Using Song For Teaching Young Learners

Music is an amazing tool for teaching languages, especially to children. Good songs will bounce around in a learner's head long after their lesson is over. Young learners pick up vocabulary, grammatical structures, and the rhythm of the language simply by doing what they already love to do singing. In addition, music can serve a variety of functions in your classroom, at home, or even in the car. Music can set a mood. Music can signal a transition from one activity to another (for both the teacher and the student). Music can be a bonding experience. Here are some ways you can use music in your classroom.
• Play music in the background from the start of the lesson.
Just as you take care to make your learning environment visually appealing and stimulating, you should also note the effect that music has on the atmosphere in the classroom. Entering a classroom can be intimidating for people of any age. For children learning a foreign language, it can be particularly daunting. Music can really help to make your classroom warm and inviting. Greet students at the door and as they come into the classroom and sit down, they'll usually start singing or humming along. With super energetic classes, use soothing music in the background at the beginning of class, such as any of the lullaby medleys from the Super Simple Songs CDs, some classical music, or your favorite quiet music. With quieter groups, try upbeat, even silly music playing to start class. Use music to set a tone right from the start of class.