The Crocus Project is intended for pupils aged eleven or twelve years.
In the
Republic of Ireland these students are in fifth or sixth class in
primary school.
The Holocaust Educational Trust of Ireland provides
schools with yellow crocus
bulbs to plant in autumn in memory of the one and a half million Jewish
children and thousands of other children who died in the Holocaust.
The
yellow flowers recall the yellow Stars of David all Jews were forced
to wear under Nazi rule.
The activity presents an opportunity to introduce primary school
children to
the subject of the Holocaust. It is a tangible way to
stimulate discussion and
create awareness about discrimination.
In Ireland, the crocus blooms at the end of January – around
the time of
international Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January). In other countries
Spring
comes later but the crocuses can be planted indoors in flowerboxes
or bowls.
When people admire the flowers, the children can explain what they
represent.
The Trust makes available guidelines and information which may
be of
assistance to teachers during this activity. These
resources complement
existing material on racism and
interculturalism. The children’s involvement in
planting the bulbs and watching the flowers
grow encourages ongoing learning
about the
importance of tolerance and respect.
Information & Guidelines for the Crocus Project
"The Crocus Project is currently half way through it’s season, for schools who still wish to participate in this project please contact the office. There will be a pdf sent to you of the new HETI brochure, which will replace the old one"
Download the following file for more information on
- Background to the Holocaust
- Why we plant yellow Crocuses
- Planting Crocuses
- Classroom activities
- Tips for Teachers
- Key Words
Download: Crocus
posters ENG.pdf (PDF | Filesize: 2143KB)
Download: Crocus
posters GAEILGE.pdf (PDF | Filesize: 2114KB)
Download: Crocus
Teacher's Handbook (PDF | Filesize: 2463KB)
