Scotland’s collective heritage should be used to excite and challenge children, says the Scottish Museums Council. To ensure that all pupils can learn about their past and their own position in relation to it, the council has produced Hands On, a guide for early years and primary school teachers to consider object-based learning. Produced with Glasgow Museums, the step-by-step guide to working with everyday and museum objects aims to promote enjoyment and develop learning skills. Links are made between object-based learning activities and A Curriculum for Excellence.

Hands On is designed to encourage schools to forge links with museums and make the most of Scotland’s heritage. Regional training sessions will be held around the country.

* www.scottishmuseums.org.uk