How to Use Music to Teach English Verbs

Music is a powerful tool for engaging children in learning English as a second language (ESL). Through singing and actions, children will listen, comprehend and speak verbs successfully. These ideas will help your English language learners enjoy memorizing and speaking common verbs!

Instructions

Step1

Make a list of 5-10 verbs your ESL students will learn. It is helpful to keep the action words themed, such as actions done in a certain job, action words that describe how to walk or talk, actions done when dancing or creating art, etc.

Step2

Find an English children's folk song that will help teach your list of verbs. Effective songs for teaching verbs include: "Skip to My Lou" "Circle Left" "The Ants Go Marching" "Clap Your Hands" "This is the way we write our name so early in the Morning" You can use multiple verbs with one song by just changing the verb each time you sing the song. (i.e. "Run to My Lou")

Step3

Sing the song to your ESL children. Act out the verb as realistically as possible as you sing it in the song. Allow children to learn the song by listening, observing, and imitating your actions. Spend 10-15 minutes doing this step for several days before moving on to step 4.

Step4

Tell the students to listen carefully. Sing the song using one of the verbs you have acted multiple times with the students. Only this time don't do the action. Prompt the children to do the action you are singing. If they can do the correct action, you know that they comprehend! Repeat this step numerous times. Have fun with it!

Step5

Once students are familiar with the activity in step 4, allow one or more children to take the place of the teacher. They can choose an action to sing and expect the students to do the action.

Step6

During activities that involve your list of verbs, sing the song to help the children remember the verbs.

Tips & Warnings

• Folk is an effective genre to use in the ESL room. Folk songs have all of the basic structures of language within them and they have withstood the test of time. Also, musically the tunes are simple and natural for children.
• The tune to "Skip to My Lou" can be used for virtually all verbs. Change the words to "Walk, walk, walk with me.... Walk with me today." OR "Eat, eat, eat with me.... Eat with me today." OR "Read, read, read with me... Read with me today."
• Chants and Nursery Rhymes are also effective for teaching verbs.
• If you are uncomfortable singing to your students, practice in your classroom when students are gone. This will help you get used to hearing yourself sing in your classroom.
• Be careful when changing words in a folk song. Sometimes teachers add too many words or syllables which can make the rhythm seem awkward. Make sure that the words you choose flow with the melody and rhythm.
• Never force students to sing or act. This will only create a power struggle. Instead, provide two options when singing takes place in your classroom: 1) sing along with your best singing voice, 2) listen and watch. When your English language learners feel comfortable with the words and actions, they will join in.