Grammar songs for kids

INTRODUCTION

Working with kids you must use a wide range of songs. They can be used with specific teaching points in mind or just for fun to motivate children. I use some songs naturally to teach or reinforce grammar points. They may be integrated into lessons with a par ticular grammar focus and provide much-needed variety, while contributing to the overall aim of a lesson. Particularly at lower levels when students or children are still learning basic key grammar patterns, songs can play a role as input.

On Learn English Kids there are several songs which can be used in this way. For example the song 'I've got a Robot' is useful to practice the structure 'can/can't' as well as providing reinforcement of the vocabulary of parts of the body. You may download the accompanying worksheet which contains a basic listening activity on 'can/can't' which could be used as the basis of further oral practice.

For a slightly higher level the song 'Over the Mountains' provides practice of the present continuous in the context of traveling. The chorus refrains e.g. 'I'm driving in a car' are repeated several times and children can produce their own sentences afterwards using the activity worksheet.

Longer songs with a wider variety of structures and vocabulary are more suitable for the development of listening skills generally. Some of the songs on the website which are longer and more difficult are useful to develop general listening skills.

Many of the songs are suitable for singing in class or for an individual child to sing along to. Community singing in class brings the benefit of total participation from all students, especially if accompanied by actions or mimes. The total physical response approach is particularly suited to younger learners. Children really enjoy singing along and it can really improve motivation. Singing can also improve the pronunciation and intonation patterns of the students, especially younger.

Автор: Яценко О.М., вчитель англійської мови

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