My favourite place

For Book Week Scotland, we ran a collection of activities based around ‘My favourite place’. These have now been added to the Scottish Book Trust website.

Chris Leslie at The Scottish Book Trust said he would be interested in other articles and information about the things we do.

SCILT

The following article was sent to SCILT, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages, who published it in their Summer 2012 Newsletter.

The Modern Languages Department and the Librarian at Taylor High, New Stevenston, have been celebrating languages, particularly Spanish, in a number of ways over the last year.

Both departments have created a Spanish Dictionary Mission for all S1s. Pupils learn how to use a bilingual dictionary, learn new words in Spanish as well as using words they have been learning in class, and learn how to create a Mind-Map. A variety of different questions are asked in both Spanish and English to enable pupils to use both sections of the dictionary. Once pupils have completed this activity they get an opportunity to decorate their Mind-Map and the most creative are then displayed in the Modern Languages corridor.

Together with the class teacher, the Librarian helps pupils use a Spanish Dictionary. This gives S1s one of their first opportunities to use a Spanish Dictionary. This exercise increases pupils’ confidence when using a bilingual dictionary and in the Spanish language.

The S1 Euro Club also runs every Thursday at lunchtime from 1pm – 1:45pm and we explore a variety of topics such as European foods and leisure activities. Exploring various leisure activities has been an enjoyable experience for pupils as they have learned how to play boules, table football and games on the Wii, particularly a Maracas game. Pupils have to keep time with the music by pretending to play these musical instruments. By researching different leisure activities pupils have learned to build resilience and confidence by participating in a wide range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and contribute to the wider community.

Cathy MacPhail visit to Taylor High School Library

Some S2 pupils had the pleasure of hearing Cathy Macphail discuss her work on Tuesday.  Pupils really enjoyed hearing what Cathy had to say about her books and life as a writer.  It was a really enjoyable experience for both pupils and staff.

Pupils also got an opportunity to buy some of her work and get their books signed.  We hope to have Cathy back again soon.

Hispanic Week in the Library

Last week the pupils at Taylor High School celebrated the Spanish Language with Hispanic week.  There was a variety of exciting events running in conjunction with the library.  These included, Tapas tasting, celebrating Spanish golfers with the Euro Club and a craft activity to decorate and design a sombrero.

I was invited along to S1 Home Economics classes for some Tapas tasting fun.  There were various types of tapas dishes to try and lots of recipe books to explore.  This helped pupils to explore and enjoy the Mediterranean diet.

The S1 Euro Club celebrated Hispanic week by researching famous Spanish golfers and playing golf on the Wii.  Fun was had by all.

 There was also a craft activity in the library during Wednesday lunchtime.   Pupils were asked to design and decorate their own sombrero.  Sombrero’s had to have a Spanish theme.  Every one who took part won a small prize and the most creative was chosen by a member of the Modern Languages Department.  Sombrero’s are now being displayed in the library.