Lesson 11: Enhancing Learning with Engaging Activities and Materials: Songs, Music, and Stories

Lesson 11: Enhancing Learning with Engaging Activities and Materials: Songs, Music, and Stories

THE POWER OF SONGS: FUN AND EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING¹
Exercise 1: Song Selection Instructions:
I
Reasoning:
- The song is not too long, with a duration of around 3 minutes, making it easy for younger audiences to listen to without losing interest.
- The tempo of the song is not too fast, allowing for easy comprehension and understanding of the lyrics.
- The lyrics are in everyday English and are clear, making it easy for younger audiences to relate to and understand the meaning behind the song.
- The theme of heartbreak and loss is something that many young people can relate to, making it suitable for our age group.
- The emotional depth and vulnerability in the song can also resonate with young listeners who may be going through similar experiences.
Exercise 2: Language Learning Activities Instructions:
Song: "Imagine" by John Lennon

Chosen Activity: Guess the Emotion

Purpose of the Activity: The purpose of this activity is to help students identify and understand the emotions conveyed in the lyrics of the song "Imagine" by John Lennon. By discussing how the music and lyrics contribute to the emotional impact, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the message of the song.

Presentation:

- Play a portion of the song "Imagine" by John Lennon.
- Ask students to listen carefully to the lyrics and identify the emotions conveyed in the song.
- Have a discussion about the emotions identified and how they are expressed through the music and lyrics.
- Discuss the impact of these emotions on the overall message of the song.

Feedback and Discussion:

After the presentation, the class will provide feedback on the effectiveness and enjoyment of the activity. They will discuss how well they were able to identify the emotions in the song and how it contributed to their understanding of the song's message. The class will also discuss how the activity helped them connect with the song on an emotional level.
Exercise 3: Song-Based Reading and Writing
- Students will share their interpretations and creative ideas with a partner or the class, discussing how they connected with the song on an emotional level and how it impacted their understanding of the song's message.
- The teacher will facilitate a discussion on the different interpretations and emotions identified in the song, as well as how the music and lyrics contribute to the overall impact of the song.
- The class will reflect on how the activity helped them gain a deeper appreciation for the message of the song and how it allowed them to connect with the emotions conveyed in the lyrics.
Exercise 4: Song-Based Listening

1^ Retrieved from: Cambridge Assessment English. (n.d.). Learn English through songs | Cambridge English. https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/parents-and-children/your-childsinterests/learn-english-through-songs/