Talking about Kilts & Scottish Heritage to an Elementary School

[eclarkhb]

My 5th Grade daughter has generously volunteered to have me come to her Elementary School on "Culture Day" next week and talk about our Scottish heritage. I couldn't be more happy & proud of her taking an interest in our ancestry & culture! My daughter wants me to "throw something because its cool", so I plan on giving a quick Highland Games demonstration to the kids, followed by a 5-10 minute talk/presentation about our Scottish Heritage & the Kilt. I spoke to the teacher about it and she specifically wants me to talk about the kilt, because it so uniquely represents Scotland. Of course I'll be wearing my kilt, but most likely with a t-shirt, however, since I'm going to start by "throwing something heavy".

My question for the rabble is: If YOU had to give a short 5-10 minute talk to 5th graders about The Kilt & your Scottish Heritage, what would you talk about? Remember, they need to learn something from the talk, but it also has to be fun & interesting to 10 & 11-year olds.

[Psynister]

I would focus on the tartan aspect of the kilt, especially if you know why your tartan has the colors that it does. If you could explain to kids what your colors mean and why they exist in the tartan, you'll probably get everybody in the class thinking about what kind of cool tartans they could make that had meaning behind it instead of just different colored lines. That will give you a way to explain your Scottish heritage and your family history at the same time while also promoting creativity within the class.

[O'Searcaigh]

I would focus on the tartan aspect of the kilt, especially if you know why your tartan has the colors that it does. If you could explain to kids what your colors mean and why they exist in the tartan, you'll probably get everybody in the class thinking about what kind of cool tartans they could make that had meaning behind it instead of just different colored lines. That will give you a way to explain your Scottish heritage and your family history at the same time while also promoting creativity within the class.

I agree wholeheartedly -- other things that also register with kids (as well as some adults) is how there was a time when Scots were "not allowed" to wear the kilt and how much (long) material there is in one (the 8 yrd variety) by stepping off eight yards. Surprise and injustice always gets attention.

[Father Bill]

Be prepared with 10 & 11 year olds that they may want to drive the conversation in a new direction, and as long as it meets your targets, that should be good. Have two or three good questions ready to re-direct things if they get off the track, but know that the time you've been given is incredibly short when you're with kids. It may be that they'll just interview you for the whole time, and so long as it's on-track, why not!

[Mikilt]

I agree wholeheartedly -- other things that also register with kids (as well as some adults) is how there was a time when Scots were "not allowed" to wear the kilt and how much (long) material there is in one (the 8 yrd variety) by stepping off eight yards. Surprise and injustice always gets attention.

Stepping off eight yards is a great idea. Also, as a comparison, a suit for a 6' man takes less than 4 yards. SO the kilt takes over twice as much.

[sydnie7]

Be prepared with an appropriate answer to "the question," because you know it's going to be asked!

[Chas]

Have a box of shortbread to hand round as a finale.

Regards

Chas