Using Chants and Songs for English Language Teaching (ELT) in Primary Education

Abstract

Many educators have repeatedly written on the benefits of songs in an English Language Teaching setting. In this Undergraduate Dissertation, we will tackle the main grounds why we share this opinion. We also intend to analyse why the use of chants and songs in an ELT classroom can help learners to communicate more effectively in this language. This use complies with the parameters of the Communicative Language Approach that goes beyond the more conventional mastery of grammar rules, structures and writing skills, (although we would like to stress that a knowledge of grammar remains essential for effective communication) and opens up a wider perspective on language as a means of communication by enhancing both the listening and speaking skills. In order to complete what we understand learning a foreign language truly means, we will devote a chapter to the significance of the culture of the target language for students to achieve effective learning. Finally we aim to put forward some examples of chants and songs in different contexts and for different levels of Primary Education bearing in mind the guidelines of the Communicative Language Teaching Approach and bring forward a practical proposal.