It's the start of a new school year meaning that most Year One pupils are being introduced to English lessons and it's vital that we give them a head start- this means making sure they are comfortable and confident using phonics and that they are enjoying their English lessons! It's important and at times challenging to harness the excitement and energy in the room and turn it in to productive language learning. With planned lessons that incorporate interesting activities and include supportive materials pupils' energy can be used as an important part of the learning process.
At SJKC Khai Mun Pagi Pong Tze Ni was focusing on a jazz chant with her Year One class, the lesson was very successful due to several factors...
The vocabulary that was used in the chant was taught thoroughly prior to pupils learning the chant itself. The pupils need to know how to recognise the words, pronounce them correctly and spell the words so drilling is necessary. In order to make this process more effective the teacher includes several different drilling methods and techniques. Initially the drilling methods applied are teacher led and attention is paid to ensure that all pupils are repeating the sounds and words correctly.
As pupils become more familiar with the vocabulary interactive methods can be used to build confidence and independent learning amongst the pupils.
Drilling has to be fun and varied in order for the pupils to engage and learn, especially at such a young age!
Pupils are then introduced to the jazz chant itself. It's important that the jazz chant is on the board in large font for all pupils to be able to read together with their books closed - this goes some of the way to eliminating possible distractions! In this case all the language needed was included on flashcards which were large enough for the whole class to see and remained on the blackboard throughout the lesson.
After reciting the chant as a class, in groups and as individuals the pupils are able to recite the chant without having to refer to any other material. Actions were then introduced... much to the enjoyment of the pupils!
It is common amongst English teachers to be hesitant when teaching jazz chants, the chants included in the books are not always ideal and this can put both teachers and pupils off.
Jazz chants have to lend themselves to a regular beat, they should have actions, the content should be minimal and include key vocabulary. Teachers should not be afraid to alter the chants included in the textbooks or compose their own simple chants. Composing original chants ensures that they will be suitable for your pupils and incorporate key or problem language points.
Teachers should have a number of tried and tested techniques that they can use for pre-teaching, practising and performing jazz chants; these can be referred to and used for efficiently teaching jazz chants throughout Level One.
This class demonstrated an effective way to introduce, learn and enjoy a jazz chant. Pupils were quick to pick up the words and understand the content which means there was more time to enjoy reciting the jazz chant!
Thank you to the Khai Mun Pagi Year One pupils to Pong Tze Ni for a wonderful lesson!
There will be more information on composing and teaching jazz chants coming up, please get in contact if you need any help!
