Topic: Music and listening
Level: Intermediate +
Materials needed: paper and colored markers, media player (music)
Groups: Individual
Members per group: n/a
Instructions:
This is a listening activity where students can be creative and interpret English in their own way. The point of this activity is to show the students that there are a lot of different ways to interpret what you hear.
Give each student a plain white paper and colored markers. Colors play an integral role in interpreting sounds therefore I recommend encouraging the students to use colors to express what they hear.
The teacher chooses an English song to play. Pick a rather short song, or select a section of a song to play. Have the students listen to the entire song/selection once.
Next, have the students close their eyes and listen to the first part of the song. When the first part is over, have the students draw what they think the first part of the song is saying.
Next, play the middle part of the song. When the middle part is over, have the students draw what they think the middle part of the song is saying.
Continue the same process for the end part of the song.
Upon completion, have the students compare their pictures and have them explain what their pictures mean. There will be a lot of different interpretations of the song.
Variation
Give each student a piece of paper and colored markers. Have each student draw their favorite song. Only pictures are allowed. Set a time limit, for example 15-20 minutes.
Upon completion, post all the pictures of songs around the room. Have each student stand up and go around the room and write the name of the song they think the picture is of.
Next have the students share their songs and the comments that were given about them.
Finding teacher resources for ESL lesson plans and educational games can be time consuming. Let us know if you will use this ESL activity.
Got a question about this classroom activity? Suggestion? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
