How can songs help you teach English ?

?How can songs help you teach English

          

 

:Songs help you as a teacher and here's how

1. Songs help students learn vocabulary, grammar and syntax Learning with songs works because children hear whole sentences and absorb grammar and syntax subconsciously. It's an easy way for them to learn and remember words and phrases. 2. Songs use meaningful language in context Children hear vocabulary and phrases in a natural and meaningful context and no longer as isolated words or sentences. 3. Songs are catchy and re-usable Unlike a listening comprehension a song is catchy and fun and students will be happy hearing it many times over several months, as long as you don't play it to death in a single lesson.   4. Songs enhance listening skills Naturally any English song helps listening skills as long as the language is within the grasp of the learner. . 5. Songs improve speaking fluency with the natural rhythms of language ESL songs that are performed by native speakers allow children to hear the natural rhythms and stresses of English and this helps their pronunciation and speaking fluency. More ways songs help teachers: 6. Integrating music and actions makes your lesson appeal to wider learning styles Along with the music, melody and rhythm, actions can be found to go with the song. Actions may be used with any song and not just with obvious 'action songs' like Head Shoulders Knees and Toes. Using music and actions immediately pushes the boat out to reach more pupils by encompassing a variety of learning styles in class. Kinesthetic and tactile learners will latch on to using their bodies to music while auditory learners are in their element listening. http://www.teachingenglishgames.com/eslsongs.htmVisual learners see others making the actions and can look at story pictures or vocabulary flashcards relating to the song. Everybody is happy, except for the tiny minority of people who do not like music! 7. Songs are fun and motivate pupils Only at number seven on this list but yet a gigantic benefit is the fact that using music can lift the atmosphere in class, bring in a boost of energy and zest for life that captures the children's attention and motivates them in their quest to learn English. 8. Songs can be confidence building Using songs for ESL is a way for children to listen and practice English in a group, joining in when they can without being singled out, and gradually achieving more with each listening. A huge boost in confidence can be gained from this, which percolates through to all learning. 9. Songs are memory aids We all know how songs can stick in our heads and this is exactly what we want for our English language learners. 10. Songs help with classroom management More mundane but absolutely crucial to a teacher is that putting on a song immediately attracts the attention of the class. All pupils join in with the actions and/or start to sing along. The teacher now has their attention if he/she did not before! In summary songs allow pupils to hear English in context, naturally, to listen repeatedly, to enjoy learning, to be more involved with TPR (total physical response), to be focused and motivated and remember language more easily and for longer. Songs also help with classroom management.  References Shelley Ann Vernon Teaching English Games