listening activities
One of the best ways for students of all ages to learn English is through music. I still remember the words to my Kindergarten song, "The months of the year" when I learned how to say the 12 months of the year in Spanish. Songs are also a great way to incorporate American culture into a lesson and share with students some of the great musicians of American history. I like using songs as a warm-up to awaken my students and engage them in the day's lesson topic. Students oftentimes want to know more about the singer or song after listening, so it makes for a good conversation starter as well.
QUICK TIP: If you do not have wi-fi in your classroom, you can download songs for free from You Tube by typing "ss" in the youtube link. (Example: www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=4XsufDwXu4w) AND THEN HIT ENTER. MAGIC!
QUICK TIP: If you do not have wi-fi in your classroom, you can download songs for free from You Tube by typing "ss" in the youtube link. (Example: www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=4XsufDwXu4w) AND THEN HIT ENTER. MAGIC!
a few music activities to get you started...
listening to a podcast
Podcasts are another great tool for students of all ages & levels to practice listening to the English language-- and the best part is that they can be super engaging because you pick a topic that best suits YOU or YOUR LEARNERS! They are also very CONVENIENT-- they can be played on almost every mp3 capable device, and at all times of the day.
So what is a podcast anyway?? (this information was found at: eslpod.com)
A podcast is an audio file that you download from the Internet. After you download it, you can listen to it on your computer or on an MP3/portable music player (for example, an iPod or iRiver). You can subscribe to a podcast so that it is delivered to you automatically each day, just like a newspaper. Podcasts are a great way to get information when you’re driving in your car, making dinner at home, or waiting at the DMV to renew your license. Podcasts don’t force you to find more time in your day; they give you the opportunity to to take advantage on all the dead time that already exists in your day by simply downloading the .mp3 or syncing a podcast to your iTunes account on your smartphone.
I find the easiest way to search for, and use, podcasts is through iTunes. The best part... they are free! After you find a podcast that you like, you may "subscribe" to it so that you are updated when a new podcast is released.
So what is a podcast anyway?? (this information was found at: eslpod.com)
A podcast is an audio file that you download from the Internet. After you download it, you can listen to it on your computer or on an MP3/portable music player (for example, an iPod or iRiver). You can subscribe to a podcast so that it is delivered to you automatically each day, just like a newspaper. Podcasts are a great way to get information when you’re driving in your car, making dinner at home, or waiting at the DMV to renew your license. Podcasts don’t force you to find more time in your day; they give you the opportunity to to take advantage on all the dead time that already exists in your day by simply downloading the .mp3 or syncing a podcast to your iTunes account on your smartphone.
I find the easiest way to search for, and use, podcasts is through iTunes. The best part... they are free! After you find a podcast that you like, you may "subscribe" to it so that you are updated when a new podcast is released.
ESL Podcast Websites:
Eslpod.com: Podcasts on various topics that can help students learn English by hearing authentic English speakers. Good for teaching language and American cultural topics; has script to go with podcasts, so students can read along as they listen. Podcast explains the use of English in the script.
Good For: Teens-Adult Learners
Cost: Free (Subscription needed for extra resources with podcasts)
Podomatic.com: Have students create their own podcasts! Students can record a script or report and upload their podcast to share with their teachers, family, and peers.
Good For: All ages
Cost: Free
magazine.justenglish.com:
Students can listen & read articles about current entertainment news.
Good For: Teens-Adults
Cost: Free
iTunes: Download itunes to almost any computer or phone, and you can access thousands of free podcasts on a variety of topics
Good For: All ages and levels
Cost: Free
Eslpod.com: Podcasts on various topics that can help students learn English by hearing authentic English speakers. Good for teaching language and American cultural topics; has script to go with podcasts, so students can read along as they listen. Podcast explains the use of English in the script.
Good For: Teens-Adult Learners
Cost: Free (Subscription needed for extra resources with podcasts)
Podomatic.com: Have students create their own podcasts! Students can record a script or report and upload their podcast to share with their teachers, family, and peers.
Good For: All ages
Cost: Free
magazine.justenglish.com:
Students can listen & read articles about current entertainment news.
Good For: Teens-Adults
Cost: Free
iTunes: Download itunes to almost any computer or phone, and you can access thousands of free podcasts on a variety of topics
Good For: All ages and levels
Cost: Free