Mayo pupils contribute to new mathematics storybook 1, 2, Spraoi
A Mayo Gaeltacht school has collaborated on a new mathematics story book.
At an event in Dublin City University, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary launched the book 1, 2, Spraoi, which is the result of Fighting Words' creative writing workshops with schools in rural and metropolitan areas.
The three schools involved included Scoil Bhreandáin in Eachléim, An Fód Dubh, along with schools in Dublin and Galway.
With financial support from Minister Calleary's department, 1,2, Spraoi is a fun project collaboration between Fighting Words, the Institute of Education at Dublin City University, and An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG).
The project is a great example of the different ways in which young people can be attracted to the Irish language, giving schoolchildren the opportunity to compose and write mathematical stories.
This is the second year of the project and the second volume published.
Launching the book, Minister Calleary said: ''The book 1, 2 Spraoi is a great example of the different ways in which we can attract young people towards the beauty and richness of the Irish language. This project not only fosters a love for the Irish language but also inspires storytelling and imagination among our young people.
“The work being done by Fighting Words is vital in developing creativity in writing in Irish among our young people and the results of this work can be seen with the publication of the book 1,2, Spraoi. As the proverb goes - 'Praise the youth and they will prosper.’”
Colm Ó Cuanacháin, executive director of Fighting Words, said: "Fighting Words runs creative writing activities with children in Gaeltacht areas and in Gaelscoileanna throughout the country with the support of the Department of the Gaeltacht.
“This is the second book in our series 1, 2, Spraoi, which features mathematical stories written in Irish by children. Other young people who are learning maths through Irish will be able to make great use of this wonderful collection of stories.”
Fighting Words is a creative writing organisation founded in Dublin in 2009 by Roddy Doyle and Seán Love. The main aim of the organisation is to help pupils of all ages develop their writing skills and instil a love of creative writing.
Fighting Words gives young people opportunities to develop their creative writing in the workshops, camps and events they organise around the country, all free of charge. In 2024 over 1,300 workshops, camps and events were held and over 25,000 students participated.
With the support of the department, Fighting Words has been operating in Gaeltacht areas since 2019 and, since 2022, in Gaelscoileanna around the country.