There are many theories as to why all human societies have song as well as language, but the most commonly accepted reason is that it is easier for people to learn song lyrics than to learn words in any other form.
Song, therefore, is used as a way of unifying a society, with everyone easily remembering the words that express the unity of their group.
The technical reason why songs are easy to remember is to do with the way the left and right halves of the brain work – and I’ll happily leave you to look into that at your leisure! But for now, I’d like to point out the application that this facet of the human mind offers us.
Children can memorise poetry faster than prose and songs faster than poetry. Therefore, when we teach something as a song, it takes far less effort and time for the children to remember the lyrics. And better still, those lyrics stay in the memory far, far longer.
Indeed many adults today can still recall the lyrics of their favourite pop songs from their youth – especially if they were in the habit of singing along with them.
It’s for this reason that we have created Chantez plus Fort – a book and CD set containing 20 easy-to-learn French songs written specifically to help children learn French.
They are linked to some of the KS2 Programmes of Study for modern foreign languages but are also relevant for pupils in Years 7 and 8, especially those with special needs.
The songs introduce and reinforce key vocabulary for popular topics, such as greetings, names and ages, time, days of the week, and months, shapes, colours and sizes, family and pets, food and drink, classroom items, and the weather.
Whilst enjoying the songs children will broaden their vocabulary and hone their listening skills and pronunciation.
CD 1 contains all 20 songs sung by French children and mini-dialogues which can be used for listening comprehension and role-plays. CD 2 contains instrumental tracks for the 16 original songs.
The accompanying book contains teachers’ notes with ideas on how to introduce, use, and extend the songs, photocopiable illustrated song sheets, photocopiable music sheets including guitar chords, scripts for the mini dialogues, and English translations of all the songs.
If you are a KS3 (Years 7-9; 11-14 year olds) teacher you may wish to order the KS3 version of this book. And you might like to note that we also have songs for Spanish (Vamos a Cantar) and German (Singt mit uns).
You can order the MFL Songs resources by Brilliant Publications in a variety of ways, including:
- By visiting the website links above
- By phone on 01449 766629
- By fax on 01449 768047
- By email to orders@tradecounter.co.uk
- Or By post to Brilliant Publications, Mendlesham Industrial Estate, Norwich Road, Mendlesham, Suffolk, IP14 5ND.
Brilliant Publications,
Mendlesham Industrial Estate,
Norwich Road,
Mendlesham,
Suffolk,
IP14 5ND.
website: www.brilliantpublications.co.uk
email: orders@tradecounter.co.uk
phone: 01449 766629
fax: 01449 768047