I don't think that would work out very well if you're trying to catch on to this language.

As I mentioned in another thread a while back, the Irish language is much more precise than English; unlike English,for example, there are different ways to say the numbers, depending on whether you are simply reciting numbers, counting things, or counting people. So, if you're just saying numbers and not actually counting anything, I would just show the numbers. This will help to get you used to thinking in Irish instead of English.

* edit: In English, counting is considered to be something simple but, for me anyway, learning how to count in Irish is one of the hardest things that there is to learn – just letting ya know

I can definitely see your point but I'm thinking from the perspective of a child, looking at animals as you learn the numbers is better than staring at a bunch of letters which are meaningless.

Perhaps I am thinking about this the wrong way though

In case you didn't notice:
I added a little addendum to my last post, just to give you fair warning about learning numbers.

I think you have to look at it from the perspective of an Irish-speaking child, though. A child is going to see two cows, for example, and automatically put the concept "cow" with the number of cows (by the way, if they're like most children, they're also going to ask you how to say "cow," which is going to lead into the sticky question of why you say "a dó" when counting, but say "dhá bhó" for "two cows").

If your kids aren't reading yet, I'd just start with counting...maybe counting out little candies or something like that. If they already count to 10 in English, probably the easiest thing is just to tell them "here's how you do it in Irish! A haon, a dó...", etc. Then maybe add the animals: "A haon, a dó...tá dhá bhó ann."

Saoirse may have some ideas here...she's a teacher, and is raising her children through Irish.

Redwolf

I am no expert by any means, but what we did at home was simply to do things where counting was involved. I was asked once how we taught our children Irish and the answer is simply that we used it. It is the language of conversation with our children. I certainly think that we all learn best by doing something. How old are your children, steenson86?

_________________

My oldest is 4 and I have already got her counting in English to 20 and she can normally get to 10 in Irish but I try to use Irish when talking to her as much as possible. I am still learning myself so I thought while we are learning together we can get a basis set down for my youngest who is 18 months. Aoife is too young now to learn counting but the more exposure she gets from now the better it will be. I just do not want to over complicate or confuse them.

The following link is very useful for counting, the different rules etc and also has sound for pronunciation. I am not sure what level your Irish is, but I can assure you that even quite fluent people can find themselves a bit tongue-tied when it comes to counting in Irish!

http://www.ranganna.com/Aonad.aspx?ID=351&lang=en

Bábóg baby is a cute Irish speaking teddy which would make a lovely gift for your younger child. Not perfect sound, but a lovely idea.

http://www.babogbaby.com/index.php/buynow/

I would buy it in a shop rather than pay the mad postage and packing. An Cultúrlann on the Falls Road certainly stocked it the last time I was there. I think it may be fairly widely available in toy shops - probably depends where you are for that one though!

_________________

I will probably call in to An Cultúrlann as it is quite close by. There's surprisingly a lot of material out there to help with learning the language and I want to help make it as fun as possible for the kids too.

There is heaps more available now than a few years ago. Bookshops such as the one in An Cultúrlann will order in anything you want to. They may also be able to recommend a local parent and child group in Irish and that will give your children exposure too and give you a chance to practise your cúpla focal.

I have gone to this week-long course in Donegal a few times and it is great. They accommodate all ages and all interaction from the teachers with your children will be through Irish even in the crèche. They only play games, it's not like school! It's great for adults of all levels too. It is basically a summer camp for all involved. I highly recommend it and Gaoth Dobhair is a beautiful part of the country.

http://www.piarsaigh.ie/

_________________

Shopping game for children. It used to only be available from the manufacturers, not sure if that is still the case. Nice game.

http://www.blithe.ie/liosta-siopadireachta.html

_________________