE for senior classes’ – InTouch Magazine

NEW

KNOW?

BADGER The badger is a beautiful, nocturnal animal with black stripes on its face.

Badgers live in woodland and under hedgerows. Their home is called a sett. The sett is a long network of tunnels and sleeping chambers that can cover hundreds of metres underground and have many entrances.

SPRING Badgers live in family groups. In early spring, badger cubs are born below ground in a cosy chamber lined with dried grass. They are fed with mother’s milk. When they are about seven weeks old, they start to come above ground at night with their parents to explore the world and to learn how to find food. Cubs also spend a lot of time playing and wrestling with each other.

SUMMER Hot dry weather can make life difficult for badgers as the ground gets very hard and earthworms go deeper into the soil, making it more work for badgers to catch their dinner.

are DID YOU the young le a sow, and , the fema dig er is a boar foot to help The male badg claws on each five strong have badger has animals and clean cubs. The are els. Badgers st to dig tunn build the large for food, and , badgers Next to man und! de the sett. rgro outsi t are unde their toile their homes world, but homes in the

about me - BAdger WINTER During winter, badgers become less active, spending more time underground, and on cool days their body temperature drops, in a process called torpor, so that they use less energy. But badgers do not hibernate. Hibernation is a much more extended form of torpor.

My Irish name: Broc. Length: 90cm. Weight: 9–15kg. (Boars are bigger than sows.) I like to eat: I am an omnivore. I eat plants and animals, such as my favourite earthworms, and beetles, snails, slugs, frogs, fungi, fruit, cereals and small mammals.

AUTUMN In autumn, badgers eat as much as they can to help them get through the winter. They make the most of the autumn berries and mushrooms.

A badger sett

Designed to be used alongside the SESE curriculum, this is a child-friendly, fun and informative guide through the seasons of Ireland. Introducing Irish birds, mammals, plants, insects and amphibians, with maps showing key nature locations and stunning photography, it will be an invaluable resource in your classroom. A must-have! See page 21 for more.

Purple Flag – Reading Level 5+ Children love the quirky characters and funny heart-warming stories at the Purple Flag level. With simple text and lively illustrations, these books are perfect for emergent readers who need an extra boost. They are also suitable for older, more reluctant readers. Danny Brown and the Big Surprise Danny’s back! And he’s in trouble with Granny – again! This time he has to keep Granny’s secret until Mum’s birthday, but Danny isn’t very good at being good. Can he keep the secret without getting into trouble? What do you think?

Re-introducing Danny Brown

Now in full colour! These Danny Brown books introduce your children to a hugely popular character who is full of mischief.

Danny Brown and his Daft Dog It’s freezing at the park! Granny has warm socks. Baby Susie has a warm hat. Poor Keeno, the dog, has nothing to keep him warm. Not to worry ... Danny has a plan. What could go wrong?

Duck bread for Susie! Yum!

‘fun and lively stories … bright and colourful illustrations’ – Ireland’s Own ‘illustrated throughout in full colour, with a high proportion of picture to text, these lively and engaging stories are perfect for newly confident readers’ – Parents in Touch

O’Brien Pandas are specially designed to introduce beginner readers to the wonderful world of books

Danny could see bread in

But Keeno snatched the bread.

Grandpa’s pocket.

He raced around the park.

He pulled out

He barked and jumped.

some of the bread.

Susie’s hat went flying

‘Here, Susie,’ he whispered.

up into a tree.

Panda Series & Teaching Resources Read page 10

ACTIVITY SHEET NO 2 Sinead wants to become a fireman when she grows up. Look at the pictures below. What do you think these children want to be when they grow up? Choose your answer from the list below.

a builder

a firefighter

an artist

a nurse

a chef

a doctor

He wants to become

She wants to become

He wants to become

She wants to become

‘They are guaranteed to capture and sustain the interest of the emergent reader.’ – InTouch Magazine

Don’t forget that when you choose an O’Brien Panda, you get a whole teaching support package. Our Activity Sheets are created for teachers by teachers, with the primary school curriculum in mind. Our Reading Programme includes teaching ideas for 20 Panda books, all available for free online.

By John Doherty. Based on Fireman Sinead by Anna Donovan. ISBN 0-86278-529-4 © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

Yellow Flag – ReadingTitle Level Here 6+ Yellow Flag books take your emerging readers in hand and combine lively, silly and engaging characters with beautifully penned illustrations to support them through their first books with chapters! Have you got fans of Horrid Henry or Dirty Bertie in your class? The Mad Grandad books will be perfect for those children who love a bit of silliness teamed with hilarious characters that just keep getting themselves into trouble! ‘With a real sense of zany fun, is Oisin McGann’s Mad Grandad series.’ – The Sunday Independent ‘With his big square glasses, bulbous nose and free-flying eyebrows, McGann’s Grandad is a truly original creation. The illustrations, drawn from interesting perspectives, are imaginative and full of detail.’ – Books Ireland NEW

Things keep disappearing down the back of Grandad’s sofa – who, or what, has taken them? When Lenny and Grandad discover the Kleptoes and their hideout, things turn nasty.

Then a small head slid out from

They were thin, lumpy and

the back of the sofa and looked

yellowy-grey, with two arms, four legs,

around. A little, bony creature

and feet like hands. They had beady

climbed out and jumped down to

eyes and crooked little teeth. They

the floor. Another one popped out

wore lots of chunky jewellery.

behind it.

Your students will love reading all about Lenny and his Mad Grandad’s humorous misadventures by award-winning Irish children’s author and illustrator Oisín McGann

Alfie’s magical book gives him special powers and opens up a whole new, wonderful world. Read about his adventures with his friend Fitzer, his journeys to Arcania, and how Whacker Walsh just can’t get the better of him!

‘Alright,’ Alfie decided finally, ‘Right there, by the fuchsia bush.’ ‘The what bush?’ Mr Green knew nothing about gardening. ‘Fuchsia, F-E-W-S-H-A, that bush with the red flowers that look like umbrellas.’ ‘Oh, right.’

‘gorgeous books beautifully illustrated by Jean Texier. Perfect for six-to-seven-year-olds.’ – The Sunday Independent

Irish Children’s Book of the Year ( Junior) – 2011, Shortlisted These beautifully illustrated, heart-warming hardbacks are perfect for sharing in class or for independent readers. ‘It can be a struggle to find books that will engage six-to-eight-yearolds, but one sure to capture their imaginations is Gerry Boland’s debut, Marco Moves In.’ – Sunday Independent ‘Such a loveable story, by the end you will wish you had a grizzly bear as a friend.’ – Mad About Books

Free g Teachin es Resourc

Red Flag – Reading Level 8+ Red Flag Books are perfect for your students who are gaining more confidence in reading alone. With short chapters, amusing characters and quirky illustrations, these series will definitely appeal to your 8- to 10-year-olds, and are a must for your classroom library. Cass and her best friends Lex and Nicholas are the Bubble Street Gang! They investigate crimes, solve mysteries and have brilliant adventures. Check out a preview of the first book in the series, and a meet-the-author video, online at obrien.ie/the-clubhouse-mystery Book 1 ‘this easy-reading, entertaining

Book 2

short novel is perfect for fans of Enid Blyton’ – CBI Recommended Reading Guide 2017 ‘lively and funny … witty and appealing, peopled by characters who jump off the page’ – Inis Magazine

Book 2 in the Cass and The Bubble Street Gang series! The gang need money and quick, and they have some super-genius ideas on how to make it! ‘I highly recommend it for ages 7-8 to read alone or for sharing with the whole family or classroom.’ – Fallen Star Stories

Summer Reading e Challeng 2018

Dublin Citywide Reading n Campaig 2018

NEW

Book 3

‘Cass is a real force of nature, lively, impulsive, never short of ideas or the nerve and determination to make them happen.’ – lovereading4kids

Book 3, and there’s yet another mystery afoot for Cass and The Bubble Street Gang!

Free Teaching Guides written by Peter Heaney available online for The Clubhouse Mystery Making Millions and Diary Detectives

Check out the video online at obrien.ie/erika-mcgann Diary Detectives

ISBN 978-1-78849-022-1 eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-061-0

Erika McGann Teaching Guide By Peter Heaney RATIONALE & THEMES

offer suggestions on developing the themes.

Cass leads Nicholas and Lex on a detective adventure to identify a mystery bully from the past. She had discovered evidence of a mean plot to humiliate the school drama group in an old school diary in a box of old books that she was selling at a car boot sale. However, the diary is retrieved by the owner before Cass can investigate properly and now they must search for clues to identify the bully.

Section 1 Car Boot Treasures Pages 9- 66 SUMMARY

A charming comic story that has the gang casting a suspicious eye on every adult in the street to unmask the culprit.

Cass Okara, the founder member of the Bubble Street Gang, is incensed. Ms Lee, has established a Residents’ Committee and is now controlling where the children can play and how much noise they can create.

The themes include: Friendship Bullying Prejudice Confidence Insecurity Sharing information Secrets Fairness Taking responsibility

When a list of rules for street games is released, the gang realize that the impact on fun will be devastating. Determined to ignore the new rules, Cass and her gang organize a massive game of Relievo for the street. However, with the game underway and the noise at fever pitch, Ms Lee appears with copies of the new rules and directs them from the street to the green and deflates their excitement entirely. The Residents’ Association organize a car boot sale and Cass is volunteered to man a book stall, where browsing the books, she discovers an old school diary from the local secondary school.

SUMMARY Ms Lee starts to ruffle feathers when she sets up a Residents’ Association and begins to introduce a lot of rules designed to control the behaviour of the children playing on the street.

