Sunday 27 February 2011

STARTING WITH A SONG

It's a long time since I started this blog. I've been waiting to have materials  interesting enough as to be mentioned here and tested in my own practice.
Routines are always a good way to start with in your class. With my first and second grade students (Primary Education) I start the class with a song that set them up for the work and also deal with emotions.
It's the "Good Morning Song".

Name of the Activity: Good Morning Song
Objective: To set off and strenght links among mates in the class.

Development: With first grade we stand in a circle (we work in split groups) and with second grade the whole class sing together. This song can be found in  the CD "English is fun when it's sung", (Sue Correa, Julie Langstaff) and here you'll find the lyrics:

Good Morning,
Good Morning,
Good Morning to you. (Students point to each other)
Good Morning,
Good Morning,
Good Morning How are you? (Students draw a big heart in the air)
I'm fine, thanks!
I'm fine, thanks!
I'm fine, thank you! (The shake their hands among them)
Good Morning,
Good Morning,
Good Morning How are you? (Again they draw the circle in the air)

The idea of drawing a circle while saying "How are you?" came from one of my first year student and I found it was great. This mark the importance of feelings when we meet with people we appreciate and ask about their day.