I like English Teacher's Guide - Flipbook - Page 7
c. Choral and Individual Repetition
Pupils must be active users of the foreign language to learn it. Repetition of
vocabulary and lexical chunks and expressions helps pupils internalize the foreign
language. Repetition can be choral or individual. Choral repetition is a motivating
way to get pupils to participate actively in the lesson while reinforcing target
vocabulary and language. It builds confidence and allows even timid pupils to
practice using the language without focusing attention on him/herself. Pupils can
participate in chants, songs and interactive reading chorally, adding movements.
Clapping their hands or stamping their feet adds an additional physical response to
the choral reading activity, further involving the pupils in the language-using
experience.
d. Games for Practice and Reinforcement of Vocabulary
Games provide a wonderful opportunity to engage students in using the language for
real communication purposes. They are fun, motivating and maintain the pupils’
interest while practicing vocabulary and natural lexical chunks and discourse. Many
can also be played in pairs or group competitions.
A full list of all the game instructions in the program appears below in the end ot the
Teacher’s Guide.
6. Teaching Songs and Chants
Songs and chants are an integral part of the I Like English program. “Music lowers affective
barriers and assists in making students more relaxed, thereby more receptive to language
learning.” (Engh 2013: 117). The use of music in the language learning classroom increases
motivation and engagement, while decreasing stress and apprehension. In addition, songs
and music have been seen to aid significantly in learning vocabulary and language patterns,
specifically in foreign language acquisition.
Songs are strategically re-entered throughout the program in order to review vocabulary
and lexical chunks, and to give pupils the opportunity to gain the confidence to be able to
chant and sing independently.
The teacher can help pupils build this skill:
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Play the song or chant. Demonstrate by singing or by using Max the Puppet to sing.
Perform any gestures that may accompany the song.
Sing the first line of the song (include any gestures). Have pupils repeat after you.
Repeat and continue teaching the song.
Gradually and through each exposure, have the pupils sing along with you/Max.
Each time pupils are exposed to a song or chant, they become more confident in it and
are eventually able to sing independently.
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