Enhancing Language Learning with Songs, Rhymes, and Chants
Why Use Songs, Rhymes, and Chants?
A Linguistic Resource
- They allow new language to be introduced, and structures and vocabulary to be reinforced and recycled.
- They present familiar language in new and exciting forms and in a rich, imaginative context.
- They provide for lots of natural and enjoyable repetition.
- They can be used to develop all skills in an integrated way.
- They help improve all aspects of pronunciation.
A Psychological/Affective Resource
- They are motivating and fun and help develop positive attitudes towards the target language.
- They are non-threatening, and the more inhibited child will feel secure when singing and chanting as a class or in groups.
- They can encourage a feeling of achievement and build children’s confidence by allowing them to learn chunks of language.
A Cognitive Resource
- They help to develop concentration, memory, and coordination.
- They sensitize children to rhyming clues as aids to meaning.
- Repetition enables children to predict what comes next and to consolidate language items.
- They can be compiled into song/rhyme books to help children develop good study habits.
A Cultural Resource
- They are from authentic sources and contribute to the cultural component of a language program, and children can be encouraged to compare them with those in their own language.
A Social Resource
- Singing and chanting together is a shared social experience and helps to develop a class and group identity.
- They can be used as the basis for a performance show.
Types of Songs, Rhymes, and Chants
There are many different kinds of songs, rhymes, and chants which contain different features and are used for different purposes. Rhymes can be divided into two categories:
- Those which are essential to the regulation of games and children’s relationships with each other and include dips and skipping rhymes.
- Those that are more expressions of exuberance and include jingles, slogans, etc.
Rhymes that are used for the regulation of games usually include dipping. They are used to eliminate children when deciding who is going to be a key person for a game. The players usually stand in a line or a circle, and one child counts the number of counts prescribed by the stressed of a short time. Many rhymes are traditionally used by children to perform actions in groups, to clap together in pairs, or when skipping. Finger rhymes or plays involve actions just for the hand, and children can remain seated.
When and How to Use Songs, Rhymes, and Chants
They can be used in many different ways: as warmers, as a transition from one activity to the next, as closers, to introduce new language, to practice language, to revise, to change pace, etc. Here is a flexible framework for using them. It may not be necessary or appropriate to use each stage:
- Set the context.
- Pre-teach any necessary vocabulary using visual aids, actions, etc.
- Play on cassette or sing or chant to allow children to listen and show understanding.
- Do further pronunciation awareness.
- Invite children to listen, repeat, and practice by joining in and learning to sing or chant.
- Give a written record of the text.
- Encourage children to compare it with a similar type in their own language.
- Present or perform as a whole class or in groups.