L5 MS I

Irish

Dilín Ó Deamhas

UnitA

Level5

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Before You Begin

This activity introduces the lyrics of the chorus for the Irish language song, Dilín Ó Deamhas, in preparation for learning and committing the lyrics to memory.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

TEACHER GUIDE

A Lyric Recitation (Chorus)

This activity introduces the lyrics of verse 1 for the Irish language song, Dilín Ó Deamhas, in preparation for learning and committing the lyrics to memory.

A Lyric Recitation (Verse 1)

This activity introduces the lyrics of verse 2 for the Irish language song, Dilín Ó Deamhas, in preparation for learning and committing the lyrics to memory.

A Lyric Recitation (Verse 2)

The aim of this activity is to memorise the Chorus (refrain) lyrics of the song, Dilín Ó Deamhas, in preparation for learning the melody.

Learn the Lyrics (Chorus)

The aim of this activity is to memorise the Verse 1 lyrics of the song, Dilín Ó Deamhas, in preparation for learning the melody.

Learn the Lyrics (Verse 1)

The aim of this activity is to memorise the verse 2 lyrics of the song, Dilín Ó Deamhas, in preparation for learning the melody.

Learn the Lyrics (Verse 2)

This activity introduces learners to an audio performance of the song, Dilín Ó Deamhas by a quartet of bowed stringed instruments and voice. 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. Without visual stimulation learners can focus fully on the sonic musical experience of listening.


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.

WORKSHEET

Create Music Journal Entry

The aim of this activity is for learners to continue to develop the aural and vocal skill required for accurate singing while experiencing fundamental musical elements from a sensory point of view. These elements will be presented formally in future learning activities.

Learn the Melody (The Call)

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. 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 (The Answer)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/en/student/courses/31286/watch/?enrollment_id=1980577&amp;lesson_id=436825" 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>DescriptionThis thoughtfully designed unit invites children into the world of Irish language and music through the song Dilín Ó Deamhas. The journey begins with expressive lyric recitations of the chorus and two verses, where children listen attentively and discover the story within the words. Through guided discussion, they explore repeated words, rhyming patterns, and pronunciation, making the language accessible and enjoyable.The unit progresses to active memorization using playful echo-back and call-and-answer techniques. Children work individually, in pairs, and in groups, building confidence as they master short phrases and gradually piece together the complete lyrics. This collaborative approach fosters social skills while strengthening memory.Learners then experience an audio performance featuring bowed string instruments and voice, allowing them to hear how melody and lyrics unite. This focused listening activity develops concentration and musical observation skills without visual distraction.The unit culminates in a creative project where children design an illustrated lyric page for their personal Music Journal. This meaningful keepsake celebrates their learning journey and creates a treasured record of repertoire explored throughout the year.Each activity builds naturally upon the previous one, creating a supportive learning environment where children develop language skills, musical understanding, memory capacity, and creative expression while experiencing the beauty of Irish cultural heritage.<h2 id="72f22206-d6d5-4c59-9f1c-33f590f90d6d" data-toc-id="72f22206-d6d5-4c59-9f1c-33f590f90d6d" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Learning Outcomes</h2>Through the activities in this unit, learners will…<ul><li>develop attentive listening skills and the ability to concentrate during musical recitations and performances</li><li>gain confidence in Irish language pronunciation, vocabulary, and storytelling through repeated exposure and guided practice.</li><li>strengthen memory and recall abilities through structured echo-back and call-and-answer techniques.</li><li>cultivate collaborative skills by working in pairs, small groups, and whole-class settings during lyric practice activities.</li><li>enhance musical awareness by observing how melody, lyrics, and instrumental sounds work together in performance.</li><li>express creativity and personal interpretation through the design of illustrated lyric pages for their Music Journal.</li></ul>Notes and TipsEcho-Back Technique: The teacher or one group recites a phrase, and learners immediately repeat it back. This helps break down the lyrics into manageable portions for easier memorization.Call-and-Answer Technique: Create various team pairings such as teacher with whole class, half the class with the other half, small groups, or individual learners. One team calls out a line and the other responds with the next line, then swap roles for balanced participation.Memorisation Support: Challenge learners by providing only the first one or two words of a phrase and asking them to complete it from memory. This gentle prompting builds confidence.Discussion Activities: Encourage learners to retell the song's story in their own words and connect it to their personal experiences. This deepens understanding and aids memory while supporting creative thinking.Focused Listening: When using the audio performance, listen multiple times with different focus points. First follow the lyrics, then observe the instrumental sounds. Brief discussions afterward allow children to share their observations.Music Journal: The illustrated lyric page becomes part of an ongoing collection that documents the learner's musical journey throughout the year, creating a meaningful personal songbook.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/en/student/courses/31286/watch/?enrollment_id=1980577&amp;lesson_id=436825" 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 joyful Irish language song learning unit that guides young learners through lyric recitation, memorization, and creative expression, building language skills, musical awareness, and confidence through gentle, engaging activities.

Course content

Unit A: Dilín O'Deamhas

Adele O'Dwyer