A' Choille is a Gaelic language website with suitable opportunities for both children in Gaelic Medium Education and children experiencing Gaelic through a GLPS programme. The context, language and activities might be more relevant for children working at First level in Gaelic Medium education (and some aspects of Early level for fluent speakers) but there are relevant opportunities for children who are Gaelic Learners and working towards the Second level of Curriculum for Excellence. However with Gaelic learners, some support may be needed on aspects of language as the website is Gaelic language only.
A' Choille contains animated stories, songs, poems and activities based on them. Its design endorses the principles of CfE by providing opportunities for breadth of language across different contexts, with opportunities for depth through the use of stories and poems. Activities can be personalised and users can choose story endings and create their own content also which allows for progression.
Experiences and outcomes to which this resource could help contribute are detailed below. It may also contribute to other curriculum areas not included.
Literacy and Gàidhlig
• I regularly select subject, purpose, format and resources to create texts of my choice
LIT 1-01a/LIT 2-01a
• I am exploring how pace, gesture, expression, emphasis and choice of words are used to engage others, and I can use what I learn
GAI 1-03a
• I can recognise how the features of spoken language can help in communication, and I can use what I learn.
• I can recognise different features of my own and others' spoken language.
GAI 2-03a
• As I listen or watch, I can identify and discuss the purpose, key words and main ideas of the text and use this information for a specific purpose.
LIT 1-04a
• As I listen or watch, I can identify and discuss the purpose, main ideas and supporting detail contained within the text, and use this information for different purposes.
LIT 2-04a
• I can select ideas and relevant information, organise these in a logical sequence and use words which will be interesting and/or useful for others.
LIT 1-06a
• I can select ideas and relevant information, organise these in an appropriate way for my purpose and use suitable vocabulary for my audience.
LIT 2-06a
• I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to and asking different kinds of questions.
LIT 1-07a
• I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to literal, inferential, evaluative and other types of questions, and by asking different kinds of questions of my own.
LIT 2-07a
• By considering the type of text I am creating, I can select ideas and relevant information, organise these in a logical sequence and use words which will be interesting and/or useful to others.
LIT 1-26a
Gaelic Learners
• I explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and show understanding and enjoyment by listening, joining in and responding
MLAN 2-01a
• I explore simple songs and rhymes and I enjoy learning with others as we talk and listen together.
MLAN 2-05a
• I have worked with others, using a variety of media including ICT where appropriate, and can contribute successfully to a presentation in Englis, supported by use of the language I am learning, on an aspect of life in a country where the language I am learning is spoken.
MLAN 2-06b
• I work on my own and with others to understand text using appropriate resources, demonstrating my understanding by matching written words to pictures and by reconstructing the text in a logical sequence, for example.
MLAN 2-08a
• I can choose and can read, on my own and with others, a variety of straightforward texts of different types, including non-fiction, short imaginative accounts, prose and poetry, which may have been adapted
MLAN 2-10a
Stories
• Òighrig Ùruisg (Mami Wata)
• Draoidh Paidh nan Siristean (Cherry Pie Genie)
• Calum Cathag (Jackdaw)
• A' Lorg na Grèine (Looking for the Sun)
Watch or read the story then try story sequencing, story changing and story creation activities.
Songs
The four songs are sung by friendly creatures:
• Ulaidhoillt's Slimy Song
• Iain Ialtag's Bat Ballad
• Doilidhtuhù's Owl Rap
• Rùbaidh Rabaid's Song
Listen to the songs then choose new words for the chorus and new clothes for the characters to wear when they're singing. This reinforces language using visual clues and provides an opportunity for learners to hear pronunciations.
Poems
There are four poems:
• Gille Beag Laghach (A Nice Little Boy)
• Latha Doilleir Dorcha (A Miserable Dark Day)
• Sabhs (Sauce)
• Sgoil nan Eun Beaga (The Little Birds' School)
Listen to what Ulaidhoillt, Iain Ialtag, Doilidhtuhù and Rùbaidh Rabaid think of the poems, users can then express their opinions using words and pictures. There is some challenging language in the poems and teachers are encouraged to use this as a teaching opportunity. All learners should be familiar with the language before attempting to respond to the poems or give opinions.
Audio and visual help
Click on the 'Roghainnean' button to:
• resize on-screen text and change text and background colours
• hear on-screen text being read out
• make captions available for most video and audio content.
These preferences are not accessible from the Information for Parents and Teachers section.
Most content can also be navigated using the keyboard.
