Dear All
Since September I've been attending a course on
teaching adults in the community. After weeks of studying theory and the evil
machinations of beaurocracy, we are now getting down to the nitty gritty of
producing lessons. My original intention was to cover local history but I
thought I would have a go at Old English, so I gave a short lesson on it. I
was just testing the water because I thought the people in general aren't
interested in that kind of thing. What joy!. The response was very enthusiastic.
For me! At my time of life! Our tutor actually said that if she had been taught
Chaucer in the manner in which I presented Old English, she would have carried
on with Middle English in later life. Gosh, what flattery - it's turned my
head!
So I thought, why not have a go at Old Norse
as well.? Why not? Our area was settled by Norwegians in the tenth century
and our dialect still retains a lot of Scandinavian terms. My
intention is to integrate Old English and Old Norse into a study of
place-names and of local and national history. I might only be two or three
steps ahead of the class, but at least I can show them how Old Norse has
influenced our language and introduce them to some of its
wonderful history.
I already have quite a few ideas buzzing about
in my head, but if anyone has experience in adult education or teaching Old
Norse or Old English (language and history) and can offer advice or other
assistance, I'd be very grateful.
Yours still in a state of euphoria,
Jed