1. Think of the last image or video clip that had a profound impact on you (perhaps on the news or on social media). Discuss this image or video clip in pairs or groups.
2. describe this piece of music.
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. What tune will Boland’s lullaby have? Explain your answer with reference to the poem.
2. Boland writes that this lullaby only exists because the child it was written for no longer exists: ‘Its motive from the fact you cannot listen.’ Why do you think she wishes to create a lullaby for a child who can never hear it? Give reasons for your answer.
3. Who do you think Boland means when she writes ‘We’ in line seven? Refer to the poem in your answer.
4. In stanza two, Boland writes about how adults teach children to speak and use language. In your own words, explain how children learn to speak.
5. Do you think Boland is correct that we need to learn from this child’s death? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
6. When tragedies such as the Dublin and Monaghan bombings occur our picture of the world can be shattered. In stanza three how does Boland suggest we can ‘rebuild’ our shattered image of the world around us?
7. Explain the phrase ‘idle talk’ in your own words, giving topical examples if you wish.
8. ‘The last two sentences of “Child of Our Time” are the most powerful.’ Do you sentences of the poem.
9. your answer.
CREATING
1. You wish to submit an entry to a photographic competition. The theme of the competition is ‘Child of Our Time’. Write the letter you would submit explaining your
2. Write an article for an international newspaper in which you give examples of people’s goodness in the face of war, terrorism and other catastrophic events.
3. another. Write a speech to be given at a school assembly in which you persuade your audience that they should communicate with each other in a kind and reasonable way and avoid using harsh or derogatory language.