Article Details

Article Details

Languages and intergenerational learning

Author: Karen Faulds, SCILT

Languages at Braehead Primary in Stirling are an integral and important part of the school’s identity and this year the school has linked up with North Parish Church in Stirling to promote language learning in the local community. This intergenerational language learning project began in September and has gone from strength to strength in a short space of time. The main idea of the project is to promote the cognitive benefits of language learning at any age including the many advantages of intergenerational learning and partnerships.

The project involves a small group of P7 pupils from Braehead Primary and local senior citizens coming together every second Tuesday to learn French in a fun and active way. The Funky French Club, which was named by the pupils, allows language learning to take place for all and provides many opportunities for interaction between participants both old and young. This type of community learning activity promotes and develops key skills and attributes such as responsibility, collaboration and citizenship in the young people and provides them with a greater sense of social awareness and understanding.

The ‘grown-ups’, as the adults like to be known, really look forward to the club for a variety of reasons. For some participants, engaging with the language brings back the French they did at school. For others, they enjoy participating in various activities with the youngsters, in particular the ‘5-a-day fitness en français’! They have advised me that any kind of movement is a good thing! The ‘grown-ups’ believe it is good for the children to work with older people and they state that, particularly around language learning, the sessions are a confidence builder for all.

The children are enthusiastic participants and look forward to the club. Isla P has said, “I think the Funky French Club is very fun and cool because I get to share my French skills.” Sophia has added to this by saying, “I think Funky French Club is fun and I think it's good because you get to know the elderly people better (I also like the cookies!)” Throughout the sessions, the pupils have been building positive and respectful relationships with the ‘grown-ups’ and value the learning sessions they have together. Jessica L has commented, “I enjoy the Funky French Club because we get to share our French learning with others”, and Isla CM has said, “I like the Funky French Club because we are helping the elderly learn”.

Scott McInnes, the minister at North Parish Church, has welcomed the project being held in the church hall and has been instrumental in promoting it within the local community. He says, “It’s been great to see different generations learning together and having great fun doing so.”

Overall, the Funky French Club provides a positive experience for all in terms of language learning, social interaction and intergenerational learning.

 

University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages