European Union

What to do with this activity?

Ireland is one of 28 countries in the European Union (know as the EU). It started in 1958 with only 6 countries (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) and was then called the European Economic Community (E.E.C). Ireland joined the E.E.C in 1973.

Nowadays your child might hear about BREXIT and wonder what it is. Explain that Brexit is short for Britain and Exit. There was a vote in June 2016 in the United Kingdom, and the British people decided, by a narrow margin, that they wanted to leave the European Union. Their decision will have a big effect on Ireland too.

Find out more about the EU on the Europa Kids' Corner website. Learn about the 28 different countries - it might be a good idea to start with just one or two countries - perhaps with a good football team, or something else that interests your child. There are lots of enjoyable interactive online games and maps that will encourage your child to learn.

Get to know where all the countries of the EU are with this interactive online map quiz from Seterra.

Print these instructions

Click Here Close

Why am I doing this?

It’s important to encourage whatever reading your child is doing at this age. Children have their own interests and hobbies so they will be more inclined to read information about these subjects. Having comics, papers or magazines around the house will make it easier for your child to get into reading. Your child might find it appealing to read online and you might like that the book can be read by an automated voice. E books can be looked at when you are on the move, making sure that your child is careful with your computer or phone.
Click Here Close

How can I do more?

Your child might like to read a section of the newspaper or a magazine – the sports, fashion or cooking sections - depending on their interests. They might like to read a short piece from a newspaper and underline facts with a pen and opinion with a pencil. You can then talk about the difference between fact and opinion (there are good examples in sports writing). Encourage your child to read instructions for mending bikes, building models and playing new games.