(5) The Gouin method is not a proprietary method, and everyone is free to teach by it.
The writer of this handbook, however, holds no brief for any method or interest, except for the most effective method of teaching Irish, and recommends that, where practicable, various oral methods be tried and that the method giving the best results in the particular circumstances shall be adhered to. Further, the intelligent teacher, having made himself proficient in one or more of these methods, should introduce such modifications as he may deem desirable. While Gouin enunciated principles, he prescribed no well-defined method of teaching. Others have done so in his name, and whether they interpret his views correctly, or whether they may have improved upon his ideas, is not for me to judgeThe intelligent teacher, as he gains experience, will be able to add many valuable touches to the system.
I now proceed to give practical instructions as to the teaching of a Gouin Series, reserving any further remarks I have to make as to the principles of this method of teaching for the present.
My class being ready, I announce to them in English the title of the lesson for the evening which will describe some homely experience with which they are all familiar. Let us suppose it to be I SHUT THE DOOR, and I at once proceed to teach them the Irish for this sentence. Say the Irish word for shut is DRUID. I repeat clearly, distinctly, and loudly, two or three times DRUID, DRUID, DRUID But if you want to say I shut, say DRUIDIM, DRUIDIM, DRUIDIM, DRUIDIM, DRUIDIM, DRUIDIM. And what do I DRUIDIM? The door. Door in Irish is
