This document discusses how songs can be used effectively in the English classroom to support language learning. It provides several techniques for incorporating music, such as introducing new vocabulary, teaching pronunciation, and reviewing material. Some tips include exposing students to songs multiple times to help them get stuck in students' heads, using interactive songs that include actions, and playing soft music to encourage a positive learning atmosphere. Overall, the document advocates for using songs frequently in lessons as they are fun and can aid memory and language acquisition.
2. Using songs in the English
Classroom
• “Music is the universal language of
mankind” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Have you ever heard of anyone who doesn't
like music? Some people may not like art,
dancing, reading, or movies, but almost
everyone likes one kind of music or another.
Most people like
many different kinds of music.
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4. Techniques for Using Music with
L2 Learners
Introduce a new theme or Teach pronunciation
topic and intonation
(Christmas/colours/feelings) Teach songs and
Break the ice in a class rhymes about difficult
where students don't grammar and spelling
know each other or are rules that need to be
having difficulty memorized
communicating Teach reading
Change the mood comprehension
Teach and build Inspire a class
vocabulary and idioms discussion
Review material Teach listening for
(background music details and gist
improves memory)
5. Tips for Using Music Effectively
The possibilities are endless.
Music and songs are fun, and
most people enjoy them. Make
songs a regular feature in your
lessons!
6. Can’t get it outta my head!
Expose students to a certain song many
days in a row. Within a few days,
students will not be able to get the song
out of their head!
7. ADDING ACTION TO IT
Choose interactive songs whenever possible.
Adding actions enhances language
acquisition and memory.
8. POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE
Have soft or upbeat music playing before class to
encourage a positive atmosphere. Turning the
music off is a great way to signal to a large class
that it is time to begin.
10. REFERENCES AND
CIBERGRAPHY
• Lems, Kirsten, Using Music in the Adult ESL
Classroom, ERIC Digest, 2001.
• Medina, Suzanne L, The Effect of Music on Second
Language Vocabulary Acquisition, ‘National Network for
Early Language Learning’, Vol 6-3, 1993.
• Murphy, T (1992), The discourse op pop songs, TESOL
Quarterly 26”(4), 770-774.
• http:// www.englishclub.com/teaching-tips/music-
classroom.htm
• http://www.eslbase.com/articles/songs
• http://www.eslbase.com/articles/pop-songs