Realizing that it must have belonged to one of her neighbours, she peeks inside.

During one of her initiatives, a car boot sale, Cass is asked to man a book stall. Browsing through some of the old books, she is shocked to read a series of mean comments scrawled inside an old school diary.

Shocked at the mean comments she finds, she tries to identify the owner, but the name is illegible. Distracted by a customer, Cass tucks the book away and then goes off to gather the gang to help her investigate.

Recognizing the name of the school as their local school, Cass realizes that the diary must have belonged to one of the adults in their street.

When they return to the stall, the book has disappeared.

Distracted by a customer, Cass quickly hides the book before searching for and assembling the other members of the Bubble Street Gang.

At last the Bubble Street Gang have an investigation worthy of their detective skills and they set off to identify the owner of the diary and expose their mean plans.

When they return to investigate, the diary has gone and they are left with no alternative but to turn detective and follow the clues to identify the culprit.

DISCUSSION POINTS (Read pp 9&12): Cass has decided that Ms Lee is her mortal enemy. If we decide that someone is an enemy, would this encourage us to behave in a certain way towards them? What other ways do we group people and how does this affect how we deal with them? (Read p22): Cass is annoyed that the Residents’ Committee have decided to enforce rules to control the noise that the children make on the street. Is this unreasonable? Do adults have a right not to be disturbed by noise? How can children and adults share the same space without annoying each other?

Following their suspicions, they deploy their full range of detective skills until they finally unmask the culprit discovering a secret from the past that shocks them all.

APPROACH This is a very entertaining read. Although the plot is comic, it is also engaging, with many opportunities for discussion. This guide has divided the story into three sections and the activities

Diary Detectives

Teaching Guide

Leabhair Gaeilge An enjoyable and practical way to learn the first essential words in Irish! Age 6+ native speakers/Age 8+ others Hide and Speak Irish goes further than most picture word books. It offers an effective and simple way to learn over 130 key Irish words, following the tried-and-tested method of ‘look, cover and speak’. Using the two wipe-clean flaps at the back of the book to cover the words or the pictures, users can practise speaking or writing the words as many times as they want. Hide and Speak Irish is organised into fifteen popular themes, including farm, school, family, colours and food. •• Wipe-clean flaps can be used over and over again •• Combines key words and picture prompts •• Contains an easy-to-use pronunciation guide •• Engaging, humorous full-colour picture spreads illustrate each theme

The second book in a vibrant and exciting Irish-language series from The O’Brien Press for children aged 8+ (native speakers)/9+ (others). SCÉAL EILE books build on the success of the SOS series for younger readers, and are perfect for developing Irish language skills in the classroom.

‘A good introduction to the language for children or adult learners.’ – Evening Echo

Cluiche peile ag rang a sé. Buachaillí in aghaidh cailíní.

‘Practical, simple and more fun for kids than it sounds!’ – Books Ireland

Deir na múinteoirí nach bhfuil ann ach spraoi.

GLAC

Dar le hEoghan, áfach, tá i bhfad níos mó ná sin i gceist. Bród! Onóir! Stádas na mbuachaillí!

Sraith leabhar do léitheoirí óga atá maisithe go hálainn. Bealach fíorspreagúil í an tsraith seo leis an nGaeilge a shaothrú sa seomra ranga. Ais íontach í freisin do thuismitheoirí ar mhaith leo léamh na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn sa bhaile.

About the Author Scríbhneoir agus léachtóir í Áine Ní Ghlinn. Tá trí chnuasach filíochta foilsithe aici. Bíonn sí ag scríobh freisin don dráma teilifíse Ros na Rún ar TG4.

Also in this series: Éasca Péasca

Billeoga Saothair Le Gabriel Rosenstock Léaráidí le Alan Nolan Beirt chailíní agus beirt bhuachaillí, ceathrar a bhfuil misneach, fuinneamh agus samhlaíocht acu, sin iad na B leachtairí duit. Níl aon rud is mó a thaitníonn leo ná cás deacair a réiteach!

Tá torann aisteach aerach le cloisteáil i dteach duine de na bleachtairí. Cad atá ann in aon chor? An den saol seo nó den saol eile é? Pé rud é féin, ní ghlacfaidh na Bleachtairí sos ar bith go dtí go réiteoidh siad an cás!

Billeoga Saothair bunaithe ar na leabhair Sos; Fíor nó Bréagach, Aimsigh na Difríochta, Deir Ó Grádaigh, Rabhlóga …

Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ Brian Gallagher Title Here O’Brien Press Blue Flag books offer a wealth of adventure, fantasy and historical fiction from awardwinning authors. These are stories to love – stories of friendship and family life, of teamwork and good-natured competition. Many of these books have won awards, have been translated into several languages and are hugely popular with primary school students and their teachers.

Bringing History to Life NEW

These powerful and engaging novels will help your students to see historical struggles first-hand. Perfect for your school library or as a whole-class novel. The exciting and compelling sequel to Pawns follows Ireland’s youngest spy on an even more dangerous mission for rebel leader Michael Collins. ‘an Irish historical novel for preteens that is both riveting and insightful’ – Sunday Independent

World War II

Sakura Medal 2014 (Shortlisted) ‘a refreshing change to read a book set in Ireland during the war’ – Parents in Touch

‘Excellent for individual or classroom reading.’ – CBI Recommended Reads 2017

Ireland’s War of Independence

1920s Canada

‘perfect historical fiction read for ages 10 years+’ – Primary Times

1922 Civil War

‘a fast-moving historical novel … this book would be ideal for the senior classes as an introduction to the Easter Rising’ – InTouch Magazine

‘an imaginative take on one of the most famous events in Dublin history’ – Books Ireland ‘brought the turbulence of the 1913 lockout alive for young readers’ – Sunday Independent

1916

‘fans of history aged 9 and upwards will adore … Arrivals by Brian Gallagher about Irish emigrants in Canada … may be his best book yet’ – irishtimes.com ‘the dual narration adds to the tension in this fine story, which also shines a light on Irish attitudes to the British Empire’ – Irish Examiner

Brian Gallagher

1913 Lockout

‘Would make a very good introduction to the history of the Northern Ireland conflict for children …’ – Historical Novels Review

1969 Northern Ireland

‘Should be compulsory reading for every Irish young person.’ – Betweenmylines.com

Free Teaching Guides

Did you know there is a free teaching guide for all of Brian Gallagher’s novels? Helping you to bring historical fiction into the classroom. All available online at obrien.ie/schools

Spies!

ISBN 978-1-84717-980-7 eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-073-3

Teaching Guide

By Nicola Heaney RATIONALE & THEMES

‘Gallagher is one of the very best writers of historical fiction for young people.’ Fallen Star Stories ‘an experienced historical novelist for children’ Irish Independent

Brian Gallagher

The activities in this guide are designed to complement a class reading of the text in a way that inspires young readers to delve deep into the characters and themes of this fascinating story. It aims to develop empathy skills, stimulate discussion and encourage readers to dissect literary techniques in fresh and engaging ways. There are also activities included that are designed to hone communication, presentation and literacy skills. This novel deals with very important events in history and its key themes include: Friendship Loyalty and Trust Social and Class

Praise for Brian Gallagher’s books:

country becomes even more divided, Tans are raiding the bar he’s been living they manage to support one another and working in. Thanks to some quick as events in their family lives bring grief thinking, he avoids detection. Back in and confusion. For Stella and Alice, life Balbriggan, life is getting back to normal continues as normal, with band practice for Stella and Alice, but they are deeply and chess competitions, but it feels concerned about Johnny, especially hollow without Johnny there to share when they each receive a Dublinit with them – and he misses them in postmarked card from him telling them Dublin. As events become more fraught he’s living in Tipperary. with danger, friendship comes first and, After the Black and Tan raid, Johnny if they are asked to choose a side, they moves to safety in Dublin, lodging will always put each other first, with no the formidable Mrs Hanlon, another matter the cost. rebel. Within a short space of time, he’s got a new job working as a telegraph APPROACH boy, but he becomes increasingly more This guide has followed the structure involved in the movement, even being of the novel and is divided into three entrusted to meet Michael Collins

‘one of Ireland’s finest authors of historical fiction for any age’ Gobblefunked

Blue Flag – Reading LevelTitle 9+ Sport Here Any sports fans in your class? These novels will be a fantastic addition to your class library and, with free online resources available, have the potential to be excellent whole-class novels or series of novels that will engage even the most reluctant of readers. A fantastic rugby series that will thrill any rugby-mad youngster in your class! Haunting History – Thrilling Tries – the final instalment in Siggins’ popular Rugby Spirit series Take a dive into history – with some help from rugby legends of the past! Eoin Madden is Castlerock College’s star player and he's been called up for Ireland in the Under 16 Four Nations – how will he juggle sport and school work? But his biggest challenge of all goes right to the heart of Irish rugby.

Rugby

Gerard Siggins

NEW

‘the world of rugby is full of excitement and intrigue in this pacy series by an author whose love for the game shines through in the writing … a brilliant combination of sport and mystery and definitely a story to encourage reading’ – Parents in Touch

Gerard is author of six titles in the bestselling Rugby Spirit series about young rugby player Eoin Madden. He is also the author of the Irish 2018 World Book Day book, Rugby Roar. Atlantis United is the first book in his new Sports Academy series.

Soccer NEW

The first book in a new series from the author of the hugely popular Rugby Spirit series. Ideal for reluctant readers – especially children who love sport but not reading! Five kids with one dream: to become the greatest sports stars in the world! Joe loves football, but he’s not the best player in his club. He is thrilled when he’s whisked away to a remote island and teamed up with four other kids: Kim, Craig, Ajit and Jess. Sport and adventure combine in this intriguing tale of a mysterious Sports Academy.

