How to Use Music in the ESL Classroom

The following information is used for educational purposes only.

How to Use Music in the ESL Classroom

By:Charlotte Johnson



The acronym "ESL" stands for English as a Second Language. Students who speak a native language other than English often receive ESL instruction in public schools. Music can be a highly efficient tool to use in ESL classes. Music is a worldwide language to which people from any background can relate. You can use music to create a certain atmosphere within your class and to teach about various language concepts. Using music will help your students to enjoy themselves as they learn.
Play music in the background before class starts and during transition times. Students in ESL classes often experience anxiety over learning a new language. Using background music can help to relieve this anxiety.

Teach your students all types of songs in English. Discuss the meanings of the lyrics in the songs. Learning songs helps to widen students' vocabularies.

Teach traditional songs that teach about American holidays, patriotism and culture.

Place grammatical or spelling rules that may be frustrating your students to music. Use a familiar melody, like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Learning the rules in the context of a song makes them more memorable.

Allow students to play simple classroom instruments such as maracas, drums and tambourines in accompaniment with various songs. Playing instruments together helps to build community within the class.

Assign students of an appropriate ability level the task of translating a song from their country into English.


Source: www.eslteachersboard.com