Literature in Learning - Using Scots Language creatively in the Classroom

Using Scots creatively can impact pupil's development across the capacities of Curriculum for Excellence.

Work with Scots engages children with literacy to aid their growth into Successful Learners, it builds confidence and self-respect, particularly in regards to communication skills and it enables pupils to become effective contributors by sharing their creative work in the language they use outside school.

This seminar will outline a range of initiatives available to support the use creative use of Scots from some of Scotland's best Scots language practitioners.

Weblinks to : Literature in Learning http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/node/3820

Itchy Coo http://www.itchy-coo.com/

Scottish Language Dictionaries http://www.scotsdictionaries.org.uk/

Jim McGonigal was Professor of English in Education in the Department of Curriculum Studies where his work involved teaching, research, editing and supervision in the learning and teaching of children's language and literacy. He has research interests in language, children's literature, classroom interaction, teacher formation, Scots-Irish literary and cultural relations, and creative writing.

Matthew Fitt is a tutor in creative writing in Scots for all ages. He was Brounsbank Writing Fellow, 1995-97, Pollok writer-in-residence, 2000-01 and has been the Itchy Coo Schools Officer since 2002.

John Corbett is Professor of Applied Language Studies at Glasgow University with particular interests in Intercultural Language Education, History of Scots, particularly literary Scots and Translation into Scots

Christine Robinson became the Director of SLD in 2004. She is an Honorary Fellow of the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences in the University of Edinburgh where she has taught Scots for many years. She is also a visiting lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands Millenium Institute and is the author of Scotspeak, a guide to Scots pronunciation aimed at actors and performers. As SLD's Outreach Officer, she visits writers' groups, schools and local community organisations to make presentations on Scots and support its use in the community.