1, 2, Spraoi!
This collection of stories showcases the remarkable creativity of children in senior primary classes in three Irish Language Medium schools, Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, Scoil Náisiúnta Thír An Fhia, and Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh.
When many of us think of learning mathematics at school, we imagine sitting quietly at our desks completing pages and pages of sums in a textbook. 1, 2, Spraoi! is altogether something quite different, a fusion of mathematical concepts with collaborative storytelling.
These children have embarked on a unique journey, weaving mathematical concepts into the fabric of their narratives, transforming abstract ideas into vivid, engaging tales. Each story captures the authentic voices of the children, allowing readers to experience the beauty of the Irish language alongside the appeal of imaginative storytelling. This compendium reflects the collaborative efforts of the children, their teachers, and the wider school communities. It is through their collective passion and dedication that these stories have come to life.
We wish to express our gratitude to Tríona Nic Fhinn from An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta who initiated this collaboration after taking part in our Mathematics Play and Creativity workshop at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation Education Consultative Conference 2023. We also wish to express our gratitude to Seirce Mhac Conghail and Bríd-Treasa Wyndham from Fighting Words for all their hard work and enthusiasm. In particular, we wish to thank the children’s teachers, Philomena Ní Fhlatharta, Ruairí Mac Conduibh agus Grainne Ní Dhíonasaigh for welcoming us into their schools. We would also like to thank our wonderful illustrators, translator, sponsor, proofreaders and volunteers.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary talent of our young authors. We hope that these stories will inspire all readers to explore and appreciate the creative blend of mathematics and storytelling.
1, 2, Spraoi is available to read and download free from the Fighting Words website here.