Learning English Through Songs
FOREWORD
Dear teacher,
Dear student
Dear pupil
Dear member,
Music
and singing aren't just fun, fluffy fillers in a foreign language
class. Music is a powerful tool for language learning and retention.
Whether it's classical background music, traditional songs, mnemonic
devices, or pop tunes, music motivates students and develops language
skills. Here are some sound reasons to hum a little foreign language
tune:
Listening to Song Lyrics Improves Comprehension Skills
If you've ever tried to figure out the lyrics to a song on the radio
or
any other video device, you know that careful listening is required. A
popular activity in middle and high school foreign language classes is
to listen to a song from the target country and
fill in blanks to the lyrics.
Singing Songs Develops Good Pronunciation
Music
lends a natural rhythm to words and phrases, helping language learners
to use good pronunciation. Melodies and rhymes guide learners to speak
in a native cadence. Every time you play a recording of a traditional
or popular song, you are exposed to native speakers who model correct
pronunciation.
Singing Songs Increases Vocabulary and Speech Patterns
Songs
automatically put language into a context. Students will begin to pick
up vocabulary and complex expressions they might not otherwise come
across. Some songs can be used to teach specific vocabulary, such as
singing "Alouette" to learn the parts of the body.
Music Aids Memory
Teacher-created
rhymes, chants, and songs can help students memorize grammar and
vocabulary. It is easy to use a familiar children's tune and change the
words. Consider bringing or creating songs for verb endings, possessive
adjectives, days of the week, months of the year, prepositions, weather
expressions, and any other chunks of language that must be memorized.
So, why not to have just a try
FOREWORD
Dear teacher,
Dear student
Dear pupil
Dear member,
Music
and singing aren't just fun, fluffy fillers in a foreign language
class. Music is a powerful tool for language learning and retention.
Whether it's classical background music, traditional songs, mnemonic
devices, or pop tunes, music motivates students and develops language
skills. Here are some sound reasons to hum a little foreign language
tune:
Listening to Song Lyrics Improves Comprehension Skills
If you've ever tried to figure out the lyrics to a song on the radio
or
any other video device, you know that careful listening is required. A
popular activity in middle and high school foreign language classes is
to listen to a song from the target country and
fill in blanks to the lyrics.
Singing Songs Develops Good Pronunciation
Music
lends a natural rhythm to words and phrases, helping language learners
to use good pronunciation. Melodies and rhymes guide learners to speak
in a native cadence. Every time you play a recording of a traditional
or popular song, you are exposed to native speakers who model correct
pronunciation.
Singing Songs Increases Vocabulary and Speech Patterns
Songs
automatically put language into a context. Students will begin to pick
up vocabulary and complex expressions they might not otherwise come
across. Some songs can be used to teach specific vocabulary, such as
singing "Alouette" to learn the parts of the body.
Music Aids Memory
Teacher-created
rhymes, chants, and songs can help students memorize grammar and
vocabulary. It is easy to use a familiar children's tune and change the
words. Consider bringing or creating songs for verb endings, possessive
adjectives, days of the week, months of the year, prepositions, weather
expressions, and any other chunks of language that must be memorized.
So, why not to have just a try