From the author of the Alfie Green and Danny Wilde series, here’s the perfect novel for young soccer lovers! Charlie Stubbs has one passion in life – playing football. He’s been in top form all season – a scout from Man United has even been keeping a close eye on him … until tragedy strikes. Charlie and his family make a hurried move back to Dublin to mourn the loss of his beloved grandfather who, Charlie discovers, was a great soccer player in his day. Charlie hears about the Legend’s Lair, and soon sets his sights on organising one more tournament on the legendary football ground.

Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ Sport Gaelic Football Design A Cover Competition Winner!

The Crokes are doing well at football this season. But other things aren't going as well in Danny's life. But between training, school and a fundraising football marathon, Danny and the Crokes make this a season to remember! ‘Would encourage the reluctant reader in upper primary school ... though mainly aimed at boys, there is enough to keep girls interested too.’ – Inis Magazine ‘a charming, well written sport-adventure story for readers of 8+’ – Irish Independent

Hurling Cluiche peile ag rang a sé. Buachaillí in aghaidh cailíní. Deir na múinteoirí nach bhfuil ann ach spraoi! Dar le hEoghan, áfach, tá i bhfad níos mó ná sin i gceist! Bród! Onóir! Stádas na mbuachaillí! ‘A hilarious new story and second in the Scéal Eile series; a fantastic new resource for schools, libraries and children across Ireland.’ – Primary Times

It’s illustrated! It’s about hurling! We love it! Sporting and non-sporting fans in your class will love this tale of triumph of the underdogs. A great book for exploring what it means to be on a losing team and how they might work together to win. It’ll keep your students in suspense until the very end! The Mighty Ducks meets GAA!

Players have come and gone as well, but Paddy Fox and Jerome ‘Halfpint’ O’Reilly have been here as long as I have. I call Paddy ‘iPaddy’ because I’ve never seen him without his headphones on. He’s always listening to music and can never hear what you’re saying. A bit of a drawback when you’re playing a match. The other person who’s been here as long as I have, even longer, is Katie Bell, AKA ‘Dinger’ Bell. She’s the team’s number one fan

‘Despite not having the slightest interest in hurling, I thoroughly enjoyed this book … Alan Nolan uses a clever combination of story genre-text, cartoon and graphic novel to tell his story, which makes the overall experience of reading it very, very enjoyable.’ – CBI Recommended Reads Guide 2014

and cheers loudest at all the matches. In fact, she’s usually the only one cheering at our matches. She’s twirly-baton-style majorette for the Ballybreen Spinners and is clever and has a great smile and

‘Bheadh an scéal seo oiriúnach do rang a sé (rang a ceathair i ngaelscoil) …’ – InTouch Magazine

lovely brown hair and smells nice. Well, you get the idea.

Is your school participating ‘easy to follow instructions in the Active Schools for childhood games … I think programme? Then this this book would definitely compendium of Irish childhood encourage children to engage games with handy tips and ‘risk’ in some physical activity away ratings will provide fantastic from the television!’ – InTouch inspiration for you and your Magazine Contents students! And it’s great fun too! ‘it will encourage children to park the remote control in the holder & engage in some physical activity in the fresh air. This book is definitely a stocking filler for the teacher or parent in one’s life’ – seomraranga.com

ARE YOU COMING OUT TO PLAY?

page 9

ROPE/STRING GAMES

TEAM GAMES

SINGING/CIRCLE GAMES

PARTY GAMES

Elastics/French Elastics/Chinese Skipping 46

Clapping Games (A Sailor Went to Sea)

Halloween Games (Snap Apple/

TEAM GAMES

Colours in the Rainbow

Oranges and Lemons/

Red Rover

Skipping

Pass the Parcel Musical Chairs/Musical Bumps/

London Bridge is Falling Down

Apple Bobbing/Grape in the Flour)

119 120 122

Heights

Ring-a-Ring a Rosie

Charge!

Conkers

The Farmer Wants a Wife

Rounders

Cat’s Cradle

Duck, Duck, Goose

Murder in the Dark/Wink Murder

126

Concentration

Blind Man’s Buff/Squeak, Piggy, Squeak

128

Chinese Whispers/Rumours

130

Relievo/Capture the Flag

BALL GAMES Scot/Spud Kerbs/Kerby Space Invaders

CHASE/HIDING GAMES

Tig/Tag (Off-the-Ground Tig/TV Tig/

Stuck-in-the-Mud/Shadow Tig/

Chain Tig/Catch-a-Man/Manhunt)

TURN-TAKING GAMES

Hopscotch

Letters in Your Name/

Aunties and Uncles

Grandmother’s Footsteps/

Musical Statues

124

PEN AND PAPER GAMES

133

Fortune-teller

134

Boy, Girl/Categories

138

Confessions

140

Dodgeball

Bulldog

Marbles

Colours

Queenie I-O

Races (Three-legged/Egg and Spoon/

Donkey

What Time is it, Mr Wolf?

Piggy in the Middle

Hide and Seek/Sardines

Mother, May I?/Simon Says

102

Dots and Boxes

144

A is for . . .

Forty Forty/Tip the Can/Kick the Can

Sleeping Lions/Dead Lions

105

Hangman

146

Nick-nacks/Thunder and Lightning

Slaps

106

Battleship

148

England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales

108

Poison

110

WHO’S ‘ON’?

153

Coins

111

Polo

112

The Human Knot

114

Sevens Jacks

Wheelbarrow)

Red Light, Green Light

96 98 100

Car Games (I Spy/20 Questions/ Red Car, Blue Car)

116

X’s and O’s/Noughts and Crosses/ Tic Tac Toe

142

Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ Anna Carey Celebrate the 100-year commemoration of the women’s vote being established with these fantastic books by Anna Carey. With strong female protagonists and real-life historical events, these novels will be perfect for exploring any number of themes in your classroom. Download the free teaching resources to accompany Mollie on the March and The Making of Mollie at obrien.ie. NEW

Mollie

Mollie Carberry is a suffragette! Well, sort of. Mollie and her best friend Nora have been bravely fighting for women’s rights – even though no one else really ISBN 978-1-78849-008-5 on theabout March knows it. But when they hear a big protest is eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-035-1 being planned, they know they have to take part.

Anna Carey ‘just as charming as the first … a deeply relatable story … a welcome reminder that Irish history has more to it than nationalist rebellions’

Irish Times Teaching –Guide

By Nicola Heaney RATIONALE & THEMES

Section 1: The Start of the Summer Holidays Pages 9–110

DISCUSSION POINTS (Read pp 9–10): What chores do you The purpose of this guide is to help the have to do around the house? Do you reader to understand the themes of the think it is important for children to help novel, to explore the writer’s techniques, their parents in the house? Why do you and to develop empathy skills – all through Mollie on the March think Mollie and Harry have different a range of reading, writing, talking and SUMMARY tasks at home? Is this fair? Anna Carey listening activities, which pupils can (Read p23): Mollie describes how st Teaching Guide The first letter is dated 21 June 1912 complete either individually or in groups. By Nicola Heaney horrible it is to see your enemies get and Mollie’s main concerns are about her Section 1: Key themes include: The Start of the humiliated. Is she right? Discuss a Summer Holidays upcoming school exams. She also explains Friendship, Pages 9–110 time when you have been surprised how some suffragettes have been the focus Trust, to find yourself feeling sympathy for of attention for breaking windows. Her Social Class, someone you may have disliked? What second letter is also focused on school. Women’s rights and roles, happened? How did you feel? With the exams now over, we hear about Street politics, (Read p28): Mollie talks about Maggie’s the politics amongst the girls at school and Principles. cousin who moved to America and the rivalry based on examination results. never returned. Is there anyone in As the summer holidays begin, her letters SUMMARY your family who emigrated? Where did begin to focus more on her daily life and Set in Dublin in the summer of 1912, the they go? Do you ever speak to them? her adventures with her best friend Nora. Free Teaching Guides novel is a story told through a series of Discuss with a partner whether you Nora’s terrible cousin Grace is to come Download the free letters from Mollie Carberry, a 14-year-old think emigration is as isolating now as and stay due to a family emergency, guide for suffragette, to her friend Frances, as she and it was then.teaching What technology can this we which causes much upset and the conflict book at obrien.ie/schools her friend Nora prepare for a summer filled use? Is it the same as speaking face-tobetween Grace and the girls. The two with ‘fighting for the cause’. They encounter face? cousins clash regularly, with Mollie trying to many obstacles along the way including act as the voice of reason. The local tennis (Read pp55–59): How does Grace Nora’s insufferable cousin Grace, Mollie’s behave differently? Do you think it is club becomes a key backdrop in the novel awful brother Harry and an irritating little because she ‘wasn’t thinking about as the characters visit a local tournament dog, called Barnaby. Everything comes to impressing anyone’? Does this change and find that Grace has a keen interest in Anna Carey a head when Prime Minister Asquith visits your opinion of her? the game. Mollie and Nora are amazed Dublin, and Mollie and Nora are determined at the changes in Grace, especially as she (Read p75): Mollie talks a lot about to take part in any despite account of the suffragette ‘An demonstrations, accessible diary-style how books make her feel. Has a book seems to be a dog-whisperer, handling the the dangers of movement an angry public – not in to 1912 with some remarkable ever had a really strong effect on you in Dublin irritating little Barnaby with ease. Mollie mention their families finding out what and made you feel really happy or sad? an avid reader and spellbound by Anne contemporary parallels.’ –isirishtimes.com they’ve been up to. Discuss with your partner. Why do you of Green Gables, which she describes at think it affected you like this? Would length. In her last letter in this section, novel to a APPROACH ‘… although many will promote this you recommend the book to others? dated 8th July 1912, the girls visit the female audience, I would strongly recommend it to This is a very enjoyable and entertaining Phoenix Park, and a truce is drawn as (Read p86): Nora and Mollie talk of boys asrefers well,tobecause storybecome is about a significant sacrificing buns to hire a rowing boat to read. Although the plot a numberthe they more friendly over tea and use for the suffragettes. What sacrifice historical that changed society …’ of historical events, it is anperiod engaging read cakes, but an argument over the suffrage would you be first prepared to with many opportunities for discussion. movement causes Mollie and Nora to – Suffolk Libraries Anna’s book, to Themake Real Rebecca, do something you loved or believed This guide has divided the story into three quarrel as Mollie finds herself acting as won the Senior Children’s Book strongly in? sections and the activities offer suggestions mediator between Nora and her cousin. ‘A girl’s eye view of early feminism … this shows just prize at the Irish Book Awards. The on developing the themes. what the suffragettes were up against, as well as Making of Mollie (2016) was her first

