The key to encouraging your child to learn their native language, or any language, is to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. While it can seem like an impossible task at times, there are plenty of ways to make it a lot of fun!
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of six effective ways to make learning a new language fun - your little one will be speaking Irish in no time.
1. Take a trip to the Gaeltacht
A great way to bring Gaeilge to life is to take a trip to a place where Irish is the first language. Actively encourage your child to use their Irish for example by asking a question in a local shop. Doing so will help your son or daughter develop a confidence in speaking the language and remove the fear of making mistakes.
Alternatively, if you are staying in a B&B, explain to the owners that your child is learning Irish and ask if they would mind using the language when speaking to them.
2. TG4’s Cúla4
One of the best ways to make Irish enjoyable for young children is to have them watch Cúla4 on TG4. After a show ask your youngster general questions about specific characters such as the colour of their hair, and have them answer in Irish.
Your child will love talking about the cartoons with you and your questions will also encourage them to pay close attention to the programme.
2. Smarty Cat Games
Smarty Cat Games was first developed by a primary school teacher who wanted to help children enjoy learning the Irish language. The games, which can be bought as a complete set or individually, aim to help with different aspects of learning, from grammar rules to oral skills.
One of the most popular games amongst kids is the Chatty Cat Ball. The game involves children throwing the ball to each other and asking whatever question their right hand lands on. The ball also features actions that the children must carry out.
The ball contains a total of 21 general questions about home and family, as well as actions such as ‘gach duine - léimigí suas agus síos cúig huaire.’ (Everybody, jump up and down five times.)
When your child’s skills improve, they can progress to Chatty Cat Ball 2, which features slightly more difficult questions.
3. Cúla Caint app
Cúla Caint is a wonderful Irish language app series developed by TG4 to help children of all ages.
The app uses popular tools such as games and stories to help children understand and engage in the language and it also familiarises users with common phrases and words. It is ideal for a child (or parent) who might be struggling with the Irish vocabulary.
The app is free and available from iTunes.
4. CD’s, DVD’s, and music books
Music is a wonderful way to incorporate some fun into learning the Irish language. You can find a range of age appropriate CD’s, DVD’s and music books on Siopa Gaeilge.
Children love doing things with their parents, so when you play the CD or music book, sit with your youngster and engage in the story. They will enjoy it even more when you get involved and guide them.
5. Easyirish.com
There are a number of websites that contain games to help children learn Irish, and Easy Irish is one such site. To help young kids grasp the basics of the language, the site offers podcasts on subjects such as numbers and days of the week.
6. Read
There are a variety of colourful storybooks available in the Irish language, and any of these would make for perfectly enjoyable learning tools for your child.
When you read to your child, engage them in the story and have them read sentences to you. Help them with their pronunciation but make sure to praise them for their efforts.
To make learning Irish easier for your little one, Cúla4 want to give away an iPad! To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, all you have to do is tell us the funniest, most bizarre requests your kids have made. For all details and to enter, click here.
