Teach English in ZhujiAjiao Zhen - Shanghai Shi

Songs in the classroomThis article discusses the importance and the benefits of music and songs in language acquisition, with a particular focus on young learners. Children who learn a second language early understand and speak it better than older learners. Patricia Kuhl, in her presentation entitled: ?The linguistic genius of babies?, shares research facts about how babies learn a language. She explains that ?language has a critical period for learning?, and that ?babies and children are geniuses until they turn 7.? If children can start learning a language early, it is important to think about which approaches are most effective in the classroom. How can the child be encouraged to produce language in a natural manner? Which activities can help them acquire a foreign language in an environment where they feel comfortable? TPR research suggests that learners need to understand in order to learn, and that the use of pictures as well as physical movement helps them internalize the language. With this in mind, it seems like listening to and singing songs can be a classroom activity that captivates a child, holds their attention, and at the same time encompasses some important aspects for early language acquisition. What are the benefits of music? Children usually enjoy participating in musical activities. Music engages children and stimulates language learning. Kuhl explains that young ?children try to master which sounds are used in their language ?. With music, songs, rhythm and rhymes, children can build their awareness of sounds, which is essential in learning a language, and in memorizing it. For children, music and movement are a fun and effective way to improve their listening skills and learn english. What kind of songs? Songs are a great source of vocabulary. Teachers should use songs that are simple and repetitive, and that are appropriate for their age. The learners don?t need to understand the words: they can still imitate and gradually will understand the meaning. The more they hear words in english, the more their ear will get accustomed to the language, and the better they will acquire it. They will eventually recognize familiar words, understand basic instructions, and ask simple questions. When is singing suitable? Singing is a great way to start the lesson. It puts the learners in the mood and it captivates their attention for the engage phase. It helps the teacher break the ice and ensure the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. In the study phase, the teacher can teach a song that includes new vocabulary, along with images or picture books, and that will be useful to the lesson?s objectives and topic. Learners can move from learning new words and phrases to using them in the activate stage. How to accompany songs? Teachers can use different techniques to accompany songs in order to help children focus and memorize. Puppets, finger play, hand motions, images or even whole body physical instructions? can all be useful and fun resources available for the instructor. Conclusion: Using songs as a method of expression and communication is not new. The first words and phrases that we learn are often accompanied by lullabies and nursery rhymes. Exposing a child to a second language in the same way they have learned their native language is natural and effective. Even as adults, we can often remember the first songs we were taught. Research has shown that music and songs have a very positive impact in developing language skills, and that its instruction should be an integral part of the foreign language acquisition curriculum. Its benefits in class are numerous: developing new vocabulary, practicing pronunciation and intonation, and studying language structures. Singing is an interactive activity that is rewarding for teachers, and engaging for students.