Literacy news
When literacy is a puzzle, it's fun to learn
27 May 2005
It's fun, games and learning for pupils at St Margaret's primary in Polmont, Scotland. The school hosts Falkirk Council's first Games Library, offering nearly 100 educational games for youngsters to borrow. The idea is to encourage literacy and numeracy skills in a fun way. The impetus for the new provision came from parents keen to see more help for children with memory and concentration skills. Many of the games have been made by parents in conjunction with Wendy Auld, the school's support for learning teacher, to supplement games that are commercially available.
Activities include board games, card games and games using paper and pencil. A £2 annual fee allows the school to develop new games and create even more learning opportunities. There is no restriction on the number of games that can be borrowed and items are available for a two-week loan. The school also offers a stock of books and factsheets specifically targeted at helping parents to improve their support skills for children.
Ms Auld said: "Parents have been marvellous at helping to develop these games and they have been wholeheartedly behind this idea. Initially, they were invited along to a workshop to explore the idea and make some games. This was so successful that a second workshop was held and other parents have worked on smaller tasks at school or at home." Up to 24 mothers and fathers have been working on the library since September 2004 and it is hoped that extra volunteers will come forward to ensure that it is run entirely by parents.
(TES Scotland, 27 May 2005)
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