Teaching English through

Songs and Games

Devie Nurhanifah
Tri Sutyoso H.

Background
How we teach English in order to
make the student understand,
easy to remember and also make
the students enjoy in the learning
process?
Every teacher has different
teaching method in order to get
those goals in learning process.

According to
The most popular in teach English is
using game and song, Dra. Rina Listia,
M. Pd (2008) said that According to
the survey from students in elementary
school show that teaching English in
elementary school must fun, interactive
and enjoyable .
So, the materials and the method must
suitable with the children that we
teach.

Songs
Songs are one of the most attractive and culturally rich
resources that can easily be used in language
classrooms.
Songs offer a change from routine classroom activities.
They are precious resources to develop students abilities
in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
They can also be used to teach a variety of language
items such as sentence patterns, vocabulary,
pronunciation, rhythm, adjectives, and adverbs.
As stated by Lo and Fai Li (1998:8), learning English
through songs also provides a non-threatening
atmosphere for students, who usually are anxious when
speaking English in a formal classroom setting.

Teaching Procedures
At the primary level of singing the song, the
poetic features of the language is emphasized.
For teenagers or adults in the intermediate or
advanced level, it is better to use more
meaningful or popular songs, which not only
review or introduce grammar points but also
reflect cultural aspects.
At the higher levels, where the practice of
grammar points is at the foreground, songs can
be used with several techniques.

The Incredible Benefits of

Teaching EFL with Songs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Songs help learn vocabulary, grammar and syntax

They can use meaningful language in context
Songs can be catchy and re-usable
Songs enhance listening skills
They improve speaking fluency with the natural
rhythms of language
6. Integrating music and actions makes your lesson
appeal to wider learning styles
7. Songs are fun and motivate pupils
8. Songs can be confidence building
9. Songs are memory aids
10. Songs help with classroom management

Problems EFL Teachers encounter

using English Songs
Many English songs are difficult for EFL
learners. Most English songs have too
many words as they are written for native
speakers.
Many popular songs have inappropriate
content for the classroom at least in many
cultures.
Since the words are so difficult and fast,
you need to play the song repeatedly, then
the students will easily get bored.

How to go about teaching

with EFL songs successfully
1. You need songs that are specific for EFL
2. How to do the procedures
3. Start by teaching the key vocabulary in the
song for instance, by using games and
flashcards.
4. Use language games with the song
5. Keep it fresh
6. Make up actions
7. Practice saying the lines in rhythm
8. Break down the difficulty
9. Re-visit the song to perfect it and review

Games
Game can be defined as a form of play that involves
rules, competition and an element of fun.
Games are organized according to rules, and they are
enjoyable. Through well-planned games, learners can
practice and internalize vocabulary, grammar and
structures extensively.
Play and competition that are provided by games
enhance the motivation of the students. They also
reduce the stress in the classroom.
While playing games, the learners attention is on the
message, not on the language. Though games
generally place an emphasis on competition and wining,
they also require some type of problem-solving activity.

Teaching procedures
Games activities can be used for all
levels.
By regarding the proficiency, age and
experience of the learners, appropriate
activities might be applied successfully.
It is also important to design clear and
easy directions for the games or the
activities.

Use Games in Class Times

Games are fun and children like to play them. Through
games children experiment, discover, and interact with
their environment. (Lewis, 1999)
Games add variation to a lesson and increase
motivation by providing a plausible incentive to use the
target language. For many children between four and
twelve years old, especially the youngest, language
learning will not be the key motivational factor. Games
can provide this stimulus. (Lewis, 1999)

Cont
The game context makes the foreign language
immediately useful to the children. It brings the
target language to life. (Lewis, 1999)
The game makes the reasons for speaking
reasonable even to unwilling children. (Lewis,
1999)
Through playing games, students can learn
English the way children learn their mother
tongue without being aware they are studying;
thus without stress, they can learn a lot.
Even shy students can participate positively.

The Advantages of Using Games

Games are a welcome break from the usual routine of the language class.
Learning a language requires a great deal of effort. Games help students
to make and maintain the effort of learning.
Games provide language practice in the various skills- speaking, writing,
listening and reading.
They create a meaningful context for language use.
Games offer an element of fun and competition. Students forget they are
learning and focus on winning.
Games are motivating and challenging.
Games help build understanding amongst the students. The students are
encouraged to co-operate and communicate to reach a common goal.
Games lower stress and anxiety within the students.
Games encourage students to use and search out new vocabulary.

Some Difficulty in Using Games

Games require more effort from the teacher.
Some imagination and preparation is
needed.
Teachers need extra time to organize the
class/students.
Teachers should consider the time
management in class.
Sometimes, sit arrangement influences the
target of learning (using game).

How to Choose Games

(Tyson, 2000)
A game must be more than just fun.
A game should involve "friendly"
competition.
A game should keep all of the students
involved and interested.
A game should encourage students to
focus on the use of language rather than
on the language itself.
A game should give students a chance to
learn, practice, or review specific language
material.

The Application
Song

 Games

References

Lewis, G., & Bedson, G. (1999). Games for children.

Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Lo, R. & Fai Li,H.C. (1998). Songs enhance learner
involvement. English Teaching FORUM, 36/3:8-11
Tyson, R. E. (2000). Serious fun: Using games, jokes,
and stories in the language classroom. Class handout.

Thank You