Is Happiness A Choice? An LP for C1 – Teaching English With Songs (Lauv – 26)

Description:

This song-based STEP-BY-STEP LESSON PLAN for ENGLISH language TEACHING features the lyrics for 26 by Lauv. Students SPECULATE about a photo, CHOOSE an appropriate quote for it, READ the first verse of a song and match it to a chorus from a choice of 3, DISCUSS their choices, TALK about what kind of song it might be, WATCH the music video, comment on it and for homework, WRITE an essay in the style of C1: Advanced, Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE).

OBS: This lesson plan was made for ONLINE TEACHING, but it can be modified for face-to-face instruction, as well.

Language level: B2+/C1
Learner type: All ages
Skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing
Topic:  Lyrics (verse, chorus, meaning)
Language/grammar:speculating, giving opinions
Materials: YouTube Video, genial.ly presentation
Duration: 50 - 60 min
Download your free teaching resources: instructions.pdf

Welcome to the Song Activity Factory! Here is the place to be if you believe in the power of songs to teach English! The place to find Creativity, Inspiration, Teaching Ideas and Resources to bring Musical Innovation to your English Language Teaching Practice!

STEP-BY-STEP LESSON PLAN

Step 1 (7 min)

Genial.ly presentation link. Slide 1 Photo

What might this picture represent? Have students give you their ideas.

Slide 2. Which quote do you think could the most appropriate for it? (explain):

A- “There are more important things in life than winning or losing a game.”

B- “having it all” has little to do with having what we want.”

C- Happiness is a choice

Note: the original quote is letter C, but actually there is no right or wrong as long as it keeps your students talking LOL

Step 2 (7 min)

Show slide 3. Tell your students that this is the first verse of a song.

Ask them if they recognize the song or the singer, Ask them to tell you how they think the singer might be feeling and why.

Step 3 (7 min)

Slide 3. Have students choose the chorus that best fits verse 1. Tell them to prepare to explain their choices.

Step 4 (10 min)

In pairs (breakout rooms), Students discuss their choices and ideas with a partner, and come to a final conclusion

Step 5 (7 min)

The pairs share their ideas. Have a mini discussion, but do not give them the correct answer yet! This will be done in the next step.

Step 6 (5 min)

Tell your students that they will watch the music video for the song to check their answers.

Before watching the Music Video, Ask students to guess what kind of song it is: sad, happy, slow, fast, music genre, etc) then play the music video for them to check their ideas.

Correct answer: chorus B

Step 7 (7 min)

Have students comment on the music video to close the activity.

Step 8 (Homework)

Cambridge Advanced C1 Writing part 1. ESSAY

This song-based lesson plan is sure to spice-up your classes! However, would you like to think, feel and act more creatively on your own to be able to turn ANY song you want into an engaging lesson plan?
HERE are TIME-SAVING ideas that do the heavy work so you can focus on the most important: INSPIRING and MOTIVATING YOUR STUDENTS to learn CREATIVELY!