Hi guys, I knew I was doing the right thing asking the list! Thank you so much for your help - I'm feeling less panicky now. I've already noted down the subjects for beginners as I think thats where the emphasis will be. I'm only too aware of the 'standing at the front talking at people' syndrome. I had to conduct a talk on the difference between Scottish and English records for my family history society in February (I'd managed to get out if it for the last 5 years) and while I had notes and handouts there was very little interaction and I hated every minute of it. Jill - I had totally forgotten about people arriving late, leaving early etc. and the variety of approach is just what I need to think about. I want this to be fun for everyone, not stressful. I'd already thought about asking people what they have done already and using that to help tailor things a little. The practical exercises will take a lot of thought I think - the differences between Scottish and English records can sometimes be quite marked. For a laugh if things get too serious I'll hand out some records in secretary script and get them to translate :-) Im kidding on that one - I think! I've also got some English wills that are challenging for a beginner. Michael - the Sog Educational course sounds just what I need! and the idea of getting people to read out lines of a census is a good one I would never have thought of. Being able to read handwriting that's worse than mine is quite a challenge but something that a lot of researchers need. I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen mis-transcription of registers. I've also got some rather nice Methodist register photocopies that can highlight the difference between one incument and the next. I'll be using an overhead and a white board if possible. Easy to use and set-up, and like you say I can print out my own overheads. I've got my own whiteboard cleaner too - the board was a rash buy to help me with my research and I've used it twice. I'll phone the college tomorrow and confirm that I'll do it. Thanks for your help, I may contact you further if I get stuck if thats ok with you? I think Im going to have a busy summer :-) Thanks again, you've made me feel much better about this! Sara (where the rain has returned!)