Songs For Teaching

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Although all parts of a lesson are equally important, the "engage phase" may be the most important. The "engage phase" is the departing point of the lesson, and where you will focus the attention of the students away from the other occurrences of the day, and make them focus on learning the English language. Choosing the activity in which to grab the students' attention can be a challenge, as it must grab the students' attention within one or two minutes. The best types of activities are those in which students are fully engaged in a cognitive, critical thinking process. Through various studies, music has shown to be an activity which utilizes many parts of the brain at once and therefore is a great activity to "jump-start" the brain, and get students to...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Songs and music are such an important part of an ESL preschool curriculum. Not only are they fun, but they are also very powerful tools to help young students learn English in a fun and entertaining way. Learning a second language at the preschool level needs to be experienced through engaging activities - words and actions need to go in tandem. Songs allow the children to move along and learn in a pleasant, fun way, in accordance with the TPR technique. They also serve as a tool to lower students' affective filter - according to the famous linguist Stephen Krashen's theory (1983), students can develop a blockage/filter toward their study because of a negative emotional attitude. When that filter is low, thanks to triggering students'...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The English language is the most spoken one as a second language in the whole world. It has become the international language of business, science, technology, international relations, and diplomacy. Why Use Songs? Boost of Motivation Here are six steps for making a song the focus of the class Ice-breaker Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Askarbekkyzy K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Songs can be used to develop students' listening skills. They improve listening skills 'because they provide students with practice listening to different forms of intonation and rhythm. Songs can be...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Music-based learning is an effective technique to develop English proficiency within an early youth classroom. Classroom-based singing can create a fun learning environment and lead to the development of musical skills, social interaction, and English vocabulary. Simple Rhymes Examples of Suitable Rhyme Songs Involving the Class Listen to the blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Patrick H. The most effective method for younger learners is the use of various simple rhymes. Rhymes are simple in nature and may easily be adapted to the current material that is being taught. The teacher and students will benefit most from a circular seating arrangement as it allows both...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Many tools can be utilized effectively when teaching English as a foreign or second to students of all ages and varied cultural backgrounds. Music is most certainly one of them. Song, in particular, is a valuable tool for teaching English to foreign students. Topics to teach with the help of songs Resources Example idea Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ruth F. Songs can be found that describe everyday concepts such as numbers, colors, alphabetical letters, body parts, clothing, weekdays, seasons and months. The use of songs to teach these concepts can make lessons interesting and exciting to students. Information and concepts learned through songs...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Even for people who are unable to carry a tune, singing is something that most would probably enjoy. There is a bit of embarrassment to overcome for many people, especially youths, but with a classroom full of people all singing together, the embarrassment factor is lowered. With that in mind, I would say that singing song in the language that a student is learning help keep vocabulary and grammar in their mind. In a lesser sense, poetry fulfills a similar goal, but I would assume that more people would find fun in singing, and therefore be more open to subject retention, than poetry simply because of the musical aspect. It creates an upbeat and happy mood (depending on the song), and this activity could even be used for a class performance. The Accent...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching a group of new students can, and frequently is an intimidating challenge. Working with students who are just meeting you, and have unknown skill levels often creates a chaotic environment. By incorporating pieces of music that are familiar to the teacher and students we can increase rapport, improve confidence, train listening skills, and engage students quickly and more effectively. There are multiple ways to use music in the classroom and to teach English as a foreign language, and each should be tailored to the needs of the students. Easy and Familiar Authentic Engaging Do you want to teach English all over the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Everitt G. Please note...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Music is an important element in our lives. When you're on your way to work, you turn on the radio. When you're too tired to do anything, you choose a song from your playlist and play it to make you feel relaxed. Human beings are emotional by nature. Music offers encouragement and the strength that one needs. Its importance cannot be taken for granted. It is a tool that connects people of all ages, nationality, and culture. It's not odd to see a child listening to an old rock musician's song. Also, it's not surprising to see an Indian woman listening to Taylor Swift despite the differences in their cultures. I believe using music as a tool to teach English to foreign students have many advantages. Conquering Frustration Creating a Comforting Atmosphere...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Although all parts of a lesson are important, the engage phase (or warm up) may be the most important. The engage phase is the departing point of the lesson, where you need to draw the attention of the students away from other occurrences of the day and make them focus on learning the English language. Choosing an activity to grab the students' attention can be a challenge, as it needs to work within just a few minutes. Through various studies, music has shown to be an activity which utilizes many parts of the brain at once, and therefore is a great activity to "jump start" the brain, and get students to focus more quickly. Why Music Activities are Great for Language Learners Music to Make Things More Challenging Music Activities Using...