In Irish-Speaking: Districts.
At first sight it may seem that an oral method is useless in regard to Irish speakers. It appears to me, however, that writing, reading, and spelling may be more quickly taught to Irish speakers by following the Series' method than by taking up ordinary books. Of course, the merely oral teaching may be much curtailed, but the sentences may be analysed, and their construction explained. It will be found that even good Irish speakers are deficient in vocabulary when tested by the very searching Series' method, and it is an excellent means of remedying this defect. The printed copy of each lesson, supplied after the lesson is properly explained, is the very best copy that could be set for writing, spelling, and reading.
Teaching; Children.
The oral method is so obviously suited for the teaching of children that we anticipate all National teachers and others having to teach Irish to children will immediately avail themselves of it as soon as they understand the method. It seems nothing less than cruelty to set young children to wrestle with a strange language from books.. By the method sketched above, the learning of a language becomes a mere pastime for them, supplying many of the elements of a game. In dealing with children the teacher should be sparing in his explanations, and rely upon repetition and mimicry. The Series also should be framed to suit the age and experience of the children. For instance:—