ISBN 978-1-78849-008-5 eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-035-1

RATIONALE & THEMES

The purpose of this guide is to help the reader to understand the themes of the novel, to explore the writer’s techniques, and to develop empathy skills – all through a range of reading, writing, talking and listening activities, which pupils can complete either individually or in groups. Key themes include: Friendship, Trust, Social Class, Women’s rights and roles, Street politics, Principles.

SUMMARY

APPROACH

Mollie on the March

IBAs Children’sior Book Send Shortlise

how exciting it is to be part of a political movement.

Mollie on the 1 It’s March told through letters Mollie sends to a friend, and

this makes it both immediate and vivid, with the impulsive, daring Mollie a very appealing narrator.’ – Lovereading4kids

DISCUSSION POINTS (Read pp 9–10): What chores do you have to do around the house? Do you think it is important for children to help their parents in the house? Why do you think Mollie and Harry have different tasks at home? Is this fair? (Read p23): Mollie describes how horrible it is to see your enemies get humiliated. Is she right? Discuss a time when you have been surprised to find yourself feeling sympathy for someone you may have disliked? What happened? How did you feel? (Read p28): Mollie talks about Maggie’s cousin who moved to America and never returned. Is there anyone in your family who emigrated? Where did they go? Do you ever speak to them? Discuss with a partner whether you think emigration is as isolating now as it was then. What technology can we use? Is it the same as speaking face-toface? (Read pp55–59): How does Grace behave differently? Do you think it is because she ‘wasn’t thinking about impressing anyone’? Does this change your opinion of her? (Read p75): Mollie talks a lot about how books make her feel. Has a book ever had a really strong effect on you and made you feel really happy or sad? Discuss with your partner. Why do you think it affected you like this? Would you recommend the book to others? (Read p86): Nora and Mollie talk of sacrificing buns to hire a rowing boat to use for the suffragettes. What sacrifice would you be prepared to make to do something you loved or believed strongly in?

SUMMARY

The first letter is dated 21st June 1912 and Mollie’s main concerns are about her upcoming school exams. She also explains how some suffragettes have been the focus of attention for breaking windows. Her second letter is also focused on school. With the exams now over, we hear about the politics amongst the girls at school and the rivalry based on examination results. As the summer holidays begin, her letters begin to focus more on her daily life and her adventures with her best friend Nora. Nora’s terrible cousin Grace is to come and stay due to a family emergency, which causes much upset and the conflict between Grace and the girls. The two cousins clash regularly, with Mollie trying to act as the voice of reason. The local tennis club becomes a key backdrop in the novel as the characters visit a local tournament and find that Grace has a keen interest in the game. Mollie and Nora are amazed at the changes in Grace, especially as she seems to be a dog-whisperer, handling the irritating little Barnaby with ease. Mollie is an avid reader and spellbound by Anne of Green Gables, which she describes at length. In her last letter in this section, dated 8th July 1912, the girls visit the Phoenix Park, and a truce is drawn as they become more friendly over tea and cakes, but an argument over the suffrage movement causes Mollie and Nora to quarrel as Mollie finds herself acting as mediator between Nora and her cousin.

Teaching Guide

historical novel and was shortlisted Guide Book prize for theTeaching Senior Children’s at the 2016 Irish Book Awards and was followed by the equally popular Mollie on the March in 2018.

Blue Flag – Reading Level 9+ Judi Curtin Teachers, buy these series for your classroom library! Your students will love these books from Ireland’s favourite children’s writer. You’ve Got a Friend

NEW

Something in the past is affecting Molly’s Dad today, making him lonely, a bit aimless, and his relationship with Molly and her new family difficult. Molly and Beth are determined to find out what and to do so they must embrace the 70s in all its glitter and glamour! ‘best friends, complicated family relationships, tears and cuddly animals ... an emotionally charged adventure where the wrongs of the past can be put right by two teenage girls. Along the way, Curtin manages to probe some weighty issues, including advances in gender equality since the 1970s … This has all the hallmarks of another hit from Curtin’ – Evening Echo

‘An excellent read which explores the issues that face families, as well as exploring an age without today's technology. Highly recommended.’ – Parents in Touch ‘beautifully told, Time After Time is humourous, nostalgic and engaging’ – Inis Magazine

Children’s Book of the Year (Senior) – 2017 Winner Our favourite time-travelling best friends decide to travel back to the 1960s and do their best to fix a terrible accident. An exciting story about timetravel, family and friendship that your students will adore! ‘Delightful, gentle, clean fun … the author captures perfectly the true joy of girls’ friendships at this important age.’ – CBI Recommended Reads 2016

Judi Curtin is the best-selling author of the Alice and Megan series, the smash-hit Eva series and now the stunning Time After Time series. She has been nominated for several Irish Book Awards. ‘Ireland’s answer to Jacqueline Wilson.’ – Irish Independent

Teaching Resources Loads of FREE teaching guides are available on obrien.ie/schools – try them in your classroom today!

You’ve Got a Friend

ISBN 978-1-78849-051-1 eBook ISBN 978-1-78849-075-7

Judi Curtin Teaching Guide By Peter Heaney

the Feeling abandoned, Molly answers prove When her best efforts to help her dad to phone to her father and is shocked to use unsuccessful, Molly and Beth decide doorstep. discover that he is standing on her the back their own personal time portal at when he past and Her amazement turns to delight of Rico’s quaint shop to visit the return to attempt explains that he has decided to investigate Eddie’s childhood in an There Ireland permanently. to identify the reason for his sadness. mum’s they discover a trail of misunderstandings Molly is a bit worried about her between of that help to explain the distance reaction to the sudden reappearance source it was Eddie and Stephen and point to the her father, but he reassures her that others of his sadness. arranged as a surprise and when the are their return from the party, the greetings Using information they gathered from that they cordial, much to Molly’s relief. and sortie into the past and an artifact Worried about her dad’s unhappiness back of of his old manage to retrieve and transport Molly soon discovers the disadvantage his inability to reconnect with any time, they are able to restore the back, when he decides Stephen, through father brother her his having particularly friends, an life and brothers’ relationship and re-establish to have opinions about her social Molly and Beth decide to help. as she and ambition that they had held together blocks an invitation to a party that of the Determined to discover the cause children. Beth were hoping to attend. brother, distance between her dad and his a kitten to revisit Molly and Beth decide that having the girls use Rico’s time portal APPROACH uncle men’s might cheer her dad up and ask Beth’s the past and discover why the two donate one from a litter is a gentle tale of a relationship would This he if Graham damaged. is relationship bullying. damaged by misunderstanding and he is trying to find homes for. across The themes explored are: It recounts how Molly and Beth move to check When Graham cautions them and his Friendship time as they try to help Molly’s father that his with Eddie first, they are surprised Family disputes brother re-establish their friendship. once he refusal is emphatic. He reveals that Bullying and its effects of the a painful The themes sit firmly within the remit had a cat called Pablo and hints at Memories SPHE and PDMU guidelines. Development memory that he is reluctant to revisit. Gender roles and equality small can be more effectively facilitated with casts no Resentments A conversation with her mother group discussion. a reason or Pablo either Parenting styles light for Molly on sections and his Time travel The guide has been divided into 3 for the distance between her father resolving that agrees Forgiveness She to reflect the development of the story. Stephen. brother key to Misunderstandings the issue causing the distance is the Feelings Section 1 her dad finding contentment.

RATIONALE & THEMES

The Alice and Megan series

The Eva series

‘Girls and boys will warm to Judi Curtin’s funny stories about friendship …’ – Sunday Independent

‘It’s an “always look on the bright side of life” kind of book! ... very relevant to the times we now live in’ InTouch Magazine

Africa Molly’s dad, Eddie, has returned from delight to live in Ireland, however her initial tempered at having him back in her life is seems to by the pall of unhappiness that surround him. prompted His departure to Africa had mum is the breakup of her family and her who is now in a new relationship with Jim, Molly’s best friend’s dad.

SUMMARY

The Dad Child Pages 5 - 89

to live When her dad returns from Africa initial permanently in Ireland, Molly’s that delight is tempered by the realization as Molly’s things can never be as they were, with her mum is now in a new relationship best friend Beth’s dad.

and their Molly and Beth are best friends Beth and relationship has strengthened since and her her father, Jim, moved in with Molly

seem Eddie’s attempts at social integration his only awkward. His relationship with strained, brother, Stephen, which was always hasn’t been improved by his absence.

at Jim’s When an invitation to attend a party left work excludes Molly, she finds herself behind at home to entertain herself.

