Research Report

Young Children Learning in Gaelic: Investigating children's learning experiences in Gaelic-medium preschool

Details

Citation

Stephen C, McPake J, McLeod W & Pollock I (2011) Young Children Learning in Gaelic: Investigating children's learning experiences in Gaelic-medium preschool. Research Briefing, 6E. University of Stirling.

Abstract
First paragraph: Gaelic-medium (GM) education is an important part of current efforts to re-vitalise the language in Scotland. Beginning Gaelic-medium education in preschool is seen as a crucial entry point, enhancing the numbers entering GM primary education and facilitating transition to the school learning environment. However, it is essential that GM preschool is of high quality. Government-funded provision is expected to offer children the same learning opportunities as their peers who attend English-medium settings. Meeting these expectations is challenging because most children enter Gaelic-medium preschool from English-speaking homes so that the nursery or playgroup is their only exposure to Gaelic. Our earlier study1 mapped the range and extent of Gaelic-medium early education and childcare provision but in the research reported here our focus was on what happens within settings, the children's activities in the playroom2 and the ways in which practitioners help them to learn Gaelic, as well as ensuring that national expectations about curriculum and learning outcomes are met.

StatusPublished
Title of seriesResearch Briefing
Number in series6E
Publication date31/12/2011
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/17838
PublisherUniversity of Stirling

People (1)

Dr Christine Stephen

Dr Christine Stephen

Honorary Research Fellow, Faculty of Social Sciences