Unit 1 children as learners - 9

[Rubén Santoyo]

"I never do songs with my group of 10-year-olds. They think singing songs is for babies." - I personally disagree with this statement since I trully believe that by singing song people of all ages would be able to recall info later on just by remembering the rhythm.

"I always start the lesson with a review of the previous lesson. And I always end the lesson with a song." - I agree with this statement. Establishing sort of a routine helps learners to move from one stage to the other with no difficulty and allows the class to have a certain "flow". To be familiar with the lesson is a great advantage for young learners.

"I prepare extra exercises for the children who finish early. It's not good if they have nothing to do." I agree to a certain extent. It all depends on the children, and how keen he is on learning because they may see it as unfair and will claim something like: Why do I have to work more than the others?

[Jesus Marquez]

I also agree with the idea that songs can be very helpful at any age level. It is teacher's task, however, to be skillful enough to choose appropriately. This means that he or she should know the learners very well and have a clear idea of what the aim of using a song is.

As we now know, it is important for young learners to feel that there is a structure to follow in class. For this reason, I believe that beginning the class recycling class content is a great idea, for learners understand that they will always have something to achieve at the beginning of every lesson. This, we must bear in mind, should be done in a way that captures the learners' interest. Ending the class with a song should give learners language to take home with them for the rest of the day. If the teacher is clever enough, he or she will select a song that allows learners to produce the day's content.

Preparing extra material is always a great idea, as every minute of the lesson should be used wisely. These materials should be appealing to young learners, though, so that they don't even notice they are doing "extra work," only an extra activity.

[Daniel Arenas]

"I never do songs with my group of 10-year-olds. They think singing songs is for babies." Personally I'm afraid I have to disagree with this statement. The reason for this is due to the fact that music plays an important role not only for students, but for people in general. Music is a part of society with which we all are familiar with. Needless to say, not all songs work for all groups or levels. As a teacher one must consider all the factors involving a certain song may bring to the group we are teaching.

"I always start the lesson with a review of the previous lesson. And I always end the lesson with a song." I consider the setting of ruoutines will help the students to develop good habits plus it helps them to follow classroom rules.

"I prepare extra exercises for the children who finish early. It's not good if they have nothing to do." I consider this statement to be quite smart. If a single student is "free" of activities he/she may interrupt with the flow of the class by distracting their classmates; therefore by adding extra activities will ensure the T to avoid this kind of situations.

[Diana]

Thanks for such enlightening discussion. Well done!

[KARINA]

Rubén Santoyo wrote:
> "I never do songs with my group of 10-year-olds. They think singing
> songs is for babies." - I personally disagree with this statement
> since I trully believe that by singing song people of all ages would be
> able to recall info later on just by remembering the rhythm.
>
> "I always start the lesson with a review of the previous lesson. And I
> always end the lesson with a song." - I agree with this statement.
> Establishing sort of a routine helps learners to move from one stage to the
> other with no difficulty and allows the class to have a certain
> "flow". To be familiar with the lesson is a great advantage for
> young learners.
>
> "I prepare extra exercises for the children who finish early. It's not
> good if they have nothing to do." I agree to a certain extent. It all
> depends on the children, and how keen he is on learning because they may
> see it as unfair and will claim something like: Why do I have to work more
> than the others?