The European symbols and the Euro Lesson 3

Summary of the lesson

Learning objectives • The children should be enabled to: • Identify European Union symbols: flag, anthem, motto, Europe day. • Develop an understanding of union: what makes a union, why would you be part of a union? • Discuss peace in Europe • Discuss our currency and the advantage of other countries having the same currency.

Key words and material • Key words: • Ireland, maps, Europe, continent, countries, globe, European union, similar, different, weather, food, money, currency, flag, helping, positive, negative, feelings, unique • Materials: • Map/Globe of world/Europe, flags of European Union members, • Smoothie materials, colours, shop set ups incl. Euros and pounds

Introduction to the lesson • Revise the EU flag, how many countries in EU and meaning of letters EU. • Remind the children that the EU is like a club, countries coming together to make something different.

Body of the lesson • Play the songs on the slide – ask the children if they recognise the songs? What is their importance? • Elicit from the children what currency we use. Discuss why it is called Euro and cent? Did we always use the euro? • Discuss Europe Day. Ask the children to compare this day of celebration for Europe and St Patrick’s Day. • Discuss with the children the European motto and its meaning. Ask them what they think of it. • Elicit from the children what currency we use. Discuss why it is called Euro and cent? Did we always use the euro?

Conclusion • Revise our currency – discuss again if all EU countries use the currency? • Discuss the positives of having the same currency as another country. • Select children to role play going to shops in different countries. What happens if you want to go to London? Where do you go to get pounds etc… • Revise the positives of single currency.