New book helps school children understand life underwater

publication date: Jan 30, 2008

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author/source: Andrew Graham-Stewart & STA

THE BROWN TROUT BIG BOOK – OPENING SCOTTISH CHILDREN’S EYES TO THE MAGIC OF LIFE UNDERWATER

The Salmon and Trout Association (S&TA) is providing free of charge a lavish large-format book, describing the life cycle of the brown trout, to every primary school in Scotland. This new publishing initiative is a feast for the eyes and minds of primary school pupils.

Brilliantly illustrated, the Brown Trout Big Book, tells the life story of the brown trout, from egg to adult, illustrating the environment in which the fish live and the human pressures on their habitat. Devised by primary school teacher Sally Pizii, with illustrations by Sue Gatcombe, the book is designed to be shown in front of a class and easily seen by all the children in the room.

Author Sally Pizii explained: “Two years ago, I realised that there are few opportunities within the classroom for school children to learn about loch, burn and river life and to become aware of the aquatic environment. I appreciated that the ideal way to do this would be through writing a non-fiction ‘Big Book’ that could be used in primary schools in literacy lessons. Primary aged children have a wonderful ‘thirst’ for knowledge and they are always fascinated by water creatures and fish. I also knew that there was nothing else like it available”.

Extensive classroom notes, also written by Sally Pizii, have been provided, presenting teachers with ready-made lessons around such subjects as poetry, writing and the use of a Contents Page. The Brown Trout Big Book is designed as an aid to developing a variety of intellectual skills in primary school children.

Paul Knight, S&TA Director, commented: “We are delighted to have been able to publish this most evocative and imaginative book, which marks a new venture for us – into educational publishing. It ties in with S&TA’s long-standing commitment to encouraging youngsters at an early age to appreciate what happens beneath the surface of our lochs and rivers. The book is designed to help children learn about the aquatic environment as well as the social, the economic and especially the environmental benefits of healthy stocks of wild brown trout, Scotland’s most numerous and widespread freshwater fish”.

The project has been made possible with the support of a variety of sponsors and partners including Scottish National Heritage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Aberdeen-based subsea contractor Technip.

Geoff Fisher, Technip’s Business Unit Manager, said: “Technip is committed to continually reducing the impact of its operations on the environment and is therefore really pleased to be associated with a national project that will help establish better understanding of and values relating to green issues at an early age”.

The Brown Trout Big Book has now been distributed by S&TA via local authority education departments to 2,300 Scottish schools in both English and Gaelic versions and initial feedback from teachers has been extremely enthusiastic. The English language version is being formally launched on January 29th at Kintore Primary School in Aberdeenshire, followed by the Gaelic version on January 30th at Laxdale Primary School on the Isle of Lewis.

S&TA aims to publish similar volumes on salmon and other water/fish based environmental issues in the future.

For further information, telephone 01863 766767 or mobile no 07812 981531. Alternatively contact Lawson Devery, Scottish Field Officer of the Salmon and Trout Association, on 01683 220441 or 07770 873474 or George Holdsworth, Scottish Policy Officer of the Salmon and Trout Association, on 07767 831197.