1. Ireland Prepared by Misty Ware

2. Purpose (intended for 5 th grade) To focus on the distinctive characteristics of the country of Ireland while developing research and writing skills.

3. Content Goals TEKS English Language Arts & Reading § 110.7 (b) (13) (G) draw conclusions from information gathered from multiple sources (reading/research) §110.7 (b) (14) (B) determine distinctive and common characteristics of cultures through wide reading (reading/culture) §110.7 (b) (15) (B) write to influence such as to persuade, argue and request (writing/purposes) §110.7 (b) (15) (C) write to inform such as to explain, describe, report and narrate (writing/purposes) §110.7 (b) (15) (D) write to entertain such as to compose humorous poems or short stories (writing purposes)

4. Essential question How much can you learn about the country of Ireland?

5. Activities Scavenger Hunt: Find the Pot of Gold! Directions: Hide a pot of gold in advance. Cut out a large four leaf clover and some small four leaf clovers. Put the first clue on the large clover, other clues on the smaller clovers, hide the smaller ones and present the large clover clue to the class. Let the fun begin!

6. Activities Research & Report Directions: Students will select a topic from an approved list and research the topic for one hour on the internet. They will then prepare a concise report and report their findings to the class. Possible Topics: Gaelic Football / Hurling St. Patrick / St. Patrick’s Day The Vikings Government of Ireland Act The Gaelic Language Irish Music Irish Culture The Flag Internet Library

7. Activities Announce the Parade !! Split the class into 3 groups and assign responsibilities to each group. Group 1: Responsible for creating a flyer to go home with all students advertising the GRADE PARADE. Group 2: Responsible for creating five attention grabbing posters for the school halls advertising the GRADE PARADE. Group 3: The GRADE PARADE committee, responsible for planning the GRADE PARADE.

8. Activities Creative Writing Assignment Directions: Choose between writing a poem or short story about an Irish boy or girl in 5 th grade, just like you! The poem or story must be at least two pages, typed and double spaced but no more than 3 pages. Your intended purpose in your writing will be “humor.” Humor – designed to be comical or amusing

9. Activities Customs & Traditions Internet Project Provide an opportunity to find out MORE about the customs and traditions in Ireland!

10. Activities Inspiration Software Activity Directions: Coming Soon

11. Activities The Grade Parade Perform grade parade based on the preparations made by the Grade Parade Committee.

12. References http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter110/ ch110a.htmlhttp://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter110/ ch110a.html Inspiration (educational software) Customs & Traditions Internet Project (ID: 2441) www.ireland.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland www.irelandemb.org