Music that moves

Have the pupils listen to the podcast "Songs about home ". In the podcast, Carrie and Owen talk about the different songs that remind them of home (Dublin for Owen, and Portland, Maine for Carrie). The questions below will help you to start a discussion about music, home and why people like the songs they do.

1. Have your pupils name some of the songs they like. They should think both of new music and older music too. Then have them discuss the question that Carrie asks at the beginning of the podcast: Why do they like the songs that they have just named?

2. Are there any songs that make your pupils think of home? Why do these songs remind your pupils of home? Remind them that a song doesn't have to be about home or even their hometown.

3. Owen talks about the song "Molly Malone" and says that "it just feels so Irish". If possible, let your pupils listen to the song, or bring in copies of the lyrics. What is it about this song that might make it the "unofficial anthem" of Dublin? If they had to name a song the "unofficial anthem" of their own home towns, what songs would they choose?