Educators launch handbook aligned with new Irish primary curriculum

TWO Donegal educators have joined forces to produce a new teachers’ handbook aligned with the new Irish primary school curriculum.

Geraldine Galligan and Emer Mannion’s ground-breaking new book aligns art and poetry teaching with the new primary curriculum.

The new book is called ‘Creative Connections: Teaching Poetry and Art in the Primary Classroom’ and has been launched in collaboration with ABC School Supplies in Letterkenny.

Both Geraldine and Emer bring a wealth of experience and passion to the project.

Geraldine, a retired primary teacher at Glenswilly National School, has a lifelong interest in poetry and theatre, and teacher Emer, has a strong background in art. They identified a clear gap in the market for a practical, Irish-based resource that meaningfully connects these two creative subjects.

Their collaboration with ABC School Supplies has resulted in a high-quality, curriculum-aligned handbook designed to empower teachers to bring creativity to the heart of their classrooms.

It equips primary teachers with the subject knowledge, expert advice, and practical strategies needed to provide children with rich experiences in art, craft, and design, ensuring access to a broad and balanced curriculum.

The book provides step-by-step guidance for integrating visual arts and poetry from junior infants to sixth class, offering creative strategies that nurture imagination, self-expression, and critical thinking.

Teachers will find age-appropriate lesson plans, activities, and assessment suggestions, alongside cross-curricular links, photocopiable worksheets, and practical examples designed to make planning and teaching more enjoyable and effective.

Creative Connections also highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to engage with and enjoy the creative process.