As the young learners get that little bit older, we believe it is still paramount that they enjoy and like English! Our number one priority is to create a positive feeling. Once we establish this, we then want them to be totally accustomed to hearing and using the language. Those who are beginning their second or third year with the centre, will already have that habit. For those who have just joined, we will work establishing that habit quickly.
As the learners get older, their capacities increase. Some of the children will already be able to read simple words and later phrases in English. Others will begin to learn this year. We also want to provide them all with that little bit more of a challenge, to associate letters with English sounds, to associate written words with words they hear. As we continue to give them plenty of audio input with enough context for them to understand it, we introduce the the written word. Stories are still accompanied by pictures and mimes, and simple words to read... In multimedia and in games, we will target not just audio comprehension but also some reading comprehension.
There are celebrtions and themed workshops. Apart from class, throughout the year there are various events to which Inishouse students are invited, such as Halloween or Patrick's Day Parties. These celebrations are open to parents and children, so that everybody can enjoy join in the fun to be had in English.