How to Select Songs for a Language Classroom
Paper II
How to Select Songs to Teach Language Skills. Yogita Bhamare.
Songs are part of daily life of most people. The benefits of songs in ELT have been well-documented by many researchers. English language teachers can use songs to open and close their lessons, to illustrate themes and topics, to add variety, present new vocabulary or recycle known language. Practically all grammar points can be found in music text, and the texts also offer a wide variety of vocabulary, all of which can be utilized to practice the four communication skills. With some imagination, songs can be used to teach all aspects of English language.
First, motivation is one of the things that can be gained by using songs in English language classroom. The addition of songs to the English language classroom as a teaching method can be a way to focus students’ attention, and produce a more committed learner. Many researchers recommend recent pop songs to enhance motivation in the younger generation. Songs deal with the whole realm of human emotions and students are often willing to sing a song in a foreign language even if they do not fully understand the meaning of the words. The use of songs creates an atmosphere of interest in the study of English and can lead from a “teacher centered” to a “student centered” class. Using music can lift the atmosphere in class, or develop a non-threatening classroom atmosphere, bring in a boost of energy and capture the children’s attention. Besides, English songs can motivate them in their quest to learn English.
Secondly, songs can be catchy and re-usable. Songs are catchy and fun and ESL students will feel happy to hear them many times till they can sing along. If the teacher plays the recording of a dialogue the second time, students may get bored with it. However, songs can be reused without making students become fed up with
How to Select Songs to Teach Language Skills. Yogita Bhamare.
Songs are part of daily life of most people. The benefits of songs in ELT have been well-documented by many researchers. English language teachers can use songs to open and close their lessons, to illustrate themes and topics, to add variety, present new vocabulary or recycle known language. Practically all grammar points can be found in music text, and the texts also offer a wide variety of vocabulary, all of which can be utilized to practice the four communication skills. With some imagination, songs can be used to teach all aspects of English language.
First, motivation is one of the things that can be gained by using songs in English language classroom. The addition of songs to the English language classroom as a teaching method can be a way to focus students’ attention, and produce a more committed learner. Many researchers recommend recent pop songs to enhance motivation in the younger generation. Songs deal with the whole realm of human emotions and students are often willing to sing a song in a foreign language even if they do not fully understand the meaning of the words. The use of songs creates an atmosphere of interest in the study of English and can lead from a “teacher centered” to a “student centered” class. Using music can lift the atmosphere in class, or develop a non-threatening classroom atmosphere, bring in a boost of energy and capture the children’s attention. Besides, English songs can motivate them in their quest to learn English.
Secondly, songs can be catchy and re-usable. Songs are catchy and fun and ESL students will feel happy to hear them many times till they can sing along. If the teacher plays the recording of a dialogue the second time, students may get bored with it. However, songs can be reused without making students become fed up with