Abstract:

This submitted post focuses on analyzing motivational tools, methods and forms of teaching in the area of supporting and developing reading literacy among primary school pupils in Ireland. Ireland has a long-standing tradition in the field of education and is considered one of the best countries in the world in terms of educational outcomes. Teaching reading literacy skills is very important in Ireland and is a key component of the educational system. We conducted research through semi-structured interview with 10 primary school teachers in 1.-5. grades and then analyzed the methods and formes of teaching that are used to support and develop literacy skills. The results of the semi-structured interviews indicate that all teachers are making maximum efforts to teach and develop literacy skills and a range of motivational tools were identified as being used. As part of research conducted in primary schools, the method of direct participant observation in 1.-5. grades and also used, which found that teaching reading literacy is based on the principle that reading should primarly be fun and motivating for children. A variety of motivational tools, methods and forms of teaching are used to involve pupils as much as possible in the learning process and develop their reading skills. School libraries, Library Buses, various competitions, the use of practical reading and interactive technologies are widely used, for example. An interesting and new finding was also the utilization of so-called reading dogs for the development of reading literacy. These are specially trained dogs that are raised to work in libraries and are mainly available for children who have significant difficulties with reading.

Keywords:

reading literacy, primary school, motivational tools, literacy skills, Ireland.