Revista simpozionului Eficiență și calitate în educație - 19 mai 2017 Eficiență și calitate în educație | Page 12

Grade 0 children move from a 30- 35 minutes kindergarten activity to a 50 minutes school
class, they also move from a group of 20-25 to a class of 30 that means a less spacious
place. In consequence, as shown above, varying the types of activities helps to keep
young learners engaged in the class.
Teaching young learners is very difficult in comparison with teaching teenagers or
adults because young learners get distracted very fast.
Children love to have fun and play, so teachers should choose suitable teaching
methods that are appropriate for them. Games and songs are those methods that could be
used in order to avoid boredom in the classroom. They have a special role in any foreign
language teaching. Teachers may achieve all the educational outcomes by using ga mes
and songs especially when teaching vocabulary. Although language structure is
considered “the skeleton of the language,” it agreed that vocabulary is “the vital organs
and flesh” (Harmer, 1991). Vocabulary is the basic part and a key element to learn any
language.
Teaching vocabulary through the use of games and songs has become important
for English language learners because they sustain enjoyment and interest in learning and
encourage using the language in a creative manner.
The benefits of teaching English through songs:
1. Listening to songs means learning vocabulary, grammar and syntax
Children hear whole sentences and assimilate grammar and syntax subconsciously. It's an
easy way for them to learn and remember words and phrases.
2. They can 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 can be catchy and re-usable
A song is catchy, entertaining and fun and students will be happy hearing it many times
over a several months, as long as you don't play it to death in a single lesson.
4. Songs improve listening skills
Naturally listening to any English song helps listening skills as long as the language is
within the grasp of the learner.
5. They enhance speaking fluency with the natural rhythms of language
When using songs for young learners that are performed by native speakers, children hear
the natural rhythms and stresses of English and this helps their pronunciation and
speaking fluency.
6. Integrating music and actions makes your lesson more interesting
Actions can go along with the music, melody and rhythm. Actions may be used with any
song and not just with obvious 'action songs' like Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
7. Songs are fun and motivate pupils
Using music can lift the atmosphere in class, it captures children's attention and motivates
them in their attempt to learn English.
8. Songs can build confidence
Using songs 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
activity.
9. Songs are memory aids
The lyrics of songs stick in our heads and this is exactly what we want for our English
language learners.
10. Songs help with classroom management
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!
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