SUMMARY

mother to live as a family.

Rico’s Molly and Beth then decide to use her dad’s time portal to return to 1975, to possible, childhood, to identify (and if from repair) what has caused the alienation his brother. Billy, an Their first encounter is with causing obnoxious bully, who seems to be are girls The problems for young Eddie. to forced to resort to electronic deception her to directions them give persuade him to dad’s house.

Teaching Guide

You’ve Got a Friend

The Outfit

Don’t Ask Alice by Judi Curtin

Activity by Peter Heaney

ISBN 978-1-84717ISBN 978-1-84717-379-9 023-1 ISBN 978-1-84717-023-1 /eBook

(Read pp 18-30)

from a very fashionable shop has just won a voucher for 250 euro the confirmation day and her dad You could use the Internet or Megan and her mum need outfits for your mum for a budget of 400 euro? could get an outfit for yourself and in Limerick. Do you think that you your mum / older sisters. of clothes in the shops near you with catalogues. You could check the prices chosen on Megan and each other. Draw the outfits you have sure the outfits and colours compliment You could choose a theme to make prices. the the items and give her mum, and use the boxes to describe My Outfit Item

Mum’s Outfit Item

‘The author’s portrayal of bullying is realistic and sensitive, and may well be of help to a child who is dealing with a similar situation of isolation.’ – Inis Magazine

‘Curtin’s sense of ... friendship issues is spot-on, especially regarding what’s important and how misunderstandings can throw things off course’ Booklist.com

Price

Total price Total price

Incredible Women Throughout History Two extraordinary new books for EVERYONE who is bold enough to dream of changing the world! NEW

NEW

‘At school I was taught that men were the history makers … but that simply was not true. There have always remarkable women shaping our world and in this book I wanted to shine a light on some of these amazing female Irish pioneers.’ – Sarah Webb Packed with fun, fascinating facts and stunning, full-page illustrations, this book celebrates the trail-blazers who have shaped the world we live in. Perfect for schools and libraries.

From windscreen wipers to the life raft; coffee filters to emergency flares; Apollo Mission software to Monopoly: this beautifully illustrated book is a guide to remarkable, practical, skilful and amazing inventions by women who have made their mark on history. With a step-by-step guide to inspire and encourage readers to come up with their own inventions, Bright Sparks is an empowering book that will be essential in your classroom this year. 29. Radioactivity The powerful energy at the heart of atoms Most types of atoms are stable

Lilian Bland

and do not change, but certain types of atom, or elements, are unstable and break down over time, emitting energy in the process. This type of energy is called radioactivity. Marie Curie, one of the most well-known scientists of the twentieth century, was the first person to identify, name and understand radioactivity.

pioneering aviator

1878 –1971 Even though Lilian Emily Bland was fascinated by birds from an early age, she never dreamed

she would actually fly one day. But she became the first woman in the world to design, build and

This is the symbol used to warn

fly her own biplane.

As a girl Lilian loved riding horses and was brilliant at shooting. When she grew up, she

Radioactive material is powerful and can be dangerous and needs to be treated carefully. Sadly Curie died of an illness caused by the radiation she was exposed to. Her papers are still too radioactive to handle without protection! Curie was the first person to win the Nobel Prize twice for her extensive discoveries. She is also the only person to ever win it in two different fields: chemistry and physics. Curie’s daughter, Irène JoliotCurie, also went on to become a famous scientist. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery of a method of creating radioactive materials in 1935.

people to be careful of dangerous radiation nearby

became an award-winning photographer. She took some of the first colour pictures of live birds

Curie did many experiments to understand how radioactivity worked and discovered new radioactive elements: thorium and polonium, which she named after her native Poland.

in the world. She was also one of the very first women sports journalists and wrote for London newspapers.

31. Windscreen wipers The device to help drivers

In 1909 Lilian was sent a postcard with the measurements of a famous monoplane that had

crossed the English Channel. She decided to build a scale model of the biplane glider and make

Marie Curie 1898

it fly near her family’s home in County Antrim. She built it from bamboo, ash and elm and called it Mayfly. ‘May fly, may not fly,’ she joked.

see and drive safely

She bought a twenty-horsepower, two-stroke engine and made her own fuel system from a

whiskey bottle and her aunt’s ear trumpet! Mayfly rose thirty feet off the ground and was the first ever Irish biplane to fly.

‘My only difficulty is to prevent Mayfly flying when I do not want her to.’ Lillian Bland

In 1911 she married her cousin, Charles Loftus Bland from Vancouver Island, Canada. After

their young daughter died, Lilian retired to Cornwall where she painted, gambled and gardened until her death in 1971.

Annie ‘Nancy’ Corrigan was

Dame Mary Bailey, from

In 1977, Gráinne Cronin

from Achill Island but she

Rossmore Castle, County

became the first female

learned to fly in America and

Monaghan, was awarded her

commercial pilot to fly for an

trained fighter pilots during

pilot’s licence in 1927, and

Irish airline, Aer Lingus. She

the Second World War. She

was the first woman to fly

was made a captain in 1988

became only the second

across the Irish Sea. She was

and retired in 2010.

female commercial pilot in

known as one of the finest

America, flying over 600,000

pilots of her time.

Correction fluid, the fast-drying white liquid that can be used to correct mistakes when writing with pen or typewriters, was invented by Bette Nesmith in 1956. She had worked for a long time in offices. She invented it as her own way of correcting typing mistakes so that a page did not have to be re-typed if there was an error. When other people saw how useful it was, Nesmith developed it into a product. She set up her own company to produce it. It is now used in schools, colleges and offices worldwide.

Bette Nesmith 1956

Vehicles need windscreen wipers so the driver can see and drive safely in bad weather. Mary Anderson invented the first car window cleaning device in 1903. On a trip to New York City she thought it was strange how tram drivers had to keep getting out to clear snow off the windows. So she designed a device that had a swinging arm with a rubber blade that the driver could move from inside the tram using a lever: the first windscreen wiper.

In 1917 another inventor, Charlotte Bridgwood, improved on it, patenting her design for the first electrically operated windscreen wipers. Bridgwood’s daughter, Florence Lawrence, also invented an indispensable safety device. She designed the first indicator signals to show if a car is turning or braking. Now every vehicle needs to have these safety devices by law.

Mary Anderson 1903

miles during her career. 32

BLAZING A TRAIL

About the Author and Illustrator Author Sarah Webb is the CBI Award-winning author of the Ask Amy Green and Songbird Café series for young readers. She worked for many years as a children’s bookseller and now combines writing with school visits, reading and giving workshops at festivals and teaching creative writing. Lauren O’Neill is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Dublin. Lauren has been an avid reader since childhood so illustrating books has been a lifelong ambition. 16

Teaching guide available Blazing a Trail

ISBN 978-1-78849-004-7

Sarah Webb, illustrated by Lauren O’Neill Teaching Guide By Nicola Heaney RATIONALE AND APPROACH Filled with beautiful illustrations, this stunning collection profiles the inspirational women of Ireland who excelled in their fields. It tells the stories and struggles of twenty-eight women and how they overcame obstacles to pursue their dreams and ambitions. From backgrounds in sports to medicine, adventure to politics, these women and their exploits and endeavours shaped history and helped to create the Ireland of today. This teaching guide is designed to stimulate young readers and inspire them to explore their history through a range of suggested activities which includes debate, design, research skills, extended writing and other elements of the curriculum. Activities and discussion points based on individual women follow, while at the end of the guide is an exploration of the featured women’s lives, and the subject, as a whole.

Granuaile Discussion Points

Activities She is accused of being ‘unwomanly’.

What do you think this is? With a partner, research what behaviour was expected of a female in the 16th century and write a list of ten guidelines a woman was expected to follow. Once you’ve finished, think about what it means to be a woman today – is it the same? Write a list of five pieces of advice for schoolgirls on what it means to be a woman in 21st century Ireland. Think of four female world leaders today. What traits/strengths do they have in common? She got to meet with Queen Elizabeth I, another famous and powerful woman. How do you think the meeting went? In groups of four, create three freeze frames of their meeting. Remember, Elizabeth I’s courtiers would have been very shocked by how bold Granauile was by asking the queen – and being able to speak Latin! Imagine you are Granauile. Write an account of one of your sea voyages, remembering to describe storms, your

of educating girls. Why did Maria have to pretend her

brother was in charge? Imagining you are her brother, write a diary entry, do you resent your sister or think she’s wonderful? Lots of poets visited her, like Wordsworth

and Byron. Write a short poem about her, praising her writing and her actions for her tenants.

Dr James Barry Activities What an interesting life Margaret Bulkley

had! But there was no newspaper coverage of the funeral. Write a newspaper article about the death of Dr James Barry, giving details of all the extraordinary things he achieved in his lifetime.

Anna Haslam Activities Some of the reasons given for women not

being allowed to vote included: A woman’s place is in the home; going

‘having inspired young readers with accounts of past breakthroughs, O’Doherty then does something very important for bright sparks of the future. Through a series of inventing tips, he encourages curiosity, the identification of problems, and processes for solving challenges … not to mention patenting the next big idea’ – Evening Echo

About the Author Dublin-based architect Owen O’Doherty wrote Bright Sparks in response to a question from his daughter, Anna, who had never heard of anything invented by a woman. This book was a present to Anna on her seventh birthday.

