This article is from page 16 of the 2011-10-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A MAJOR breakthrough in the teaching of the Irish language for infants has been heralded this week thanks to an innovative idea pioneered by a primary school teacher in Ennis.
Séonaidh Ní Shíomóin, who teaches in Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg on the Gort Road, is the author of a groundbreaking new series of Irish language books called Ár Scéalta which have been released by the publisher Coiscéim and distributed nationwide.
Dublin-born Ní Shíomóin has taught in Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg since 2004 and came across the idea of a series of illustrated Irish language starter book when she realised there was a gap in the market.
“It can be hard on some parents trying to help their kids read in a language they can’t understand,” Ní Shíomóin told The Clare People . “That’s why the pictures in this book are so important. The story can be understood by looking at the pictures or reading the Irish text so that child and parent can have an easy, enjoyable reading experience through Ireland’s native langauge.”
Apart from being released nationwide, the books will also be distributed in Puerto Rico in Spanish translations.
The illustrator, Karen Dietrich has vast experience in dealing with minority language childrens books, has been co-operating with Ní Shíomóin to create these vibrant and colourful children’s picture books.
This new series will be aimed at making a fun, cool and enjoyable way for children aged four to seven years to read with their parents. There will be ten books released in the first series with two more series to come.
“I got the idea for the story when I saw how much love children seem to have for their pets. The story follows a boy and his dog on some funny and whacky adventures,” she revelaed.
“This is the first series of three to be launched this week and will be available for purchase from Carroll Education Ltd. and all local bookshops,” Ní Shíomóin added.