both grammar and vocabulary-wise.
The lesson format that I intend to pursue is the following:
1) Basic information about the performer
2) The lyrics to a particular song
3) Study guide consisting of:
- DEFINE ME - given definitions for the words I expect the students are not familiar with
- LOOK IT UP - student research task - the students will be asked to follow up words of special interest in a good learner's dictionary, helping them extend their vocabulary further
- WORD BUILDING - students will be asked to find other words based on the same root as the chosen words from the lyrics
- CLOSE READING: analysis of the literary qualities of the song - figures of speech, main themes, images etc. Students will also examine multiple interpretive possibilities of the particular song. They will also learn the different connotations of specific words.
- WRITING TASKS (not obligatory) - different writing tasks, such as:
essay writing, writing a short story inspired by the song, writing a poem using the same vocabulary . . .
The first lesson will feature one of my favourite Irish bands - The Corrs and their song
"Heaven Knows (No Frontiers)".
I hope you will enjoy learning English by listening to some of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Have fun! (I know I will) :-)
Margareta
