Library makes history learning materials available online for youngsters

Specially produced local history learning materials are now available on the Shetland Library website.

The materials have been produced as part of a six-month project, dubbed “Pooskin Aboot ida Past”, which has been carried out through the SIC’s graduate placement scheme.

Graduate Marianne Fraser has created the materials, which include learning booklets, bibliographies, activity sheets, PowerPoint presentations and creative workshop plans.

The materials are tailored to age, through primary and secondary levels. It’s hoped that the materials will be of interest both within and beyond schools, and the secondary-plus level will be of interest to adults, who want to dip into Shetland history.

The project was devised because Shetland Library recognised that although there is a wealth of local history publications, there is not so much specifically tailored to children. The library runs six school libraries and provides support to all Shetland schools.

Marianne’s project has been overseen by Kat Brack, school librarian at the Anderson High School, and archivist Brian Smith has kindly checked over all the documents. The materials come under three themes: language, crofting and fishing.

Marianne said: “It’s important for learning materials to be engaging and stimulating so I wanted to make sure these resources were bright and interesting to look at as well as informative.”

People can find out more about the project at drop-in sessions at the library this week. Marianne will be around to show off the materials and answer any questions on Wednesday from 3-4pm, Thursday 6-7pm and Friday 12-1pm.

There will also be competition sheets for children and adults to test their local history knowledge, with a closing date for entries of Saturday 8th September.

The materials can be browsed or downloaded on the Shetland Library website at www.shetland-library.gov.uk.