From Monday 2 November, learners and staff across Bryncoch, Theodore Road and Velindre use Ga i helpu? as our Ymadrodd yr Wythnos, our Welsh phrase of the week.

Ga i helpu? means “Can I help?” Say it: gah ee HEL-pee.

Eight phrases in, Ga i helpu? is the first where learners offer something to someone else. They use the phrase when they tidy up, hold a door, hand out or support a friend.

Staff use the phrase too.

Before staff step in to support a learner with a task, they ask Ga i helpu? and wait for the answer. Learners reply Ie, diolch (yes, thank you) or Dim diolch (no, thank you). Asking first gives every learner a say in the help they get.

Every learner takes part in the way that suits them. Some say the full phrase. Others say helpu?, use the help sign, or point to a symbol. Each one counts.

How you help at home

Ask Ga i helpu? before you help your child with a task, then wait for an answer.
Invite your child to help you. Laying the table, carrying shopping, feeding a pet.
Use the replies at home: Ie, diolch and Dim diolch.

Ymadrodd yr Wythnos is part of our work towards the Siarter Iaith Bronze Award, which supports learners to use Welsh every day. Our Criw Cymraeg, the learner-led Welsh language group, promotes each phrase across all three sites.

Diolch, from all of us at Ysgol Hendrefelin.