Music Moves

By having students create gestures that reflect the meaning of new vocabulary from the lyrics of popular songs, they conjure up an emotional reaction resulting in increased motivation and longer retention. As students listen for the words in a song and respond with creative movement, their skill development comes more effortlessly from joyful activity rather than from nose to the grindstone determination.

Preparation

Choose a song to play for the class. Select a set of 10–15 key words from the song that can be mimed easily.

Procedure

1. Make sure students have a copy of the lyrics. You can write them on the board or display them with a projector. Circle the key words that you have selected. 2. Elicit possible motions that could be associated with each key word. For example, the word tall could be represented by students reaching their hands up straight towards the sky, or it could be represented by holding one hand up with the palm facing the floor. When the students have suggested a number of different mimes for the key word, ask the class to choose the one mime they like the best. 3. Practice that mime and then go onto the next key word until you have one mime for each key word. Practice them all so that students can remember them. 4. Play the song and have the students sing along and do all of the correct mimes when they hear the words.

Variations

1. The class can be divided into groups, and the different groups can be responsible for particular movements. 2. The class can be divided into groups, and the groups can compete to see which group can do the mimes correctly. 3. If using equipment with speakers is not feasible, help students who are willing to learn the song and perform for the others. 4. In addition to writing single words on the cards, include phrases, collocations, etc. The gestures would then become more elaborate.

When to Use It

• To allow students to learn vocabulary from an authentic source • To help students develop listening skills in a highly motivating activity • To help students make print and sound connections • To relieve stress among students • To energize and motivate students

Level

Skills

Practice

Materials

Lyrics as a handout or to be projected

Preparation Time

10–20 minutes (if you need to type the lyrics)

Activity Time

20–30 minutes

Possible Resources

Sing Out Loud: Traditional Songs https://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/singout-loud-traditional-songs Sing Out Loud: Children’s Songs “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” is a great song for this. https://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/singout-loud-childrens-songs