Module: Ghaeilge sna Luathbhlianta/Naíonraí

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Ghaeilge sna Luathbhlianta/Naíonraí
Module Code	ECE1040 (ITS: EC411)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	Language, Literacy & ECE
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module is a response to the growing needs of professionals working in the Irish-medium Early Years Sector, including Naíonraí, Crèches, After-School Care Services, Summer Camps and Parent/Guardian and Toddler Groups. The rationale for the module is to provide a deeper understanding of the requirements and benefits of Irish-medium contexts and their relevance to early years practice based on Síolta and Aistear, including CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and immersion and bilingual education. The module is aimed at those who wish to advance their skills and knowledge of Irish-medium immersion and bilingual education in the early years and enhance their professional practice, and extend their capacity to lead and shape change in the rapidly growing field where a range of languages can be used as a medium for learning. The programme of study introduces students to the constructs of Irish-medium-immersion education in the early years and the underlying theories and principles which impact on early years practice. The distinctive feature of the module is its strong focus on deep understanding of high-quality Irish-medium immersion early years learning environments and will include a placement in a Naíonra, an Irish-medium pre-school.

Learning Outcomes

1. develop knowledge and understanding of immersion and bilingual education in the early years and related principles and practice in Irish-medium settings;
2. apply knowledge and understanding of a range of principles and theoretical perspectives to enhance professional practice including exemplar learning tools/materials in Irish-medium settings;
3. develop the capacity to analyse evidence to support professional judgements in high-quality Irish-medium immersion education in the early years;
4. make an informed contribution to current contextualised debates and discussions connecting different perspectives of Irish-medium education in the early years;
5. exploit opportunities to participate in professional networks through collaborative research to generate professional knowledge and enhance policy and practice in early years Irish-medium settings;
6. develop an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and pedagogies of early childhood frameworks Síólta and Aistear in the context of Irish-medium education.
7. develop an understanding of other second language contexts in Ireland, specifically children of immigrant families who may speak another language at home( to be recommended) and who would benefit from enriched input in English

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	11662	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Marlene Mccormack	Module Teacher	Grainne McKenna

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Practice-based project in Naíonra	50%	n/a
Assignment	Students will write a 1,500 word essay focusing on the acquisition of Irish in Irish-medium early childhood settings: Naíonraí.	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
• Sealbhú agus foghlaim na Gaeilge mar chéad (T1) agus mar dhara theanga (T2); • An Dátheangachas i gcomhthéacs an naíonra; • An Tumoideachas: Foghlaim tríd an dara teanga sa naíonra; • Forbairt na scileanna labhartha sa naíonra i gcomhthéacs Aistear agus Síolta; • Na straitéisí teagaisc agus foghlamtha sa naíónra Módh an tsúgartha Módh na scéalaíocht Módh na filíochta: Rainn, gníomhamhráin, amhráin, dánta Módh na drámaíochta Módh na n-agallamh • Forbairt na scileanna litearthachta agus uimhearthachta i gcomhthéacs Aistear sa naíonra

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Baker, C. and Wright, W.: 2017, Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 6, Multilingual Matters, Bristol,
Chumak-Horbatsch, R.: 2012, Linguistically Appropriate Practice, University of Toronto Press, Toronto,
Cussen, G., Mhic MhathÃºna, M. & NÃ Bhroin, C.: 2018, Tumoideachas sa NaÃonra, Gaelscoileanna, Baile Ãtha Cliath,
Hickey, T. & Mejia, A.M.: 2017, Immersion education in the early years, Routledge, London,
Ã“ Duibhir, P.: 2018, Immersion Education. Lessons from a Minority Context, Multilingual Matters, Bristol,
Pinter, A.: 2017, Teaching Young Language Learners, 2, Oxford University Press, Oxford,

Articles:

Byers-Heinlein, K.: 2013, Bilingualism in the Early years: What the Science says., Learning Landscapes, Vol. 7, No. 1, 95-11, https://www.learninglandscapes.ca/index.php/learnland/article/view/Bilingualism-in-the-Early-Years-What-the-Science-Says/632, 525664
2014: Taking play seriously in the pre-primary English classroom, ELT Journal, Vol. 68, No. 3.,

Other Resources

None