Materials: 5-10 copies of lyrics to a favorite song, depending on the size of the class (if you don’t have access to a printer, I guess you could write the lyrics by hand) , scissors, whiteboard/blackboard, markers/chalk, speakers, cd player (I used my ipod, and brought in my computer speakers)
Preparation: Cut the lyrics into strips. Separate each cut-up song with a paper clip or bag. Keep a copy of the lyrics for later when it comes time to check the students’ work.
Description: Start out the class by telling them about the song, the singer or band. In some of my classes we were studying genres of music, and this activity added to that. Divide students into groups of 3 or 4, give each group a set of cut-up lyrics. Make sure the students read each strip before playing the song, answer any questions about vocabulary. I usually had them listen to the song first, before trying to put the lyrics in order. You will probably play the song 2 or 3 times. Once everyone is finished, check students work and go over the order of lyrics together.
-Laura H.
Filed under: Level: Multi-level, Skills: Listening
I love using lyrics and songs with older kids. Something else I’ve done is asked students to bring in the lyrics to some of their favorite songs in English, and then scan them for bad grammar (not too hard to do, trust me). I then make an exercise where the students have to correct the mistakes in their favorite songs.
-Abeth S.