The Gruffalo in Scots

Product Information

For a range of activities you can use to introduce pupils to Scots, take a look at our learning resource on using Scots in the classroom (this link will open in a new window). Education Scotland also have excellent resources specifically on The Gruffalo in Scots (this link will open in a new window). Julia, who will celebrate her ruby wedding anniversary with husband Malcolm later this year, says 2012 has been one of her busiest. I’ve got three books – The Singing Mermaid, Superworm and The Paper Dolls – which are out or just about to be published and I’m getting ready to celebrate my ruby wedding anniversary with Malcolm, who has just retired.

Finally, if you are in Glasgow, Kilmardinny Loch in Bearsden has its own Gruffalo trail which sounds fantastic and is free. I can’t wait to take our two little Gruffalo fanatics.Languages spoken by the fearsome beast include Hebrew, Arabic, Latin and even Gaelic – but the Scots tongue has so far alluded him. She added: “I’m never off the train with my work as children’s laureate and we have a massive library tour planned for the autumn. We know time is tight, so here is just one activity you could do before or after watching this event. Using Scots in the classroom with learners in Early Years settings and Primary schools can enhance children’s experiences of choosing poems and stories and discovering the relevance of texts to their own lives. When children are beginning to develop tools for reading, Scots can help them explore sounds and words and develop reading strategies to aid with understanding.

Children’s laureate Julia, 63, said: “I’m thrilled that there is now a Scots version of The Gruffalo to add to the other 42 or so translations. Julia, who will perform The Gruffalo in Scots alongside James at the Edinburgh Book Festival, says the translation is one of the best. Our Education Officer, Laura Green, explains how Scots is incorporated into the Broad General Education here and has tips for using songs, rhymes and stories with wee ones here. It’s been a busy but magical year so far and performing The Gruffalo in Scots at the book festival will be one of the highlights.” I hadn’t but she had planted the seed and I went home and started scribbling, trying to get the rhymes to work. It was far too difficult so I abandoned it.”Scots Hoose’s ‘Movin aboot’ section, full of fun activities for children that involve responding to instructions given in Scots. ‘Heid, Shooders, Knaps and Taes’ is a firm favourite.