Page 2 Le Lien Vol. XI, No. I - November 1998 |
How do you use music in your second language classroom?
For this issue we decided to reverse our traditional Listening Centres: One way which some teachers have found effective to incorporate music is through the use of listening centres. Joan MacDonald, who teaches at Lincoln Elementary, has created various mixed tapes with songs by Jacquot, Celine Dion, Angele Arsenault, Roch Voisine, and "la musique de la Cirque du Soleil" which she has available at a listening centre for students who have completed a given task. She provides walkmans at these Centres so children can sit and enjoy French music without interrupting fellow classmates.
Learning Centres: Many immersion teachers have adopted learning centres as a means of organizing their integrated curriculum. Often such centres provide students with activities that incorporate music. One interesting activity developed by one of our student teachers, involved art-making while listening to music. Students were asked to listen to the song several times and then to create a watercolour painting representing some element of the song. This teacher also had several read-along books with great images which follow the lyrics of many songs. These sorts of "books" can also be created by students and then used by others in the class.
Tapes that accompany established programs (e.g. Dimoitou): Most elementary FSL programs used in NB have companion cassettes; many of which contain tunes and lyrics which children enjoy. These songs often have accompanying actions which allow children can actively participate while learning new vocabulary.
Thematic and Holiday music: Many teachers introduce music at special times of the year- "La rentrée", Hallowe'en, Christmas (or winter-oriented music for those who prefer to steer away from specific religious holidays), "Carnaval", Birthdays, and so on.
Background or Motivation Music: Another interesting way to incorporate music and one which helps some students to stay on task is the use of background or motivation music. While students work in cooperative groups, some teachers will play various types of music in the target language; creating a relaxed and pleasant learning environment. It is helpful to remember that this music should not distract students from the task at hand but rather provide "atmosphere."
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SLEC Publication
As a follow-up to the original MOCAP
document, experienced MOCAP users have contributed their ideas
These evaluation items,
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