December class 2011

We decided that in December we will meet on December 13 before reconvening in January. It will be another holiday-themed class. If there is something you want to bring or focus on, please let me know and I'll make sure there's time for it. 

August 23 class location change

If you care to show up at our class on August 23, it is moving for just one night. We'll be at The Royal Mile in downtown Des Moines on 4th Street. Next class is September 13 and we'll be back at Olivet Church as usual.

New ebook is great asset for Irish language learners everywhere

I purchased the ebook, "Learn Irish Gaelic Online: All You Need to Know" and read all of it to see if I would find it helpful after dabbling in the language since 2000 and leading a study group since 2009.

What I found is a lot of advice and information I wish I'd had along the way. I even found suggestions for resources and study habits that were new to me.

The advice I wish I'd had all along is particularly true in regard to learning a minority language all by myself. Learners around the world should read the book and take heart that there are many people everywhere to help you. Learners are also encouraged to ask around and begin a study group of their own the way I did in Des Moines. I put up posters and notices on bulletin boards around town and asked neighborhood and genealogical group newsletters to include the information in their publications. To my surprise, people showed up!

Another portion of the book I especially appreciate is the listing of websites that provide the opportunities to listen, watch and read the language. I encourage our study group to do this all the time and now I have more resources to suggest to them.

This book is a valuable resource to both teachers/leaders and individual learners everywhere. Edited by the creator of BitesizeIrishGaelic, out of Limerick, this book was written by a long-time student of the language, Audrey Nickel. Anyone needing inspiration to keep going, keep teaching or keep learning should buy this book and refer to as often as needed.

New ebook for help studying Irish!

I highly recommend the ebook, "Learn Irish Gaelic Online: All You Need to Know” for help studying the Irish language. It takes a lot of time on your part to learn the language. This book offers detailed help in getting the language into your daily habits even when you don't live in Ireland: A challenge, indeed!

At the low price of $7 USD, you just can't go wrong with this helpful addition to your study materials. For a list of chapters and to download the book right away, go to BiteSizeIrishGaelic.

Bitesize Irish Gaelic

Have you been paying attention on Facebook? There's a new friend in town: Bitesize Irish Gaelic!

There are few Irish language resources I have found that match Bitesize Irish Gaelic. This is a valuable language tool in which users listen to words and phrases spoken by a native speaker. Lessons are short and useful, laid out in logical progression. The lessons are broken down into quick, repeatable nuggets that will not intimidate. It's a great tool not only for learners of every level, but also for study groups, genealogists, readers, researchers and students of Irish history and literature.

In our study group, we have begun using Bitesize Irish at www.bitesizeirishgaelic.com as a group and as homework. Irish language learners around the world can use the web site and all the resources for a very small cost. The teacher is active and involved in the forums, where all students are welcome to ask questions and share resources and experiences. I happily recommend Bitesize Irish Gaelic to worldwide students of the Irish language or culture.

You can visit the web site here: BitesizeIrishGaelic

And take a free lesson here: Free Lesson!

Schedule revisited

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, here is the remaining Spring schedule for 2011:
April 26
May 10
May 24
June 14
June 28

Learn fun Irish phrases for St. Paddy's Day

Bitesize Irish Gaelic: Get ready to speak on St. Patrick's Day!
Join us for a Webinar on March 12

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/925869062

I'll teach you enough words and phrases in Irish Gaelic to really impress your friends on St. Patrick's Day. The webinar is held the weekend before March 17th, just in time for you to prepare. Register now to ensure you'll be able to join. It's free.

Title: Bitesize Irish Gaelic: Get ready to speak on St. Patrick's Day!
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM GMT. That's 12:00 PM EST, or 09:00 AM PST.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer