Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Tunes Tuesday: Similes


Did you ever wonder what would happen if we took all the topics in school that seemed difficult, or just plain dull, and taught them through music? Bam! Instant success I predict. 

As I reflect on my own classroom instruction, I've relied heavily on the use of music to boost student interest and secure tricky skills.  This was especially true when I taught first grade.  During tests, students quietly mouthed song lyrics to help them recall information they needed in order to answer questions.  

It's so easy to hook young children by using music, but it can be equally effective with older students.  The challenge is to find songs {with clean lyrics} that are relevant to students and have academic value; this is no easy task.

Nick from Sweet Rhyme Pure Reason has created a linky to feature grammar topics and the popular songs that we use to teach them.  It's genius!


So without further ado, here's my contribution.

Grammar Topic:  Similes

The song I chose is "Everything at Once" by Lenka.  In my opinion, it's the perfect song for teaching similes.  

I've provided a lyrics sheet for you to use.  As students read through the lyrics, they can highlight examples of similes in the text, count the number of similes they find, and meet with a partner to compare. 


Click {here} to download the lyric sheet.

Graphics by DJ Inkers and Creative Clips
After the activity is complete, play the video for students.  They may listen and/or sing along.  

Click {here} to see the official "Everything at Once" music video.

Do you have a song that you use to teach an important grammar concept?  Hop on over to Sweet Rhyme Pure Reason and share it.  :)

Finally, I'm having a 100 Follower Giveaway!  Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to Teachers Pay Teachers and thirteen fabulous literacy resources from a few of my favorite blogging buddies.




Just click the image and it will take you to the entry form.  Best of luck to you!

8 comments:

  1. I really like how you 'dressed up' your lyric sheet, and had the students try and count all the similes. After looking at everyone else's Tunes Tuesday, I'm starting to wish I had dressed mine up more. Great work!

    Your new follower,
    -Melissa
    Teacher Abroad

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  2. Thanks, Wendy! I am loving this linky as I agree that music just cements the skill we are trying to teach! Love this! :)

    Lisa
    Fluent in Fourth

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  3. I love using music to help teach concepts to my students! I haven't heard this song before... great resource! Thanks!

    Gwen

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  4. Thanks so much for linking up! Your lyric sheet is beautiful! Great song and skill choice!

    -Nick
    Sweet Rhyme – Pure Reason
    Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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  5. I love this! Thank you for sharing. I'm heading over to the linky and I am now a follower =)
    Lisa
    TGIF- Third Grade Is Fun

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  6. This song looks like a great one to use with my kids!

    Hunter's Tales from Teaching

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  7. Oh...did I comment earlier or get sidetracked and go looking at the giveaway thing? I know I for sure read your post though earlier on Bloglovin'! I'm losing it today!
    Thank you for the song. I've downloaded!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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  8. Thank you for stopping by my blog! I am glad you did and that I came here to check you out:) Great song ~ I totally agree that music helps children learn...especially children who do not learn in the tradition way. THANKS for the freebie!

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