Naíonáin Shóisearcha (i): Things I need – Things that need me

The theme is explored using a story that has two parts.

The first part of the story is based around the friendship of an owl and a tree that live in a forest together. They learn that through their friendship they can help eachother. Oisín Oak provides a home for Uná Owl and other creatures that were in need of homes. Uná Owl and the other creatures become Oisín Oak's friends, and he no longer feels lonely.

The second part of the story features Áodh and Aisling, two children from Baile Glas who enjoy spending time in the forest and especially with Oisín Oak. Áodh, Aisling and the forest trees and creatures are very upset when villagers from Baile Glas start cutting down trees in the forest. They call upon Labhraidh Leprechaun for help. Labhraidh Leprechaun puts a plan in action to make the villagers realise how important the forest is and how important it is that they care for it. Labhraidh's plan is successful and the villagers of Baile Glas promise to take good care of the forest in future and live in harmony with the trees and animals there.

Each episode of the story is explored through activities including:

• Storytime
• Imagination/creative games
• Amhranaoícht
• Poetry
• Art & Craft
• Drama & mime
• Nature Walks
• Active/outdoor games
• Matching games

Activities include - 'Finding Homes in Oisín Oak', 'An Baile Glas', 'The Disappearing Forest', 'A New Beginning'

Note on fieldwork: planned walks to a land-mark tree or local woods could be organised in conjunction with this theme, so that key issues and concepts can be raised in a meaningful way prior to their exploration in the classroom.

Naíonáin Shinsearcha (ii): Caring for the Earth in other lands

This theme uses a photopack of 20 photographs of children from around the world. The images focus on family, school, work, caring and play. The activities aim to assist the children in exploring the similarities and differences between their life and the lives or others around the world. This theme hopes to develop greater openness and encourage the children to question stereotypical perceptions regarding people and life in other places.

The activities involve the use of the photopack and photographs selected by the teacher or the children themselves. The use of photographs encourages the children to think about, and question, the images that they are presented with.

Each activity involves the use of photographs. The activities also incorporate:

• Memory games
• Developing stories
• Art & Craft
• Drama
• Cooking
• Category games

Sample activities - 'Extend the frame', 'Phototalk', 'Understanding Distance', 'A taste of India'