Teach English with ‘Happier’ by Marshmello: Fun ESL Song Lesson

Using ‘Happier’ for ESL Learning: A Fun Music Lesson

This song-based ESL lesson plan uses “Happier” by Marshmello ft. Bastille, a popular song that sparks engaging discussions around the theme of pets. Teaching English with songs offers a unique way to improve language skills like speaking, writing, and listening, while keeping students motivated through music. This activity is suitable for Pre-Intermediate (B1) level and above, and it incorporates vocabulary practice, opinion-sharing, and storytelling to create a memorable learning experience. Whether you’re looking to integrate music activities for ESL students or songs to teach English in a fun way, this lesson has you covered.

Song Meaning and Relevance for ESL Learners

In Happier by Marshmello ft. Bastille, the lyrics go deep into themes of self-sacrifice and empathy, often feelings that arise in relationships, including the bonds we share with pets. For ESL learners, exploring song meaning can be a powerful way to connect language learning to real emotions and experiences, fostering deeper engagement and comprehension. This lesson plan on Happier provides an opportunity for students to discuss how relationships, including those with pets, can bring both happiness and hard choices, making the song’s message especially relatable.

Using songs to teach English helps students build vocabulary, understand expressions, and practice agreement and disagreement in discussions. This activity not only enriches their English skills but also emphasizes the relevance of songs as tools for learning complex ideas, such as empathy and decision-making, in an approachable way. By engaging with these universal ideas, students gain confidence in expressing personal opinions while also strengthening essential English skills.

Quick Lesson Overview:

Students TALK about pets, WATCH a video, RETELL a story, WRITE a text, LISTEN to the song and DO a listening exercise with the lyrics

• Language level: Pre-Intermediate (B1) and above     
• Learner type: All ages
• Skills: speaking, writing & listening
• Topic: pets
• Language: Vocabulary related to pets, expressions to agree, disagree and express opinions
• Materials: Youtube video and song activity Worksheet
• Duration: 1 hour
• Downloadable materials: Happier- Instructions; worksheet

How to Teach English with ‘Happier’: Step-by-Step Instructions

NEW!!! CHECK OUT THE VIDEO TUTORIAL FOR THIS POST MODIFIED FOR TEACHING WITH ZOOM:

PART 1- WARM – UP ACTIVITIES

Step 1.

Whole Class Discussion: Begin by asking, Why do people have pets? Write students’ answers on the board to introduce pet-related vocabulary. This helps set the tone for the lesson and introduces relevant vocabulary that can be reinforced through the song ESL lesson plan activities.

Step 2.

IN PAIRS. Students talk about the following questions, for about 2, 3 minutes:

1. How can pets help us?
2. What animal makes the best pet? Why?

Encourage students to share their opinions and ask follow-up questions. Teaching English through songs often involves sharing personal views, which makes these good questions for ESL students to build confidence in conversational skills.

Step 3.

Whole Class Share: Pairs share their responses with the class. As they share, encourage classmates to agree or disagree, using phrases they’ve learned. This practice in giving opinions enhances language skills while prepping them for the video-based activities.

PART 2 – MUSIC VIDEO ACTIVITY

Step 4.

Jigsaw Viewing: Split students into two groups (Group A and Group B)

The students in Group A will stay in the classroom and watch the music video, while the students in Group B will go out and wait.

This approach makes using songs to teach ESL interactive and builds anticipation.

Step 5.

Story Retelling: Tell Group A to watch closely, as they’ll recount the story to Group B. Emphasize the importance of paying attention to details in the video for an accurate retelling.

Step 6.

Students watch the video (3:53 min)

Step 7.

Pair Work – Storytelling and Writing: Group B returns, and pairs form. Student A (from Group A) tells the video story to Student B, who writes it down. Allow 10 minutes for this activity. This storytelling task enhances listening and writing skills, making it a strong example of music activities for ESL students.

Step 8.

Vote and Discuss: Have pairs share their written stories, vote on the best account, and discuss their thoughts on the story in the video. Encouraging opinions helps reinforce expressing agreement and disagreement—an essential skill for ESL learners.

Step 9.

Video Comparison: Watch the video as a class. Students compare their stories with the video’s content and comment on details they may have missed, further developing their observational and retelling skills.

PART 3 – LYRICS AND LISTENING

Step 10.

Listening with Lyrics Worksheet: Hand out a worksheet with the lyrics. Students listen to the song and circle the words they hear. This final activity strengthens listening comprehension and helps familiarize students with specific vocabulary in context.

Answer key:

1. Cold
2. Word
3. Way
4. Smile
5. There
6. Our
7. From
   

Resources for Teaching English with Music:

• Explore more songs to teach English on this blog.
• Looking for music activities for ESL students? Check out the latest lesson plans.
• Find songs for ESL students that develop speaking, writing, and listening skills.

Try this lesson plan in your next class and watch your students become more engaged with language through music.

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