Design and Engineering · Summer Term

Materials for Building

Students will explore how the properties of materials influence their suitability for construction.

About This Topic

Irish Artists Through Time introduces 3rd Class students to their own cultural heritage through the eyes of painters, sculptors, and craftspeople. From the ancient stone carvings of Newgrange to the modern landscapes of Paul Henry or the portraits of Mainie Jellett, students explore how Irish identity has been captured visually. This topic aligns with the NCCA Looking and Responding strand, helping students connect art to History and Geography. It encourages them to see how the 'local' can be 'universal.'

By studying Irish artists, students gain a sense of place and belonging. This topic comes alive when students can engage in collaborative investigations, comparing how different artists represented the same Irish landscape (e.g., the West of Ireland) and discussing why their styles differ so much.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: Style Match

Give groups 'detail' cards (small zoomed-in parts of paintings) and 'full' cards of works by Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, and Evie Hone. They must match the details to the correct artist based on brushstrokes and color.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Role Play: The Artist's Interview

One student plays a famous Irish artist (after reading a short bio) and the other plays a journalist. The journalist asks why the artist chose to paint a particular Irish scene and what they wanted people to feel.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Then and Now

Display a historical Irish landscape painting next to a modern photo of the same location. Students move in pairs to find three things that have changed and three things that have stayed the same.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Irish art is only about old-fashioned country life.

What to Teach Instead

Students often think of 'Irish art' as just cottages and sheep. Peer exploration of modern Irish artists (like Louis le Brocquy or contemporary street artists) helps them see that Irish art is diverse and constantly evolving.

Common Misconception

All Irish artists paint in the same 'realistic' way.

What to Teach Instead

Many children believe art must look like a photo to be 'good.' Comparing the abstract work of Mainie Jellett with the realism of Sean Keating surfaces a discussion on how different styles can all be 'Irish.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Irish artists are most accessible for 3rd Class?

Paul Henry (for his clear shapes and colors), Jack B. Yeats (for his energetic brushwork and storytelling), and Evie Hone (for her bold stained-glass designs) are excellent starting points. Their work is visually striking and often has a clear narrative.

How can active learning help students understand Irish art history?

Art history can feel dry if it's just names and dates. Active learning strategies like 'Style Match' or 'The Artist's Interview' turn students into detectives and storytellers. By physically handling images and 'becoming' the artist, they develop a personal connection to the work, making the historical context much more relevant and memorable.

How do I handle sensitive historical topics (like the Famine) in art?

Focus on the 'visual story' and the emotion the artist is trying to convey. Use art as a springboard for empathy, asking 'How does this painting make you feel?' rather than focusing solely on the grim historical details.

Can we create our own 'Irish' art?

Absolutely! Have students paint their own 'local landscape' using the color palette of an artist like Paul Henry. This helps them apply the 'looking' skills they've learned to their own 'making' process.

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