Category: Language Development

Is Féidir Linn The digital resource ‘Is Féidir Linn’ (We Can) has been launched by Gaelbhratach, aimed at anyone who wishes to use more Irish at home. It is a great resource for families who are learning.  A link to Is Féidir Linn is available HERE Is féidir linn le chéile! We can together!    

Suggestions for Parents It is widely acknowledged that a person ‘s ability to speak a language is closely linked to the number of opportunities he or she has to hear and speak that language. The main aim of parents raising a child through Irish should be to give him every opportunity to hear Irish, and […]

Parents can do a lot to help develop their children’s speech and language skills. Here are a few tips to help with your child’s language process. It is worthwhile to remember that not every child is the same but most are able to say a few words by their first birthday. Be sure that your […]

The role of the parent in the process of learning to speak Learning to speak is one of the most important and complex skills that children learn. It looks like it happens naturally but parents play a significant role in the process. The more children are spoken to, the more likely they will be good […]

Parents of many varied competencies learn Irish alongside their children. For those wishing to improve their competency, learning support is available for these websites as well as others: saotharlann.com offers beautiful posters and plenty more that is helpful for parents or children. CCEA – has a range of resources available in Northern Ireland including information […]

There are many reasons why parents make the decision to speak Irish in their family- cultural, educational or identity. Whatever the reason, there are many advantages to this decision. Advantages of thinking: a) Creative thinking: a)A bilingual child will have two words or more for every item and every idea. A bilingual person has the […]

The following is a list of 12 points that will help parents raising children bilingually: 1 – It doesn’t happen by magic Children do not become bilingual “by magic.” There is a common myth that “children are like sponges when it comes to language” and that they will learn all languages they hear at their […]

Learning to speak is one of most important and one of the most difficult skills that a child learns. It may seem that it happens naturally but parents play a significant role in the process. This is all the more important when learning a minority language. The more that children are spoken to in Irish, […]

English is all around us; always encroaching. It can be hard to encourage our children to speak Irish, as the turn to English. Below are some hints to help encourage them to speak Irish: Contact and Need: When a child is reluctant to speak the minority language, such as in our own context in Ireland […]

There are families that have two native Irish speaking parents that speak only Irish to their children. These families are exceptions. More often than not, only one parent has Irish or perhaps may not be completely fluent. The may, nonetheless, have made the decision that they will raise their children with Irish. Regardless of what […]

Children love songs and rhymes; they especially love to hear your voice. Songs and rhymes really help to grow and develop your child’s speaking and listening skills. It is the music of your voice that your child most enjoys. So sing songs to them, even if you don’t have a great voice. Your child will […]