Enhancing English Teaching with Musical Activities

Introduction

One of the significant challenges in both children and adult English education is maintaining students' engagement throughout a lesson. In response, innovative and creative strategies are frequently required. Music stands out as an invaluable pedagogical tool due to its universal appeal and cultural relevance, making it an exceptional motivator in the classroom, regardless of student age or background.

Planning for the Use of Songs in Class

Selecting the Right Song

The selection of an appropriate song is perhaps the most challenging aspect of leveraging music for teaching purposes. Here are some essential considerations to ensure the song aligns with your educational objectives:

Examine the Lesson's Focus: Determine if the lesson is about vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, or a specific topic. For instance, the song 'You’re So Vain' by Carly Simon is effective for introducing discussions on vain people, whereas 'In the Air Tonight' is useful for practicing the present perfect continuous tense. Consider the Language Level: The language proficiency of your class will dictate the suitability of the song and the complementary activities. Lower-level students may struggle with fast-paced lyrics, while advanced learners may find repetitive, simple lyrics uninteresting. Age Appropriateness: Young learners will thrive with repetitive, easy songs, while teenagers and adults might prefer contemporary pop or rock tracks. Consult them to ensure the music is trendy. For younger learners, it might be insightful to ask them what they consider 'cool.' Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the cultural composition of your class. Avoid solely relying on your cultural norms. Involve students in choosing the songs, ensuring they are acceptable in the cultural context of your teaching environment. Access to the Song: In today's digital age, you have numerous options. Utilize YouTube for easy access, but also consider offline formats like mp3 files or CDs, which can serve as useful backups.

Steps for Integrating Songs into Your Lesson

Step 1: Listen to the Song

Begin by initiating a listening activity. Make it a fun, relaxed experience without over burdening students with tasks. If available, provide a video clip to cater to diverse learning preferences. Alternatively, you might introduce a few relevant lyrics to students beforehand, encouraging them to listen for specific rhymes or patterns.

Step 2: Question the Title

Initiate discussion with thought-provoking questions related to the title of the song. For instance, delve into the meaning of 'jealous guy' in 'Jealous Guy' by John Lennon or explore the concept of champions in 'We Are the Champions' by Queen. These activities can serve as excellent conversation starters, allowing students to work in groups and share their insights.

Step 3: Listen to the Song with Lyrics

Encourage students to read the lyrics as they listen. Provide them with various tasks to engage with the song. They can simply read the lyrics, highlight unknown words for later discussion, or participate in a gap-fill activity where blanks represent missing words. Alternatively, cut-out strips of selected missing words can be matched to the gaps, enhancing their active participation.

Step 4: Focus on Grammar

Every song presents an opportunity to analyze grammatical structures. For example, you can explore the use of the past simple tense, inquire about the chosen verb tense, and discuss its practical and poetic applications. This can help students understand the flexibility and artistic freedom in song lyrics.

Step 5: Focus on Vocabulary and Idioms

Music often employs creative vocabulary, idioms, and expressions. Highlight these elements by asking questions like 'what does "I've paid my dues" mean'? Provide clear explanations and illustrations to ensure comprehension. Songs can serve as excellent contexts for idiomatic expressions that students might not encounter in everyday conversation.

Conclusion

Musical activities can transform the English classroom into a dynamic and engaging environment. By thoughtfully planning and integrating songs, educators can maintain student interest and achieve their teaching objectives more effectively. Let music be a tool for enriching the learning experience, fostering motivation, and encouraging creative thinking.