Rachel Uí Fhaoláin

Subject(s):: Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:: Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Eras of change and conflict (History), Politics, conflict and society (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science), Materials (Science), Energy and forces (Science)
Counties catered for:: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow
Classes catered for:: All Classes

Book virtual / in-person visit

Rachel specialises in delivering traditional/sean nós singing/storytelling, culture & heritage workshops for all ages in a creative way. During her visits, Rachel engages the children in a varied collection of traditional/folk/sean nós songs in a fun and supportive environment aiming to build confidence in song/storytelling and the Irish language. The children get involved in researching the history, culture, stories and meaning surrounding each song in a fun and creative way. The children and Rachel may even decide to write their own personal song!

In-person school visits

Rachel’s collection of songs includes a body of child friendly, fun, interactive songs which she composed herself in the traditional style around topics such as biodiversity, fun characters, traditions around our cultural calendar etc.

Children get the opportunity to step outside of the classroom to connect their new songs and stories to their place and people while building on their language and research skills.

Rachel has transferred her extensive Scientific/Biobanking skills of researching and storing critical medical samples to the important preservation and archiving of our rich oral traditions and culture through digital technology. ‘Critical material’ being stored carefully by initiating conversations and she presents her workshops in a tangible way to help children understand and describe the world around them.

Rachel and the children will work together in a fun, creative way and our beautiful oral traditions, heritage & culture will be passed onto the future singers and storytellers………..the future researchers & preservers of our traditions!

Virtual school visits

This short clip gives a preview of what the visits involve - from the pre-recorded session to the live virtual visit:

Traditional songs for children with illustrated song books

Traditional songs for children focusing on telling a story through writing new songs in the traditional style using existing airs from the tradition while incorporating the Irish language and encouraging each child to create their own unique illustrated song book.

Classes: All

Materials: Each child will need their own copybook or pages to make their own unique songbook. General art material - colouring pencils, crayons, writing pencils, coloured paper, glue sticks etc.

Session 1: (pre-recorded, 15– 30 mins)

Rachel will guide the children through the process of writing their own songs in the traditional style using existing airs from the tradition along with the Irish language. The children will be encouraged to create their own unique illustrated song book. The children will also have an opportunity to learn a newly composed song in the traditional style from Rachel’s own collection. The lyrics to the song will appear on screen as Rachel sings it so that the children can sing along (adhering to current HSE guidelines around group singing). Notes, lyrics and activity ideas will be supplied for teachers.

Session 2: ( Live, 30 – 60 mins)

A live interactive session starting with a performance from the class sharing the song that they learned from the pre-recorded video (adhering to current HSE guidelines around group singing). Rachel will also encourage the children to share and present their creative song books with the group along with an exchange of story ideas and new songs. The virtual visit will conclude with a Q & A session and further guidance and advice to help us to continue along the path of telling our stories through song!

Worksheets & Notes:

Notes, song lyrics and activity ideas will be supplied for teachers.

Testimonials

"The children really enjoyed Rachel's visit. The children learned a 'macronic' song about the May Bush. It was a song that had Irish and English lyrics in it. The children particularly enjoyed learning about the history of the May Bush and the resources Rachel made the song more meaningful and engaging for the children." - Anon.
"Fantastic interactive programme that promotes and encourages children's individuality and creativity." - St Patrick's NS

"A valuable and affirming experience for this teacher and class in these pandemic times. Rachel has inspired us to compose and create our own songs and music, showing in a practical way that it can be a simple process. The structure allows for plenty of further development - working on further compositions, exploring other singing genres. We were introduced to a new (for us) musical instrument- the Shruti box. Rachel played for us and the children appreciated how this wonderful instrument could accompany and enhance singing." - St Joseph's NS
"Rachel forwarded preparation material for us to get started on the project in a timely manner prior to the virtual visit and it was clear, straightforward and very relevant. Rachel engaged the children extremely well with the virtual visit. Thoroughly enjoyed by older and younger pupils too." - Urhan NS, Cork

Additional Information

Provides in-person visits
Provides virtual visits
Caters for special needs
Provides practical/hands-on activities
Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:: 0872988473
Email:: ceolmochroi@gmail.com