8.1 Songs, rhymes and games - things to avoid

Throughout this unit you have focused on the advantages of using songs, rhymes and games in your young learner classroom but of course, there are some things to avoid.

It is just as important that you are aware of these so that you can minimise any problems and justify, if necessary, why you are using such activities in your class.

Here are some points to consider in your use of songs, rhymes and games.

Songs and games are not just time fillers

You need to plan your time in the classroom carefully as the children have a limited number of English lessons per week. Every minute is valuable, so know why you are using that particular song or game. It must be completely integrated into the language learning aims of your lesson.

Songs and games can be demotivating

The confidence and motivation of young learners has to be gradually built up and new language has to be introduced in an understandable sequence. Uncontrolled language in songs and games can turn children into parrots that simply repeat everything automatically. The best songs and games are those in which language can continue to develop for some time.

Don't use too many songs and games

If you use too many songs and games, it’s possible that the children will get most of their stimulation from the constant changes in activity and they’ll become restless. It’s better to use just a few games which the children really like and let their English develop within these games.

Songs and games are noisy

Some songs and games will be noisier than others, depending on organisation patterns used etc. Remember, though, that children are most noisy when they’re not really engaged by an activity. A quiet classroom is often a boring, dead lesson. A slightly noisy classroom is a learning classroom.

Games can be difficult to set up

You'll look at setting up activities in more detail in the Classroom management unit, but this is a very important point. You need to think carefully about how you are going to explain a game and give clear instructions to the children. It doesn't matter how experienced you are - this can sometimes go wrong!

In this unit you've thought about why you might try using songs, rhymes and games with your young learners and what you need to consider when selecting which activities to use. You've also looked at some activities that you could try, and some ways of adapting songs and rhymes.

Remember that play is an essential part of a child's world. If you have the confidence to exploit this in your teaching, you will very quickly see the benefits in your classroom.