A Fun Scottish Lesson Plan for Ages 5–8

Looking for a high-energy, hands-on way to introduce your kids to another culture? The Scottish Highland Games offer a perfect mix of sports, music, history, and fun—and they’re easy to adapt for young learners! Whether you’re a teacher, homeschool parent, or camp leader, this Highland Games lesson plan for ages 5–8 is packed with activities, crafts, and cultural connections.

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🎯 Learning Goals:

By the end of the lesson, children will:

• Identify Scotland on a map
• Understand what the Highland Games are and where they come from
• Participate in simplified versions of traditional Scottish games
• Explore Scottish culture through music, crafts, and stories

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🕒 Time Needed:

1.5–2 hours
(You can break this into smaller chunks over a day or week.)

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🧺 Materials You’ll Need:

• World map or globe
• Construction paper, glue, scissors, markers
• Pool noodles, bean bags, soft balls, cones
• Rope (for tug of war)
• Printable tartan templates (optional)
• Scottish music (YouTube or Spotify playlist)
• A short book or video about Scotland
• Stickers or mini medals for rewards

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🗺️ Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

1. Welcome & Introduction (10 minutes)

Start with traditional Scottish music to set the mood. Gather the children and say:

“Today we’re going to travel to Scotland—home of castles, bagpipes, and the Highland Games!”

Show them Scotland on a map and explain what the Highland Games are:

• Outdoor festivals held in Scotland for centuries
• Includes games like the caber toss, tug-of-war, dancing, and music
• Everyone wears special patterned cloth called tartan

Bonus Tip: Show a photo of someone in a kilt or at the games!

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2. Story Time (10–15 minutes)

Pick one:
📖 Book: Katie Morag and the Big Boy Cousins by Mairi Hedderwick
📖 Book: Katie in Scotland by James Mayhew

These are perfect for young learners and introduce Scottish family life and traditions in a relatable way.

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3. Craft Activity: Make Your Own Tartan (15–20 minutes)

Each child gets a paper “tartan grid” to color with their own pattern. Explain:

“Every Scottish family, or ‘clan,’ has their own tartan pattern. Today, you’ll design your own!”

Let them:

• Use markers or colored pencils
• Glue their tartan to a mini paper kilt or clan flag
• Share their designs in a “Clan Parade”

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4. Mini Highland Games (30–40 minutes)

Set up 4–5 stations outside or in a gym. Rotate groups every 5–10 minutes.

Event	Description	Adaptation
Caber Toss	Toss a log end over end	Use pool noodles
Stone Put	Throw a heavy stone	Use soft balls or bean bags
Sheaf Toss	Throw a “bundle” over a bar	Toss beanbags over a hula hoop
Tug of War	Team strength challenge	Use soft rope
Haggis Hurl	Just for fun!	Wrap a ball in cloth and toss

Make it silly and fun. Encourage cheering and teamwork!

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5. Cool Down & Recap (10 minutes)

Gather in a circle. Ask:

• “What was your favorite part?”
• “Can anyone remember the name of the country we visited?”
• “What is tartan?”

Wrap up with mini medals or stickers and a shout of:

“Well done, Highlanders!”

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📚 Bonus Resources

Want to go deeper? Here are some books and media to extend the learning:

Books:

• Katie Morag series – Mairi Hedderwick
• There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie – Rebecca Colby
• The Bagpipe Lesson – Mary L. Smith

Movies & Shows:

• Brave (Disney/Pixar) – great visuals and cultural references

Music & Podcasts:

• Listen to Scottish Folk songs for children!
• Scottish Folk tale: After Midnight
• Scottish Folk tale: The Very Busy Fairies

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✂️ Ready-to-Go Ideas:

• Make shortbread cookies for snack time
• Teach a simple Highland dance step
• Create “passport stamps” for your Scotland visit

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🌈 Final Thoughts:

The Highland Games are more than just sports—they’re a celebration of community, history, and culture. By adapting the games and crafts for kids, you’re not only encouraging physical activity but also opening a window into another world.

Slàinte! (Cheers!)