Historical Fiction Up to 19th Title Century Here We have a wealth of novels for young people based on historical events that can be easily integrated into your planning for SESE. For a full list of children’s historical fiction titles available from The O’Brien Press, go to obrien.ie/schools/history-through-fiction Irish Children’s Book of the Year 2008 Reading Association of Ireland Award 2009

A spectacular tour of Ireland’s history for younger readers, which we’ve made even easier for you to use in your classroom. Check out all the innovative teaching resource materials now available FREE from obrien.ie/the-story-of-ireland. Over 25 resources are available, including History Detectives, Saints and Pagans, The Celts and lots more.

Historical Fiction 1700s A fictionalised account of the life of James Lovett, son of Lord Dunmain, set in 1730s Dublin and colonial America. This is a fast-paced and intriguing story of adventure, friendship, mystery and survival against the odds. With a great cast of bandits, slaves and cruel and dishonest landlords, in a rich historical setting, this will appeal to students and teachers alike.

Battle of Clontarf 1014 A thrilling tale of magic and warfare in Norman Ireland. April 1014, Dubliner Elva watches helplessly as her sister comes under the control of an evil queen. Dara marches towards the city as part of Brian Boru’s army, while Skari sails from the Orkneys to fight with King Sitric of Dublin. The armies come ever closer to each other, and no one knows what will happen when they meet to fight what has been called the last battle.

Siege of Derry 1689 Derry. 1689. The city’s inhabitants resist all attempts by King James’ men to storm their gates. Outside, the soldiers reckon the only effective weapon they have left is to starve them out ... ‘Hooked me in from the first page and I think it would be very suitable for fifth and sixth class. Though the protagonists are male, I think female readers would also enjoy this universally relevant piece of historical fiction.’ – InTouch Magazine

Battle of the Boyne 1690 Two kings: King James and King William One country: Ireland The aim: to take control It is 1690, and the battle draws ever closer. Another engaging novel from Nicola Pierce that will be perfect for use in the classroom!

The Great Famine

Children of the Famine Trilogy

Ground-breaking, award-winning novels that take the reader into nineteenth-century Ireland. Under the Hawthorn Tree (also available in Irish as Faoin Sceach Gheal) is set during the Famine and follows three children, led by Eily, the eldest, on a trek to find family in a desolate landscape. Wildflower Girl follows Peggy’s emigration to America. Fields of Home focuses on Michael, working in a big house as tensions rise and revolution is in the air. ‘Vividly brings history to life for its readers … A hugely involving tale …’ – Mad About Books

There are lots of author interviews, readings and other video resources available on obrien.ie Teaching Resources With detailed summaries, a unit breakdown, discussion points, activities and group activities, our teaching guides are created by teachers for use in the classroom.

Blood Brother, Swan Sister

ISBN 978-1-84717-567-0 eBook ISBN 978-1-84717-651-6

Eithne Massey

Teaching Guide By Liz Morris RATIONALE & THEMES Set in the days leading up to Good Friday 1014, this novel tells the story of the Battle of Clontarf through the eyes of four young people and their parents. It is a complex story, and the truth of what really happened is buried in the mists of time. It is a story familiar to generations of Irish people, to whom the person of the elderly king Brian laying down his life for his people in his hour of victory is familiar from childhood history books. Through the pages of this beautifully written novel we come to understand something of the lives of the ordinary men and women

monasteries. Like Sitric, he has promoted prosperity and an enlightened tolerance among his subjects. Vikings have now been in Dublin for over two hundred years and many have married Irish women. Elva, one of our young heroes, has Viking and Irish dual-heritage: her Norse father works as a blacksmith while her Irish mother is a healer and baker. The country has been relatively at peace since Brian became the leader of the most powerful army in the land. Until now he has been successful in his attempts to keep the Irish kings and chieftains united under his rule. But, as the story begins, Sitric and the Dublin Norsemen have invited their

APPROACH For the purposes of this exploration, the novel has been divided into four units, though clearly the pace at which the story is read depends on the teacher and on the interest and interactions of the children. Discussion points and activities, many literacy- and language-based, are suggested for each unit. The book features a comprehensive Afterword, which summarises the most important historical events, and describes in detail the people and places featured in the novel.

Prologue and Part 1

Historical Fiction 20th Century NEW

Suffragettes 1912

The Titanic 1912

Mollie’s enthusiasm for women’s suffrage brings her into a whole new set of adventures!

Elisabeth Navratil tells the true story of her grandfather, father and uncle and their voyage aboard the Titanic.

‘Brilliantly portrays the Irish suffragette movement at the height of its activity in 1912.’ – Irish Times

‘Makes for a gripping read. A fascinating true story.’ – Dublin People

Mollie’s boring, middle-class existence is shaken when she finds a stash of leaflets demanding votes for women. Her sister Peggy has joined the suffragette cause! Mollie and her friend Nora begin by sneaking into meetings, but ultimately end up facing the question of how far a girl should go for her beliefs …

‘This familiar story does not fail to grip the reader ... The notes (at the end) make the story even more alive, as they tell of the lives, after the rescue, of several of the real life characters in the story.’ – Books for Keeps

Easter Rising 1916 It’s not too late to bring the 1916 Easter Rising and its aftermath to life for your students!

1913 Lockout When Liam, a poor eleven-year-old boy, and Nora, a rich ten-year-old girl meet at a Feis Ceol, an unlikely bond is formed – a bond that leads to a friendship spanning the deeply divided city that was Dublin in 1913. ‘Written in a nice simple style and is suitable for fourth, fifth or sixth classes ... could also be used as a teaching aid in history, art or geography.’ – InTouch Magazine

Big Jim (Graphic Novel) On August 26th 1913, the trams of Dublin stopped. Over the next four months, James Larkin would lead the workers of Dublin against William Martin Murphy and the Employers Federation in a conflict that would change the face of Irish society. 1913: Larkin’s Labour War (Graphic Novel) ‘if young people find out about Larkin and the watershed that was the Lockout through a graphic novel, it’s a gateway to learning that should not be snubbed’ – Evening Echo

It’s 1916, but Amelia Pim’s thoughts are on Frederick Goodbody and not on the war in Europe. Then Frederick enlists. The pacifist Quaker community is shocked, but Amelia is secretly proud of her hero … When Emer Daly saves Jack Madigan from drowning it seems that the two children will be friends for life. Eight months later, however, they are on opposite sides in a life and death struggle, when Dublin city is torn apart by the Easter Rising. With their young lives in turmoil, what will come first: friendship, family or loyalty to a cause? From No.1 best-selling children's author Brian Gallagher Bisto Book of the Year: Eilís Dillon Prize

It is 1916 and Europe is at war. From the poverty of the Dublin slums twelve-yearold Jimmy Conway is pulled between the British Army and the rebels in the Easter Rising. Real history seen through the eyes of a child from a master storyteller.

Blood Upon The Rose Easter 1916: The Rebellion That Set Ireland Free (Graphic Novel) ‘a fantastic way of digesting a bit of history in a fun and vivid format ... Hunt’s graphics bring the story of their struggle for Irish freedom to life in a way that sterile prose in a school history book never could’ – Books Ireland

Historical Fiction 20th Title Century Here War of Independence 1919–21 Teachers, have your class novels ready to cover the centenary of the Irish War of Independence. These novels let students see the struggles first-hand, through the eyes of children from 1919–1921. Rebel leader Michael NEW Collins engages in a secret war with British Intelligence: and Johnny, a spy at only fourteen years of age, finds himself at the centre of the action. But it’s hard to turn his back on the past, especially on his friendships with Alice Goodman, and with Stella Radcliffe, the daughter of a British officer, who risked her own life to save his. Johnny Dunne doesn’t want to return to the orphanage – even though he works long hours in Balbriggan’s Mill Hotel. But with the War of Independence raging, Johnny’s secret role – spying for the IRA on the Crown forces who frequent the hotel – puts him in danger. One wrong move could be fatal. Eleven-year-old Sarah gets involved in the spying activities of Michael Collins during the War of Independence. Sarah, a strong rebel herself, cannot figure out why her family is so neutral towards the war, and why everybody is so secretive. Then she finds out the terrible truth – and she too carries secrets that could cost her her life. Six stories – one set in Dublin, the others in the countryside – about children who are caught up in the War of Independence and suffer dire consequences. ‘Excellent collection ... will impel their readers towards new questioning as to what “war” actually is.’ – Robert Dunbar, Irish Times

At War With The Empire (Graphic Novel) Unique view of the War of Independence, a gruelling guerilla war against British rule in Ireland that pitted brother against brother. Irish Book Awards: Shortlisted for Best IrishPublished Book – 2012

Irish Civil War 1922-23 Katie has divided loyalties: her shell-shocked father fought in the First World War and wants peace, but others still want to fight for a united Ireland. ‘Well written and entertaining; it also gives an authentic historical perspective on the time.’ – Irish Times

Working-class Annie Reilly is thrilled to win a scholarship to Eccles Street School. She meets Peter Scanlon, a student in Belvedere College, who sides with the rebels in the Civil War and carries messages for them. When Annie’s life is threatened, Peter has to decide where his loyalties lie. Sakuru Medal 2014 (Shortlisted)

When her home is destroyed in the 1941 Luftwaffe bombing, Grace Ryan moves in with relatives. There she meets Barry Malone, a boy from Liverpool: who suspects their teacher, Mr Pawlek, is a Nazi spy. What starts as an exciting adventure puts their very lives in danger.

Civil Rights Movement 1969 Twins Dylan and Emma Goldman move from Washington to Belfast when their journalist father is sent to cover the turbulent early days of the civil rights movement. The complicated friendships prove life-threatening when the simmering tensions in Northern Ireland erupt into violence in the summer of 1969.

