“India-a cross curricular theme” is a new set of 3 photocopiable teacher resource book that is aimed at the lower, middle and higher levels of the primary school setting.
The Lower would be suitable for a good 1st and 2nd class, the middle for 3rd and 4th class with the upper level suitable for 5th and 6th. Overall, these books integrate the curriculum very well, focussing on English, Maths, SESE, Visual Arts and Drama. Prim-Ed may not realise but the section on “Religious and moral education” is perfect for the Ethics curriculum, which is covered in all Educate Together schools here. Some really good lessons and information on the Buddhist religion, which were expanded in the “Folklore and stories” unit.
Thematic planning is becoming more prevalent in Irish classrooms, it’s a much easier and fun way for a teacher to plan their lessons as it can be done in a unit as opposed to a series of separate lessons. It also can link children’s knowledge together well.
The series is very up to date and diverse with units ranging from famous Indian people to Modern India-Bollywood, which would go down well with the media savvy child (and teacher!)
Relevance to curriculum aims: 3/5
Yes, it is relevant to the Irish curriculum as it connects the actual subjects and objectives it covers., taken directly from the Irish curriculum.
However, I would question if the actual exclusive skills of each lesson plan are being utilised at all. for example, in one of the Geography lesson, the objective in the lesson is “Completes sentences to read information about the Ganges river.” Yes, the content might very well be geogrpahy themed but is the outcome linked to the key geography skills? In one of the History lessons, the objective is “Construct a 3-dimensional shape”, hardly the work of a Historian?
Some of the activities are based on wordsearches, fill in the blanks and comprehension, which have some importance but the teacher will have to ensure that the curriculum and its individual subject skills are being covered.
Teacher usability: 5/5
Extremely easy, the book contains “Teacher information” and every photocopy and handout you might need. The activities make it active and interesting for the child and the teacher. I particularly liked some of the additional activities, these were generally higher order and really will push the children who are that bit more able. Sometimes, these sections can be filler activities designed to keep the class busy.
Value for money: 4/5- At €22.95, it is okay, but I would hope a school would get a discount for ordering all three of these books.
Extras: No extras but I know that Prim-Ed do a digital version of this book for use on IWB. 
Last Update: August 22, 2017