 Songs in the ESL classroom for younger beginners Music-based learning is an effective technique to develop English proficiency within an early youth classroom Classroom-based singing can create a fun learning environment and lead to the development of musical skills, social interaction and English vocabulary This post was written by our ITTT graduate Patrick H. Simple Rhymes The most effective method for younger learners is the use of various simple rhymes Rhymes are simple in nature and may easily be adapted to the current material that is being taught The teacher and students will benefit most from a circular seating arrangement as it allows both parties to interact amongst each other in clear viewpoint It is important for the teacher to model the beat and enact a clear movement or sway This will act as the main control mechanism while the students learn the words to the composition Examples of suitable rhyme songs Song selection is relative to the needs of the course content and its expansion into other parts of immersion within the classroom are quite infinite The use of song rhyme variants such as what's your name and I'm so happy to see can allow teachers to quickly learn the names of their students while creating brief teacher-student bonding moments Three word rhymes can also help create classroom etiquette such as when going downstairs or outside An example of a three word rhyme for going down a flight of stairs could include down the stairs, one by one, hold the rails, here we go During an English lesson, the most popular songs as a warm-up may include the ABC song, Old MacDonald and Mary Had a Little Lamb You can also apply various rhymes to teach students about traditional topics such as family, weather, feelings, etc Involving the class In the case of a substitution rhyme, x, itsy bitsy spider, the teacher will lead the first two to three verses of the composition Then while keeping the beat ask for suggestions from the class, this allows for creativity and expansion of English vocabulary In the case of itsy bitsy spider, a teacher may ask the class this time should it be a big spider or small spider or what color should it be The interactive class setting and input from students will make the session more meaningful and lead to more investment by individual students Other substitution songs such as Old MacDonald may be used to expand animal vocabulary or ride along may be used to expand vehicle vocabulary It is important to not criticize or correct the child as this may cause them to become introverted during the session and hinder their creative learning process It is also best not to single out a specific student during suggestions as it may create anxiety or hinder the extra version needed in a musical environment It is important that the students first learn the song without the instrumental This will promote independent musical accuracy as they will not only have to listen and learn the words but also sing and tune and follow the beat Only after the class is fully competent in singing cohesively should the instrumental soundtrack be added Are you ready to teach English abroad? Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today