Ma WW1 History lesson went doon really weel whi ma twa classes.

Whit went weel? Workin in pairs tae try an translate the Scots wirds helped the wains relax intae the task an one class was far mair engaged than on a previous task A hid tried. Mair paired chat and less listenin tae me.

All but three wains were positive aboot workin in Scots an all but wan engaged fully makin a grand job o the tasks reinforcing ‘describe’, ‘explain’ and ‘compare’ skills. This was really heartening as it feels risky (particularly at straw poll choices time!) tae experiment wi Scots. Several liked using the Scots to ‘hear’ how real Scottish spoke, “it helps you imagine what the soldiers are saying with their own words.” Even those who didnae lik the Scots could see the clear link o using Scots in this topic which was fantastic! “You can learn new Scots words and learn little bit more about WW1.”

Wan quine who disnae like scriving ony lesson dived richt in decidin tae write a her answers in Scots and loved that the grammar and spelling became much easier fir her.

Whit widd A change?  The wan laddie who didnae like the task at a is ASD and has decided, as he already spiks English an Russian, he disnae need onyither language. Next time A wid hae an English version of the sources on hand tae aloo some choice fir him.

Twa ithers appreciated the task, but wid rather not dae it again as it was hard. Both suggested A added mair wirds to the glossary. I hid considered adding mair, but rulled it ot as A felt it would flummox the less able pupils – next time A will differentiate upwards wi a fuller glossary fir those wantin a complete translation.

Next year A will also reduce the sources a wee bit as it will gi mair time fir getting ontae extension tasks.

Hoo will A consolidate an further develop the bairns use an awareness o Scots?

A am lookin at building in a wee bit Scots to the farming unit the classes will study later in S3 History as weel as looking at hoot ae mak use o it in Rural Skills which some o the bairns will be taking with me from May. Finally A will try ate dip in and oot of Scots wirds in classes to keep it alive.