Ann Gerety Smyth - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Ann Gerety Smyth

Ann Geretysmyth 2
Ann Geretysmyth 3
Ann Geretysmyth 1
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science), Materials (Science)
Counties catered for:
Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath
Classes catered for:
All Classes

Book in-person visit


Ann is a storyteller and published writer with a special interest in Irish Mythology, Iron Age and Early Christian eras. She has years of experience facilitating groups of all ages, as a tutor with Longford VEC adult education and adult literacy, as a Brownie leader and in the many community work projects she has been involved in. She recently completed a 10 week course on Gaeilge for Storytellers with Kerry Writers’ Museum and has started studying for an MSc in World Heritage Conservation with UCD. She and her business partner Annette Corkery, (who is also on the Heritage in Schools panel), have been running Creative Ardagh in Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre for 10 years now, educating and entertaining groups from all over the world and of all ages and abilities. It is an SFI Discover Centre and offers a range of DPSM programmes along with other creative workshops based on the local heritage.

In-person school visits

Scéalta Beo come in Celtic costume and have props and visual aids to enhance their storytelling. Mythology and storytelling helped our ancestors understand and deal with crisis, which makes them very important tools in this era of climate change. We tell many of the ancient stories of the Tuatha Dé Dannan our favourite being the local legend of Midir and Etain. Midir was known as a judge and given the task of restoring the balance which is very relevant to the times we live in.

Interactive practical activities, discussions and stories combine to demonstrate what life was like in Iron Age/Early Medieval Ireland. The session(s) can cover aspects of society and every day activities: buildings, clothing, jewellery and metalwork, food, biodiversity, games such as fidchell, weaving, foraging, natural dyeing, Brehon Laws including the importance of trees, fire festivals and ogham script.

Discover all you need to research and explore your townland: delve into its history, find out the meaning of its name and look at local built and natural heritage close up. Using this as inspiration create your own art or writing based on what you learn. http://longfordtownlandsart.bl...

Whether you want to design a vegetable garden from scratch, develop sensory areas, get guidance for the Biodiversity Green Flag or just look closely at native trees, mini-beasts or animal habitats around your school, Scéalta Beo can help you explore and creatively interact with the outdoor learning environment, getting hands-on experience and connecting with the living stories all around us. www.heritageweek.ie/projects/restoring-the-balance; http://ardaghtreefairies.blogspot.com;

Testimonials

  • "Children really enjoyed the visit and it was very interactive. Outdoor learning was planned but unfortunately it was raining." - Anon.
  • "Ann was fantastic. She did fantastic research in order to bring local History in to our classrooms. She was engaging and entertaining. A huge hit with teachers, parents and most importantly students." - Scoil Cholmcille, Meath
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  • "Great day, everyone enjoyed! Ann is enthusiastic and passionate about the topic which was received well by the children." - St. Tola's, Westmeath
  • "Excellent" - Sacred Heart Primary School, Longford
  • "Ann was fantastic and was the highlight of our Science week activities." - SN Cholmcille, Meath
  • "Great" - Home educated, Meath

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities
  • Provides field trips
  • Visits as Gaeilge

Contact Details

Phone (Work):
0861717925
Mobile:
0861717925
Email:
creativeardagh@gmail.com