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Enjoying music is an essential part of the human experience, so it follows that incorporating the use of songs in the classroom can be an enriching part of an English learner's journey. Songs and music can be used in a variety of EFL classrooms, across all cultures, levels of learning, and ages. The benefits of incorporating music in English language study vary from simple vocabulary learning to discover themes about cultures different than the student's own. Students' Age Atmosphere Conceptual Learning Vocabulary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Elizabeth H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said "Music is the universal language of mankind" and it is still widely accepted today. Any language uses words to create sentences that convey messages with different tones and emotions as well as music does. Thus, bringing music to an English classroom is one good way to inspire the learners. There are tons of techniques or ideas involving music and songs that can be applied to any part of a lesson plan. It is available today in the form of online resources to use as a guideline for teachers. However, there are some arguments about how this strategy can be time-consuming and taking away the interest out of a focus lesson. In this case, the advantages outweigh the worries. Here are some astonishing benefits to convince...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I was an English teacher in Japan for over three and a half years. In that time, I gained a lot of experience teaching young learners. My students were aged from two to fourteen. As I taught these students, I learned a lot about how songs can be used effectively in the classroom. Songs can be used to teach sentence structure, routines, vocabulary, and help aid the understanding of instructions in the classroom. Learning path Young children Lesson flow Transitions School kids Teenagers Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Megan B. Before students can even grasp the language, they can understand rhythm and music. When teaching the youngest students...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas It is a very well known fact that English is a very melodic language, it sounds very soft and children love singing in English. When you keep a certain rhythm, rhyme, and pace, it is very likely to learn faster and better almost any topic. Listen to this blog post: Young Learners The objective would be to sing and to touch the body parts at the same time. Both engage and practice stages are important during the lesson as they will have to be well balanced and guided. More Ideas Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Valeria T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For a group of very young...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas To begin with, I have been teaching English for more than 30 years. I teach groups of students and individuals of different ages and abilities. That is why I have always had a problem how to raise my students' motivation, how to make my lessons interesting and exciting so that the bell at the end of the class would be for me, not for my students. I have always wanted them to be upset that the lesson is over. As a result of this research, I concluded that along with having different games, quizzes, puzzles, crosswords and project works, learning and singing songs is as challenging and helpful as doing grammar exercises. The results of learning English songs by heart is stunning. Do not think that I do this activity only for entertainment. It is a big...  [Read more]

  Benefits of Using Music in Teaching How Music Enhances Language Learning Incorporating Songs to Teach Vocabulary Using Music to Improve Pronunciation Cultural Understanding Through Music Engaging Students Through Music Activities Creating a Music-Based Lesson Plan Overcoming Challenges of Using Music Resources for Finding Suitable Songs Conclusion: The Power of Music in Education Integrating music into lessons can enhance student engagement, motivation, and retention. Research shows that music stimulates various areas of the brain, aiding in memory and cognitive development. By incorporating music, teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that caters to different learning styles. Integrating music into lessons can enhance student engagement, motivation,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Nowadays the ESA method is used all over the world to teach English. ESA is the first letters of the phases of an English language lesson. These three elements are; Engage, Study and Activate. The classic method only included study phase. It wasn't important to teach how to speak the foreign language in the past. However, it is a big issue now. It is hard to improve speaking skills in a country where English isn't the first language as the students aren't surrounded by English and don't have the opportunity to practice realistic situations. Authentic vs. Adapted Engage Study Activate Songs Suggestions Nursery Rhymes List: Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas Many of us, who have had the opportunity to learn a new language have this exciting memory of learning a non-native language even though it could have been just a word or eventually mastering the language itself but, till date have that in our memory bank and access it as and when necessary. In many cases it often beings with a song where we pick up a few words when we are listing to it and slowly try to build up our vocabulary and potentially develop an interest in learning that new language. Reasons to Use Songs Lesson Plan Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nagashree C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

Incorporating music and songs in TEFL teaching can be a highly effective and engaging way to help students learn English. Music is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, making it a powerful tool for language learning. By using music and songs in your TEFL classes, you can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that motivates students to engage with the language in a fun and meaningful way. Whether you use popular English songs, traditional nursery rhymes, or specially designed language learning songs, incorporating music into your lessons can enhance vocabulary retention, improve pronunciation, and boost overall language proficiency. There are numerous benefits to using music and songs in TEFL classes. Firstly, music can help create a positive and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have a great fascination and interest to teach English as well as proper study techniques to students of all ages. This next year, I plan on moving to China to teach English to young children. When contemplating these future endeavors, I plan on implementing songs as a method to help young children learn English. Singing songs is a fun, interactive method that engages the attention of children. When teaching children, I argue that singing songs is a great method to cultivate and maintain a strong foundation in their English language level. Children and Learning Lesson Goals How to Choose Songs for The Lesson Other Pros Regular Repetition Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Songs, what are songs? Merriam-Webster define a song as a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung OR a single (and often standalone) work of music that is typically intended to be sung by the human voice with distinct and fixed pitches and patterns using sound and silence and a variety of forms that often include the repetition of sections. I will like to emphasize on some major factors that makes songs in the classroom very important in learning a new language and the general upbringing of children. Using Music, Songs and Rhymes as a Teaching Aid Songs - a Tool