How to use songs in classroom

HOW TO USE SONGS IN YOUR CLASSROOM: some ideas

By teacher Angela Carvalho Araújo
TTC 2004.1

Why songs? In general...

• Songs help students:
– Learn vocabulary
– Learn structures
– Learn pronunciation
– Learn cultural aspects

• Songs promote a friendly atmosphere to your class
• Songs bring students together
• Songs are fun

Concerns
• The class
– Class size
– Students’ age
– Time of the day
– Students’ musical interests*
– Students’ learning styles

• The teacher
– Teacher's age
– Teachers’ musical interests
– Purpose of the activity
– Lesson plan
– Ideas from colleagues
– Knowledge of the lyrics and additional information about the artist/song

• The institution
– Does it have a music "library"?
– Can you easily get material you need (VCR, DVD, CD, TV, OHP, MP3, Projector, Flash cards, copy, other)?

• The song itself and the activity
– Will it disturb other classes?
– Are the lyrics perfectly transcripted ?
– Are they appropriate or socially questionable?
– Does it (activity/ song) fit the level?
– Do you want the activity to integrate the 4 skills?
– Do you include pre-, while and post listening/ reading?
– Do they fit the structures/themes being studied?

* When the semester begins, ask students to make a list of  their 3 favorite songs. Choose some and plan activities based on these songs. They usually like this idea!

If you have any other suggestion, feel free to post it here!
Want some ideas for your classes? Try here!