Resource centre - Ideas and techniques - Songs
Larry Lynch tells us why songs should be an integral part of any EFL teacher's repertoire of resources.
Language teachers can and should use songs as part of their classroom teaching
repertoire. Songs contain authentic language, are easily obtainable, provide
vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students. They can
provide valuable speaking, listening and language practice in and out of the
classroom. Some key reasons songs can work exceedingly well in the foreign
language classroom include the following:
1. Songs almost always contain authentic, natural language.
This often contrasts the contrived, stilted language found in many student
texts. Of course songs can also go to the other extreme by using overly crude,
foul or otherwise objectionable language. With careful screening, an extensive
library of usable songs for language learning can be compiled.
2. A variety of new vocabulary can be introduced to students through
songs.
Looking to boost student vocabulary with useful phrases, vocabulary and
expressions? Songs are almost always directed to the native-speaking population
so they usually contain contemporary vocabulary, idioms and expressions.
3. Songs are usually very easily obtainable.
Cibemba and Silozi non-withstanding, songs are usually not that difficult to
obtain. Local sources may be available including the students themselves.
There's always the internet which can connect you with song downloads in all but
the most obscure languages.
4. Songs can be selected to suit the needs and interests of the
students.
In English especially, so many songs are available that selection of songs with
suitable themes, levels and vocabulary is not at all difficult. Allowances can
also be made for complexity or simplicity of language, depending on the
students, by selecting and using suitable songs.
5. Grammar and cultural aspects can be introduced through songs.
Most if not all songs have a recurring theme or story. So excerpting cultural
elements is usually a possible, but often overlooked aspect of using songs. I
still use "Hit the Road Jack" sung by the late Ray Charles to illustrate spoken
contractions. He uses spoken contractions is virtually every line of the song.
6. Time length is easily controlled.
Whether you have an hour, 30 minutes, or only 15 minutes or so, a song can be
used in the course of a planned lesson. Use of songs is very flexible.
7. Students can experience a wide range of accents.
A good thing about songs is that you can expose the students to many different
kinds of English. British English, American English, Caribbean English are all
widely available through songs. Accents too are well represented by songs from
different regions and in a variety of types and formats. Gospel, soul, R & B,
Pop, Rock, Reggae, Jazz and other styles change not only accents, but vocabulary
and usage too.
8. Song lyrics can be used in relating to situations of the world around
us.
Songs have been used as vehicles of protest for civil rights, workers' rights,
even prisoners' rights along with an untold number of other causes. They've
expounded on pollution, crime, war and almost every social theme or cause. We
won't even mention how many songs are about, related to or explore the theme of
sex.
9. Students think songs are natural and fun.
Well actually they are, aren't they? Fun, even silly songs abound in English.
Some singers actually made a career out of them. (Ray Stevens, anyone?) They
make offbeat, fun changes of pace with classroom use.
These are only some of the many reasons songs are useful in the language
learning classroom. They contain authentic language, are easily obtainable,
provide vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students.
They provide enjoyable speaking, listening, vocabulary and language practice
both in and out of the classroom. So EFL, English as a foreign language, ESL,
English as a Second language and foreign language teachers should all consider
using songs as a regular part of their classroom activities.
How to add drama to an EFL class
Using comics and cartoons in the classroom
Using art in the classroom
Using pop songs in the classroom
ESL resources
Downloadable classroom activities
Song lyrics search engine
What do you think of this article? Add a comment »
The article is very
enriching to tutors like us. We are using songs to motivate our students to
participate at the same time as learning the pronounciation of words.
I agree with the idea that
songs should be helpful in the language classroom. However, I am having some
difficulty finding material to suit the older student. It is much easier to find
songs to suit young students, but the secondary and adult student can also do
with songs. Please tell me where I can find suitable songs for this age group.
Thanks.
Have you any suggestions
where to find songs for all ages?
I have used songs on many
occasions, with great success. It has been particularly useful to have the
lyrics written down. This is however now much more problematical for me. My
supplier of lyrics for current popular songs is no more and my commitments leave
no spare time to decipher these myself. Does anyone have a short cut to
obtaining - free - currently popular song lyrics??
I have incorporated songs
in my classes a number of times. I can say that they have been a great success.
The students have enjoyed those classes and it has also helped them to develop
an interest in listening to English songs.
Frank, you can use Beatles, ABBA and various country songs for your classes.
Just google it.
It is a fantastic idea.
It's a decoy to attract the attention of the most flippant and unruly of
students. It can stimulate them to learn real language and also to develop their
aesthetic sense. The most interesting thing in my view is that it will be a
life-long lesson for students. After finishing the course students will study
every song they listen to, throughout their lives, with a view to analysing its
language and hence learning throughout their lives... ha ha so sweet.
I always use songs in my
classes. The students and I love it . This article was very useful for me.
Thanks a lot and I hope to receive more articles like this.
This is really a good
article for creative teachers or for teachers who want to be creative. I think
we need to think about it carefully since we should really listen to the song
before we teach it in the class and we should be well organised. We need to have
time for preparation. We must also follow the interest of our students.
I think teaching english as
a second language using music and songs is a very practical way to make both
teaching and learning successful. It creates a relaxed atmosphere. It is better
to break the classroom routine with some music and at the same time help
students learn in a different and fun way.
I am a songwriter of adult
songs and childrens songs. Basically, a song is a poem set to music. So if you
know how to write a basic poem, you can use a list of set words, then create a
little simple song to go with it. I have a youtube channel, which some may not
be able to access, it is 'AChildSings'. It only has one song, I think, on there
so far, and I've got to re-record it because I haven't had my music equipment
long, but you can see I did my own pictures with a free download of a paintbrush
type program. I also downloaded MovieMaker for free to create the little video.
I'm off to China, hopefully, soon, but feel free to take that song, (or any
other song I may upload in the future), and use it to teach the English words
with. Of course, you can't 'keep' or sell the song, but use it to teach English
with. Photocopy it - write it up - record it - do whatever you have to do, to
teach English with it, if you want, that is.
Songs are very helpful in
the language learning process. They are good not only for audio visual but also
for kinesthetic learners. They can give good training in listening and speaking
activities. They are the best means to learn different accents and improve
pronunciation, enrich vocabulary and cultural knowledge. I love to play songs in
my class.
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