TEACHING WITH SONGS: STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE FUN WITH ENGLISH!
Songs are part of all of our
cultures. They are often the first introduction to our own language. Through
songs, we are able to teach students the language: vocabulary, grammar, etc.
Songs present the language in context, which helps young learners to understand
the meaning better.
The repetition that songs provide
develops your students’ pronunciation and listening skills. Bringing songs into
the classroom is also a great way to develop your students’ cultural awareness.
Song for Young Learners
The Colors of Our Clothes
Oh, who is wearing
[color]?
Oh, who is wearing
[color]?
Please tell me if
you can,
Oh, who is wearing
[color]?
Oh, [name] is
wearing [color]!
Oh, [name] is
wearing [color]!
That's the color of
her [article of clothing],
Oh, [name] is
wearing [color]!
Insert a different
name each round.
Teaching Tips:
ü Begin by using yourself as the
example. Point to an item you are wearing and ask students what colour it is.
Teach second verse first.
ü Continue to sing about yourself,
using three or four colours and items of clothing (until students are
comfortable with song).
ü Select a student. Ask class,
"What colour is [name] wearing?" Sing song, after students respond.
Repeat for two or three students.
ü Select a student. Begin to sing,
"Oh, [name] is wearing"; stop and allow students to answer. Continue,
pausing at the end of each line to await class response.
ü Select a student. Begin to sing.
Stop at end of line, and point to one student. Await this students response.
ü Ask students, "Who is wearing
[color]?" Allow several to respond. Repeat until all are comfortable.
ü Ask students, "Who is wearing
[color & article of clothing]?" Repeat this activity until students
are comfortable.
ü Introduce verse one. Allow
students to answer before continuing with verse two.