World War II NEW

‘At the age of six I began to fear for the future … By the age of nine I was on the run for my life … By the time I was ten I had seen all there was to see.’

An accessible and honest account of the Holocaust that reminds us of the dangers of racism and intolerance, providing lessons that are relevant today. Sophie and Hugh are left homeless when their house is bombed during the London Blitz. Their mother is seriously injured and their Dad is away fighting, so the children are sent to their grandfather in Ireland. Bisto Book of the Year Award – 2000 (Winner)

Two Jewish children are sent from Nazi-occupied Austria to a refugee farm in Northern Ireland. Will they ever see their families again? Based on the true story of Millisle refugee farm in Ards, County Down.

When Hetty’s family move to Martin Street, in Dublin’s Portobello, they’re not sure of their welcome. Next door, Ben’s family are not sure about their new Jewish neighbours. ‘In its treatment of the threat of deportation and ethnic loyalty and prejudice, it touches in a gentle humane way on themes that are still very relevant today.’ – Sunday Independent

Imagine being ordered to leave school to fight the terrifying Nazis in WWII. Imagine you are right in the middle of a battle, in the city of Stalingrad, the pride of Russia, caught between Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin. So far, nobody has managed to stop the triumphant Nazi invasion across Europe. It all depends on one city – Stalingrad – her citizens, her soldiers and her children. 19

Themes Gender Equality Why use O’Brien Press books in your school? O’Brien Press books are real books. Written as fiction for young readers, they help students in your school make real connections with the real world. Why themes? We recognise that teachers have been using our books for many years and this experience has informed our approach to using real books in the classroom. This year, we are highlighting three different themes: gender equality, animal life and promoting well-being in schools. Don’t forget there are FREE teaching resource available for use with many of these O’Brien Press books. For a full list of themes and relevant novels for your class please visit obrien.ie/themes NEW

Gender Equality

From fearless aviator, Lady Heath, the first woman in the world to parachute from an aeroplane, to Margaret Bulkley, the 18th-century surgeon who lived as a man, meet 28 remarkable Irish women who have taken the world by storm! Packed with fun, fascinating facts and stunning, full-page illustrations, this book celebrates the trailblazers who have shaped the world we live in.

With the 100-year commemoration of Women’s Right to Vote in Ireland, there has never been a better time to explore gender equality with your class. These O’Brien Press books show female characters (and real-life women in history) who have broken the mould. Dip into the suffragette movement with Mollie, discover the female inventors and designers who made history in Bright Sparks, and check out the trail-blazing Irish women who changed the world. NEW

ture of the struc A diagram illin molecule of the penic

structure Exploring the s of molecule

Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin 1940s

From windscreen wipers to the life raft and more: women have discovered, invented and designed some of the most important things we all take for granted, but many of their names are unknown. Bright Sparks is an empowering and crucial book for young readers about the impact of women on our world. This book will both inspire and encourage your students through the design process to create their very own inventions! Both boys and girls will love it!

‘What about us? We want a game of our own!’ Máire Ní Chinnéide

‘Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.’ Mother Jones

‘We cannot live by bread alone, and it is a poor heart that never rejoices [in art].’ Sarah Purser BLAZING A TRAIL

Sarah Purser Artist & businesswomen

BLAZING A TRAIL

Mother Jones Labour organiser

BLAZING A TRAIL

Máire ní Chinnéide Founder of camógaí

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tions of are combina Molecules most make up the atoms that of a material. ing blocks basic build can of molecules The structure them with examining be seen by X-ray d ess calle X-rays: a proc y. crystallograph foot Hodgkin Dorothy Crow using X-ray pioneered y to explore crystallograph cules. biological mole

ods eering meth With her pion the molecular she discovered B12, of Vitamin structures l. Her cholestero penicillin and structure penicillin’s of very disco iotics aving antib for allowed life-s uced artificially to be be prod 8) . Franklin (no. the first time kin Crowfoot Hodg consulted the research on her g durin DNA . For her structure of kin Crowfoot Hodg for discoveries, the Nobel Prize was awarded in 1964. chemistry

when e pollution from oil caus ics produced t break down Standard plast use they don’ n away beca occurring they are throw like naturally bio-degrade) over time (or

Ideal for more in-depth study and the class library, these books tell the stories of almost 100 exceptional Irish women from history materials.

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at the was shocked d Elif Bilgin home in Sixteen-year-ol sea near her e tion in the Elif Bilgin way to mak plastic pollu find a new decided to rial, 2013 rring mate Turkey. She naturally occu nted using rime a plastic from expe She lastic. e are rich in called a bio-p skins. Thes na n bana Bilgi with ic. chemicals to make plast ic from can be used plast e that h starc egradabl to make bio-d found a way the material. unt of ce the amo could redu finding le invention ce waste by Her sustainab g and redu rwise be for packagin would othe used ic plast material that for the food a new use . thrown away

‘Best suited to a sixth class to not only read historical fiction but to help develop political opinion and thoughts; not only in the way women were treated unequally but also to analyse and debate on the current inequality in Ireland and internationally. This is an engaging story that raises important equality issues for all. It manages to do so while being entertaining and well-written. Suitable for boys, girls and teachers who like to encourage critical thinking and debating equality issues.’ – InTouch Magazine

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Themes Animal Life Animal Life

Themes Find more themes at obrien.ie/themes

Will you be using ‘Animals and Wildlife’ as a theme this year? Do you have students in your class who are OBSESSED with nature? We have something for every animal-lover at The O’Brien Press! And with free teaching resources, guidelines and online video content, these books will lend themselves easily to integration with SESE, SPHE and Drama. NEW

Explore nature in your back garden as well as in mountains, rivers, forests and sea. Learn about weird and wonderful natural phenomena, this is a wonderful book to help open children’s eyes to the natural world, from a real expert. An essential book to add to your classroom selection this year.

AUTUMN IN the GARDEN

FRUITS OF THE FOREST WHAT TO SPOT?

Our gardens, hedgerows and woodlands offer a bounty of food.

FEAST TIME In autumn many birds switch their diet from insects to seeds, nuts and berries, such as blackberries, rosehips, elderberries, rowan berries, hazelnuts, chestnuts and acorns. Hazelnuts

Horse chestnuts (conkers)

DID YOU KNOW?

Rowan berries: Thrushes love

Blackberries:

the red berries of the rowan tree.

Even foxes and badgers enjoy

branches to reach The wood mouse can climb squirrels, wood mice the tastiest berries. Like for winter and some store nuts in the ground grow into new trees!

blackberry picking in autumn!

Haws: (Below right) The hawthorn/ whitethorn is a common sight in our hedgerows with its masses of red haws.

WHY DO LEAVES CHANGE COLOUR? Inside a leaf there are millions of little packages of colour in green (chlorophyll), yellow (xanthophyll) and orange (carotene, the same colour as in carrots).

An anemone has tentacles it sticks out into the water when the tide comes in. If a small fish swims closeby, these tentacles can grab and sting it.

In summer, the green chlorophyll packages get energy from the sun, carbon dioxide gas from the air, and

WINTER WADERS

Sloes: The blackthorn’s Berries: A favourite of

dark fruits calledand you small mammals, Visit a mudflat inare winter will see lots tits of different wading birds. sloes. and finches.

water from the plant roots and through a process called

Seaweed There are lots of different types of algae or seaweed. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and can be green, red or brown. Bladderwrack (See right) is one type of seaweed you might see on the shore. The bladders are filled with gas to help the seaweed float so that it can catch sunlight, which it uses to make energy. The leaf-like part is called a frond.

DIDYOU KNOW? The Irish name for the jellyfish, smugairle róin, means ‘seal snot’!

Mussels

photosynthesis they make glucose (a type of sugar) which MUDFLATS is food for the tree. When autumn comes we have shorter In winter, you will find waders on the mudflats, at our coasts and days and less sunlight so the green packages in the leaves about m estuaries, searching for food. While the tide is out, they e - g r e y shut down and then we see the yellow and the orange and Acorns: Produced by our oak trees, acorns seal My Irish name dig up worms and shellfish with their special : Rón mór. sometimes red and purple if sugar gets trapped inside the Beech nuts: The are a favourite food of squirrels, small I can dive bills. up to 100m leaf. Then the tree closes off each leaf and the leaves die hairy fruit of the mammals and many birds. when searching has a bright orange for food. I fall off. It’s almost like the tree shuts down or goes toThe oystercatcherbeech tree. usuallyand for about dive bill and red eyes. 10 minutes, sleep for winter! 51 but I can stay underwate r for up to half an hour I like to eat: ! Lots of differ ent fish, as well as squid and crustacea ns. Home: I spen d most of my time in the sea. In Different waders have different bill designs and spring I come lengths to allow them to reach a variety of prey ashore for a few week s to moult under the mud. and get a fur coat. Agai new n, in autum n, I come ashore to have my pups . I can even ‘sleep’ in the water, bobbing up down, with and my head out of the wate – this is calle r d bottling.

Dog whelk Shrimp

Starfish

Curlew is our largest wader with the longest bill to reach lugworms and ragworms which tunnel deep into the mud, while turnstones turn over stones, clumps of seaweed and pebbles to catch invertebrates hiding underneath. In summer curlew breed on uplands and bogs, but it is much easier to spot curlew feeding on mudflats during winter.

