Get reading this World Gaelic Week!

Where to start?

If you're new to Gaelic, or not sure where to start, Seachdain na Gàidhlig's learning resources(this link will open in a new window) are available in both English and Gaelic, and are designed for both learners and more fluent speakers. Their resources include videos you can use with your class even if you don’t speak Gaelic yourself. If you don't teach Gaelic within your school, you can also use this week to learn more about the cultural contribution and impact of Gaelic in Scotland – both historically and today.

Seachdain na Gàidhlig's resources can be used across the curriculum, for example, learning about Gaelic in your local area or community, exploring Gaelic music and hosting a ceilidh with food and drink! If you, or your class, would like to explore learning Gaelic, Seachdain na Gàidhlig also has a webpage of resources(this link will open in a new window) that will help you get started. Their resources are also designed to help you get started with everyday phrases and vocabulary. 

Using stories, songs and rhymes

Stories are a great way to learn or improve your vocabulary, phrases and pronunciation, and start building an understanding of ideas and grammar in another language. Reading or singing together can help build confidence and make learning more fun!

For tips on getting started with reading together in Gaelic, we also have also a full-length webinar on sharing Scots and Gaelic with babies and young children. You can also find Bookbug programmes in Gaelic including songs and rhymes through the Bookbug Song and Rhyme Library.

For older children, you can watch our Authors Live featuring the Gruffalo in Gaelic. Alongside each broadcast is a learning activity you can do together as a class. Seachdain na Gàidhlig(this link will open in a new window)’s secondary resources also share Gaelic songs, poems and literature.

Author visits

Our Live Literature programme includes funding for both one-off visits and school residencies. You could use this to bring a Gaelic author, poet, playwright, screenwriter, songwriter or storyteller into your school or library. To learn more, see the Gaelic-speaking authors on our Live Literature Directory and our About Live Literature webpage for more information on how to apply.

Reading Schools

Our Reading Schools programme(this link will open in a new window) offers an accreditation for your school to celebrate your reading culture, as well as resources, CLPL sessions and support to help you with your delivery. This programme is open to all schools in Scotland, including Gaelic Medium Education schools, or schools delivering Gaelic as part of their learning. Find more information on eligibility and how to sign up on the Reading Schools website,(this link will open in a new window) and explore the Reading Schools activity taking place in GME schools and settings(this link will open in a new window) across the country.