Syllabic Songs
OBECTIVE: to use vocabulary approaching that of first-language speaker in pronunciation
Learning Outcomes: (Students will be able to…)
  • Correctly identify the stressed syllables in each word
  • Pronounce each word with the correct stressed syllable
Activity: Syllabic Songs
In this activity, students will use music to identify the strong each word.

Materials: Examples of music that can be used to highlight stressed syllables.

Instructions:

1. Day Before: In preparation for the next day, students should bring in two copies of the lyrics to their favorite song (must have words).

They may also bring in examples of their music. Many lyrics can be found on the internet (gentle reminders of appropriateness may be necessary).

2. Notes: What is a stressed syllable?

A stressed syllable is the part of the word that is emphasized during speech.

Monosyllabic words only have one stress.

3. Listen to a selected song such as Imagine by John Lennon or O Canada (national anthem) and have students highlight the stressed syllables.

Lyrics provided below.

4. Once students have listened to the example and highlighted the stressed syllables, they can read through their own lyrics and highlight the stressed syllable.

5. In small groups they can share their song lyrics by singing or reading them, with the emphasis on the stressed syllable.
 
Imagine by John Lennon
 
Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today... Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one
Lyrics: www.bagism.com/lyrics/imagine-soundtrack-lyrics.html#Imagine
 
O Canada! Canadian National Anthem
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.