it can also work for a writing, creative writing, or literature classes as a way of getting kids to connect to (at least the idea of) poetry or as a way of illustrating how figurative language works (the latter approach is useful for advanced TEFL students too). i used "Razorblade" by the Strokes when i did that in a mathayom 6 reading and writing class (2nd option, i don' wan' to teach pottery). worked out pretty well, although we didn't do singing at all (wouldn't ask the little shits to do anything i wouldn't do myself).Originally Posted by you_me_no_savy_talk_talk
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that one's good for figurative language, too. i wouldn't worry too much about making it 'contemporary'; "Zombie" is a pretty old song when you're 18 and under, and when I had 'em find their own songs I had a lot of kids coming up with Beach Boys, Beatles, etc... some of the stuff was even older than their teacher. if you know the class a little bit you get a feel for what they like, IMO. but unless you're a lot better at it than me (which admittedly wouldn't take much) you'll fall on your face sometimes (they got into the Strokes well enough, but did NOT respond to White Stripes' "The Hardest Button to Button" AT ALL).
Imodium can't stop me.
I prefer to leave the grammar to the Thai teachers. I try to keep the singing simple. One of the kids asked for some Michael Jackson but I said it was difficult to play on guitar, for me, at least. I have videos of Lady Gaga and such whenever then need a break. Thanks for the web link. I will check it out.
Yeah, sounds kinda dry without 12 instruments backing you up.
Singing is a natural fit for Thai students. After all, one of the national pastimes is karaoke. Singing teaches correct intonation and rhythms in English, something students don't get from stumbling through ordinary reading.
Instructional tips: Use gap fills (as previously mentioned). Write the words on the whiteboard that the students will need to complete the gaps in the song. Don't ask the students to sing the song the first pass, only listen to complete the gaps. Make it competitive - who will be the first student(s) to fill in all the blanks correctly? Second, have the students repeat the lyrics are you model them. Say them at first, don't sing them. Third, play the song again and have students MOUTH or lip sync the lyrics only. Fourth, model the intonation and have students repeat the lyrics melodically. Fifth, ask the students to try to sing along. For singing to be effective, they need to hear the song five or more times.
Running dictation! Split the class into two groups. Attach two copies of the song's lyrics to the opposite end of the room. Each group must appoint a secretary who will write down the lyrics for his/her team. Then students run across the room and memorize a single lyric, then repeat it back to the secretary who must record it correctly. You need to monitor this an tell the secretaries if there are mistakes. Have students do one stanza at a time - it's lots of fun!
Ain't 'THAT' the truth!
ALL asians! (with just one intelligent asian nation excepted)
I tried a few fill in the blank scenarios but got zero response. I like the idea of teaming them into pairs as I have classes of 50+. The school assigns to their classes by their grades and behavior in class, thus a 4/1 class is bright and quiet whereas 4/7 is not. At least that is the theory. I have bright kids in all the classes but the higher the number, the more they have to compete for breathing space. The songs tied all my classes together for a moment.
I don't know the Zombies and suspect most of my kids don't either, but I will check it out to find the tune. I only used John Denver initially because his songs tend to have a nice chorus that everyone can remember.
The dictation game looks interesting. Thank you for your suggestions.
Neither do I........
Try "Rocky mountain high".....or...."Leaving on a jet plane"....should make it interesting.
Good choice.
If OP wants another song with a good chorus, try 'Que Sera Sera' - students like it.
Yea....They could sing it while watching a vid of the plane wreckage.... Surprised ya missed that one dude...
I got all my students to fall on their asses today when I sang "I'm a Little Teapot". Think: "Tip me over and pour me out!"
seems everybody in asia likes it. I get students requesting it. I hate it, it gets in my head and won't leave me alone.
And its a stupid little song to boot.
its not a song but kids like learning 'eeny meeny miny mo'
i use it alot in class.
fred
...I'm surprised nobody's brought up Hotel California...
...majestically enthroned amid the vulgar herd...
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
It's over-done. Long intro, too many stanzas and not easy to grasp the vocab.
I've used ABBA's 'I have a dream' with moderate success.
i think you are blissfully unaware of what a meltdown is.
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