Anemone

Hermit crab 59

We’re going to the Zoo ‘Innovative … filled with unusual and memorable facts, Bowie gives us page by page portraits of a variety of animals in a comic, naif style that will surely encourage readers to make their own mini-catalogues on their next trip to the zoo; the young readers at my house t drawing a have already started.’ b t i And here’s my fru These are he WINGS t – Irish Times e This is th , right wayturn so don’te the pag ! d n u aro

Bats

are the only mammals that can

The hugely popular Run with the Wind series introduces the world of Sinna, Black Tip, Vickey, Old Sage Brush, Fang and Hop-along and their troubles as they set out in search of the secret to survival. ‘A wildlife winner for all ages.’ – The Sunday Independent ‘mesmerising… an exciting and dramatic story which offers a real insight into nature’ – Parents in Touch

Bisto Book of the Decade winner

FLY!

N QUESTIO s in Do bartalia Aust sleep up? gstandin

O’Brien Press themes include books for all reading ages: here are more Animal Life titles for readers young and old

p When they slee s they use their wing like a BLANKET!

ANSWER , Hmmmm maybe.

Classroom or school library

Blue Flag Reading age 10+

Glac Sos! Reading age 8+

Animal lover and champion Irish dancer Samantha Hannigan is having a truly woof week. She and her best friend Ajay were messing around with the Brain Swap 3000, one of her grandad’s crackpot inventions, and now Sam is stuck inside the body of her neighbours’ dog – how can they can change her back?

O’Brien Pandas Reading age 5+

Glenmore Valley Reading age 6+

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Themes Well-Being Promoting Well-Being in Schools Perhaps you’re hosting a Well-Being Week in your school this term, or looking for a novel that will integrate well with the updated Stay Safe Programme. These O’Brien Press books, many of which discuss the struggles of life and how to triumph over them, can provide a platform for discussion with your class on the importance of both mental and physical health in order to promote well‑being. Time After Time Series (Coping with Bereavement, Separation and Blended Families)

Adam’s Starling (Coping with Bullying) Winner of the Eilís Dillon Memorial Award. Adam is finding life difficult. At home no one has any time for him and at school bullies pick on him. But it is not until a scruffy little starling comes into his life that the shy and sensitive Adam discovers his inner reserves of courage. In order to protect this starling, Adam takes on the bullies, discovering in the process strengths he never knew he had.

‘What if you could go back in time, meet the mother you never knew, find out what she was like? This sweet and touching timeslip adventure explores this “what if?” scenario, as well as separation and blended families, as best friends Molly and Beth find themselves transported back to 1984. A lovely read.’ – Goodreads ‘An excellent read which explores the issues that face families, as well as exploring an age without today's technology. Highly recommended.’ – Parents in Touch

The Blue Horse (Coping with Loneliness, Isolation and Prejudice) Katie's whole world is turned upside down when her family's home is destroyed by fire. Everything they had is gone, and instead of pulling together it seems as though her family is falling apart. They move to a new house, to a school where nobody wants to know her, and Katie wonders just how many changes she can take. In her fight for acceptance and to keep the family together, she learns a lot about herself.

Fireman Sinead! (Courage to be different) Sinead has decided what she will be when she's big – a fireman. There are no women fireman everyone tells her, but Sinead doesn’t listen. She practises and practises. And one day a real fire happens. And Sinead discovers that maybe she can be a fireman after all!

Red Rover (Physical Well-being) This book will inspire you and your students to get out and revel in these fantastic games! ‘Simple diagrams accompany any games that need them, and the black and white photos of children playing are genuinely heartwarming. A practical instruction manual, comedic slice of life, and important piece of social history all rolled into one, Red Rover is a flawless execution of a great idea that I can’t recommend enough.’ – Children’s Books Ireland ROPE/STRING GAMES

‘Easy to follow instructions for childhood games … I think this book would definitely encourage children to engage in some physical activity away from the television!’ – InTouch Magazine

Elastics/French Elastics/Chinese Skipping The Big Idea Two players stand inside the loop, with the elastic fairly tight around their ankles (‘holding the elastics’). Another player starts to jump between the two sides of the loop while chanting: England (The jumper starts outside the elastics and jumps in to land with feet either side of the left elastic.) Ireland (Jump to land feet either side of the right elastic.) Scotland (As for England.) Wales (As for Ireland.)

Donkeys’

What You’ll Need At least three players, and a length of thick elastic (or lots of smaller elastic bands strung together) tied to form a loop that’s a couple of metres long.

Inside (Jump to land both feet inside the loop.) Outside (Jump to land both feet outside the loop.) Donkeys’ (Jump to land both feet inside the loop again.) Tails (Jump onto the two strands of elastic, with your feet holding them down to the ground, one foot on each.)

Miss any of the actions, and it’s your turn to hold the elastics. If you manage to get through the first round unscathed, you move up to ‘Kneesies’ (where the elastics are at knee-height), then up to ‘Thighsies’, ‘Bumsies’, ‘Waisties’ and as far up as is practical. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone trying ‘Under Armsies’ and ‘Necksies’, which basically involves a lot of cancanning. (Could that be where the name French Elastics came from?)

Variations Other rhymes include: ‘2-4-6-8, Sitting on the cottage gate, Eating cherries off a plate, 2-4-6-8’ and ‘Banana split, Banana split, Banana, Banana, Banana split’, with feet landing on the elastics for ‘8’ and ‘split’. We also had rounds called ‘Runnies’ (where players jog on the spot throughout) ‘Hopsies’, all done on one foot, ‘Skinnies’ and ‘Widies’, where the two sides of the elastic loop are very close together or far apart, and ‘Blindies’, done without the luxury of sight.

Accelerated Readerâ„˘ There are loads of O'Brien Press titles in the Accelerated Reader programme across lower, middle and upper years, with more on the way. Given the importance of Irish books to Irish schools, we are working with Renaissance Learning to ensure that there are enough titles to choose from at all levels. Look out for more O'Brien Press titles with Accelerated Reader quizzes online. Lower Years 5 to 8

3.6

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Each book is displayed with its own ATOS book level score.

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Middle Years 9 to 13

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Middle Years +

Upper Years 14+

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www.obrien.ie: supporting your teaching CASE STUDY!

Danny Brown and the Talking Teeth by Brianóg Brady Dawson obrien.ie/childrens/danny-brown-and-the-talking-teeth

Recommended reading ages are shown for all children's titles Discover books by category or series, find award winners or explore our hugely popular ‘History Through Fiction’ selection Most of our favourite titles are now available as eBooks. Buy directly or from any eBook retailer Find out what reviewers and readers are saying Browse a preview: see if the language level, type size and illustration will suit your classroom

Download FREE teaching guides with summaries, themes, discussion points and individual, group and class activities DANNY BROWN AND THE TALKING TEETH by Brianóg Brady Dawson, illustrated by Michael Connor ISBN: 978-1-84717-879-4 • 6.99 pb • 64 pages

Danny Brown is very excited because his Granny is coming to stay. He helps his mum to tidy his room by hiding his football under the bed and then sits at the window to watch and wait. Later, she announces that they will celebrate her birthday the next day with a meal in Danny’s favourite restaurant. When he borrows Granny’s teeth from the glass on the bedroom shelf he only means to have some fun with them at school, but the teeth go missing and are thrown and kicked around the classroom before landing, damaged, in a puddle outside. Granny is cross, Mum is too, and as he eats mashed potatoes at home instead of the giant burger he had hoped for, he decides that he will never, ever, ever play such tricks again. A very funny tale, with the hint of more to come! Myself and others: Ways in which members of

LANGUAGE – ENGLISH

Language of water: Wet, slippery, dipped, rinsed, dried. Word-portraits: Granny’s hugs too tight, her perfume smelled awful; when cross, her arms were folded, her lips in a thin line. Create oral word-portraits around the class, other children guess who is being described. Discussion: Favourite places to eat, favourite party foods. Creative: Write a simple birthday party invitation to a friend or relation. Creative: Finishing a story. ‘Granny’s boiled egg rolled off the tray and …’ Creative: ‘Good Time Grub.’ Think of other suitable names for restaurants.

www.obrien.ie/schools

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Movement: Show excitement, turning around in a

rush, waving arms, smiling. Mime activities: Granny searching high and low

for her teeth. Granny’s face without her teeth. Try to eat, drink, speak without teeth. Game: Two children link arms and make a mouth

SESE – SCIENCE

So many resources in one easy location! ••Over 100 teaching guides ••Loads of activity sheets, including as gaeilge ••Cover gallery: compare covers of editions from around the world ••Themes, for all reading ages ••And so much more!

families can help, support and care for one another; respecting the belongings of others; practising care, consideration and good manners when dealing with others. Making mistakes and making amends, accepting the consequences of our actions. How friends can influence personal actions and decisions: Impressing friends by mimicking, jeering, playing tricks.

Living things: Human life processes. Differences

between milk teeth, permanent teeth, false teeth/dentures. Characteristics of different materials when wet and dry. Identify the five senses. Explore sense of taste – why did Granny’s teeth taste strange? SPHE

Myself: Becoming more independent and

self-reliant, taking care of personal belongings, tidying own bedroom, picking up bathroom towels. Discussing and exploring the effects of poor personal hygiene; practising effective dental care; foods and drinks which are good for growing teeth.

shape with their arms. Others line up with three small beanbags each. Aim is to throw the food (beanbag) into the mouth as it opens and closes. Children take turns being the mouth. VISUAL ARTS

Danny’s giant burger: Using a large piece of

paper, create the fillings for the burger, include all your favourites. Peephole teeth: Sheet of card with hole cut out, place hole over photo/magazine picture of teeth and mouth, children focus on copying exactly what they see through the peephole.

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