for Memorization, Coordination, and Imagination Carefully Selecting Songs Final Things To Consider Are you ready to teach abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching a foreign language involves a whole set of different stages and methods that are guided and put into practice by the teacher. Universal Language Power of Songs Choosing teaching materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Maria S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. If music is a "universal language", and it is furthermore considered as an element inherent to culture, this link between music and the teaching of language can be explored using the song as didactic material. Often the most playful or innovative moments are the ones that are recorded in the student's memory. Thus, one of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Sitting in a classroom can be such a boring and dull time for children if the teacher is not playful, fun, and creative with the tasks and activities he/she provides. I understand that teaching requires a whole lot of information to be imported into the heads of the students, but I honestly think there are very many paths to the same goal. My Learning Experience Presenting the Material Practical Implementation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hristina M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my personal learning experience, I have encountered many strategies and techniques and I have found that...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences We all probably know, that music has no language. It is kindly welcomed by all nations equally, as well as all races, ages and cultures. So how can music or songs help us to teach English and to do it more effectively? Music aids memory Songs can teach vocabulary Music provides clear patterns to follow Using songs and music build rapport Do you want to teach English around the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alena A. Music lets us go deeper into conscious that anything else, it is much more memorable, so the words and grammar structures may be remembered much faster. It also helps to relax and to feel happy, so using songs in the classroom is not only a good idea, but it is also an...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Sitting in a classroom can be such a boring and dull time for children if the teacher is not playful, fun, and creative with the tasks and activities he/she provides. I understand that teaching requires a whole lot of information to be imported into the heads of the students, but I honestly think there are very many paths to the same goal. Personal Experience Ways to Explain the Materials How to integrate Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hristina M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my personal learning experience, I have encountered many strategies and techniques and I have found that I, as...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As we know, Music affects human life. Music – a subject that is quite interesting for students. Especially, when children aged 0-6 years old, there is 2-6 years old called the period of sensitive music of children. If at that time, parents give children a lot of music, they will receive very well. So, how do the songs affect children, and how are the benefits of using songs in English classes? Two of these problems will explain clearly the reason why the is song important. Music as a Tool Ways to Use Songs Classroom Atmosphere Communication and Friendship Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hien Phan Thi D. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Incorporating music and songs into TEFL lessons can bring numerous benefits to both teachers and students. Music is a powerful tool that can enhance language learning in various ways. Firstly, music and songs can make learning English more enjoyable and engaging for students. When students are having fun, they are more likely to be motivated to participate actively in the lesson and retain what they have learned. Additionally, music can help create a positive and relaxed learning environment, which can reduce stress and anxiety often associated with language learning. Furthermore, music and songs can improve students' listening skills. Listening to songs in English exposes students to authentic pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm of the language. This exposure can help students develop...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As the mother of a 3-year-old son, born in Spain to British parents, I have found that singing the same song in both English and Spanish has helped my son become bilingual. Quicker Learning Total Physical Response My surprising observation Latest Researches Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alessandra Fay B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Provided it is done in a fun and interesting way, James appears to retain information much quicker when presented to him in song form. For example, we sing the days of the week, first in English and then in Spanish, both to the same tune and he...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When talking about using songs in the classroom, the first things we should probably start by asking ourselves is why use them? And why are they important? Childhood How our brain collects memories Benefits of music and songs for the brain Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Karina C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. To answer these questions, I will throw you back to your childhood for a moment, more specifically to the first five years of your life and ask you to think of this; how many things do you remember from your early childhood? Do you remember what you use to be told? Or any...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Songs are very popular in classes for young learners. Children need frequent changes in activities to stimulate their curiosity. Songs are fun and offer a nice way to warm up students and spend out their high-level energy. But songs are likewise an effective way to teach new vocabularies and sentences, improve speaking fluency and develop students' artistic abilities. Often teachers make use of videos downloaded at YouTube or another online platform, but they can also reproduce songs in a micro-system or even sing or play the song with a guitar or another instrument. Planning according to goals and objectives Approach to teaching Pre-teaching vocabulary Total Physical Response Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

  Realia and Authentic Materials Visual Aids and Flashcards Interactive Whiteboards and Technology Games and Activities Songs and Music Role-Playing and Drama Literature and Reading Materials Worksheets and Handouts Online Resources and Apps Customized Materials and Lesson Plans Realia and authentic materials are physical objects or items from real life that are used in the ESL classroom to provide context and make learning more engaging. Examples include maps, menus, newspapers, and everyday objects. By incorporating realia into lessons, students can connect language learning to real-world situations, enhancing their understanding and retention of new vocabulary and concepts. ITTT, one of the leading TEFL and TESOL providers worldwide, emphasizes the importance of using realia to...  [Read more]