Using Music and Songs to Reinforce Language Learning

teikmike
3 days ago
2 min read

🎯 Introduction

Music captures attention, emotion, and memory — three things every teacher needs. Using songs in ESL classrooms creates a fun, memorable way to learn pronunciation, rhythm, and new expressions. This post shares how to make music a consistent teaching ally.

📄 Why It Matters / Why It Works

Songs help learners internalize patterns without conscious memorization. Rhythm supports pronunciation, repetition builds retention, and melody creates emotional connection. Whether for kids or adults, music makes English more enjoyable and easier to remember.

📚 Practical Teaching Strategies

1️⃣ “Gap Lyrics Challenge” (Focused Listening)

Print song lyrics with missing words. Students listen and fill in the blanks.

Focus: Listening for detail and vocabulary recognition.
Tip: Choose songs with clear pronunciation and simple themes.

2️⃣ “Grammar in Lyrics” (Implicit Practice)

Use lyrics to highlight grammar patterns — e.g., “present continuous” in I’m Singing in the Rain or “past tense” in Yesterday.

Focus: Real grammar in authentic use.
Variation: Have students find more examples on their own.

3️⃣ “Rewrite the Verse” (Creative Language Production)

Ask students to rewrite a line or verse using their own experiences.

Focus: Writing and personalization.
Example: Change “I’ve got sunshine” to “I’ve got coffee in the morning.”

4️⃣ “Sing It, Don’t Say It” (Confidence through Performance)

For shy speakers, singing lowers stress and helps them project their voice.

Focus: Pronunciation and rhythm through melody.

💡 Pro Tip

Use slower, clear songs for beginners (Disney or pop ballads) and modern hits for advanced students. Keep playlists by theme — e.g., “travel,” “friendship,” “seasons.”

📌 Final Thought

Music isn’t just fun — it’s linguistic repetition set to memory. GoTEFL prepares teachers to use creative methods like songs effectively, while TEIK offers classrooms in Korea where you can make learning sing. 🎵