L3 MS I

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Before You Begin

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TEACHER GUIDE

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Introduction

Learn the lyrics of the song, An Lacha Bheag - verse 1.

LYRICS (for printing)

Learn the Lyrics (verse 1)

Learn the lyrics of the song, An Lacha Bheag - verse 2.

Learn the Lyrics (verse 2)

This activity introduces learners to an audio performance of the song, An Lacha Bheag. Learners will hear the melodic line married to the lyrics they have previously learned. Listening with focus and concentration will help to enable powers of musical observation.

Listen and Enjoy (audio)

Each learner will create an illustrated lyric page entry for their Music Journal - a record of repertoire learned throughout the year.

Create a Music Journal Entry

Have fun expressing the musical pulse with a ball by learning to time the simple bounce-catch action in time with the music. This activity challenges learners to learn this elemental ball skill with both hands. Learners will also be prompted to change hands on the count of 8 – an added element to make the challenge even more fun!

Q: Can the bounce-catch ball skill be useful for expressing the musical pulse?


CORE: Express the Steady Pulse with a Ball (count 8)

This activity introduces learners to 3 sets of code words to further their understanding and awareness of the division of the musical pulse into 2 equal things. Three sets of code words are introduced: quick-quick and slow; short-short and long; 2-things and 1.

Q: How can I use code words to help me feel the division of the musical pulse into 2 equal things?

CORE: Introduction to Rhythm Code Words

This video presents the song, An Lacha Bheag, in a video rendition. Learners can enjoy watching and listening while preparing for the next step - learning the melody.

Listen and Enjoy (video)

The aim of this activity is for learners to begin to develop the aural and vocal skill required to be able to sing with accuracy, the song An Lacha Bheag. This song offers an opportunity for learners to experience simple, yet fundamental, musical elements from a sensory point of view. These elements will be presented more formally in later learning activities.

Learn the Melody (verse 1)

Learn the Melody (verse 2)

The 2nd in a series of bounce-catch ball skill activities, this challenge reduces the count from 8 to 4 requiring added concentration and eye-hand co-ordination to negotiate switching hands while remaining in time with the music.

Q: Can the bounce-catch ball skill be useful for expressing the musical pulse and feeling the length of musical phrases (count 4)?

CORE: Express the Musical Pulse with a Ball (count 4)

This introductory music literacy activity introduces the 1-line music staff in preparation for learning to notate simple melodic phrases. The focus of this first step is to understand how to position notes correctly in the spaces above and below the 1-line music staff.

WORKSHEET (for printing)

1-LINE STAFF (for printing)

LEARNING EXPERIENCE 1

LEARNING EXPERIENCE 2

CORE: Position Notes Correctly in the Spaces of the 1-Line Staff

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/31255/watch?lesson_id=566882" style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Get Started!</a>This unit invites young learners on a delightful musical journey with An Lacha Bheag, a charming Irish song. Children begin by learning the lyrics through playful echo-back and call-and-answer techniques, building confidence and memory skills while exploring expressive speechAs learners become familiar with the words, they listen to beautiful audio and video performances featuring bowed string instruments, developing focused listening skills and musical observation. A creative music journal activity allows children to illustrate their own lyric pages, connecting personal expression with musical learning.The melody learning phase uses gentle echo-back methods, breaking the song into manageable phrases. This approach helps children discover their singing voices in a supportive, patient environment where enjoyment takes priority over perfectionWoven throughout are foundational music skills that enrich the learning experience. Ball bounce-catch activities develop steady pulse awareness, coordination, and counting skills. An introduction to rhythm subdivision helps children understand how musical time can be divided. Music literacy begins with simple staff notation exercises, opening doors to reading and writing music.The unit concludes with an opportunity for learners to research and present fun facts about ducks, connecting their musical experience to the natural world and encouraging cross-curricular explorationThis thoughtfully structured unit nurtures musical skills while supporting broader development in memory, coordination, creativity, confidence, and collaborative learning.Learning Outcomes<ul><li>recite and sing An Lacha Bheag with growing confidence and accuracy, demonstrating memory and vocal skills</li><li>develop focused listening abilities, observing musical elements and following lyrics through audio and video performances</li><li>express creativity through illustrated music journal entries, connecting visual art with musical storytelling</li><li>demonstrate steady pulse awareness through ball bounce-catch activities while counting and switching hands with coordination</li><li>understand rhythm subdivision concepts using code word pairs to identify divisions of the musical pulse into two equal parts</li><li>begin reading and writing music notation by correctly positioning notes on a one-line staff in spaces above and below the line</li></ul>Notes and TipsExpressive Teaching: Recite lyrics with tonal variety and articulation to engage learners fully in the storytelling aspect of the song.Team Variations: &nbsp;Create diverse team configurations including whole class, half class, small groups, and pairs to ensure all learners experience both leading and following rolesMusical Elements: The song introduces rising dominant to tonic root movement contributing to tonal centring though formal teaching comes later so focus on sensory enjoyment first.Patience and Atmosphere: Foster a relaxed, encouraging environment where learners feel safe exploring their voices without pressure for perfection.Self-Observation: Small group and solo activities help individual singers notice their own vocal accuracy, which is essential for progress.Ball Skills: Switching hands can be tricky initially so maintain patience and humour as two essential ingredients for positive learning experiences.Visual Guidance: &nbsp;Videos provide visual assistance for developing the ability to hear and identify individual elements from complex musical textures, with independence developing over time.Music Journals: Collect lyric pages and other work throughout the year to create a meaningful record of musical growth and achievement.Cross-Curricular Connections: The fun facts activity links musical learning to natural science and presentation skills through creative, age-appropriate formats.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/31255/watch?lesson_id=566882" style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Get Started!</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/paywall" style="background-color: black; color: rgb(106, 252, 194); padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Not a Member? Join Today!</a>

A joyful introduction to Irish song through An Lacha Bheag, combining lyric learning, melody practice, creative expression, and foundational music skills including pulse, rhythm subdivision, and music notation basics.

Course content

An Lacha Bheag: Taithí a Fháil

Adele O'Dwyer