Hey there, fellow music lovers and also adventurers! 🌍✈️ Today is a bit different from my usual blog posts. While I typically focus on sharing exciting song-based lesson plans and innovative ideas for using music in English language teaching (ELT), I’ve decided to open up a new chapter and share a slice of my own personal journey. So, buckle up and get ready for a unique blend of storytelling, music, travel, and dreams coming true!
The Power of Dreams
Let’s rewind to the year 2018, a time when I felt the urge to dream big—really big. So, I grabbed a notebook and started jotting down a list of 100 dreams and aspirations. But these weren’t just any dreams; they were heartfelt wishes that I hoped to turn into reality, not just for myself but also for the special people in my life.
Aunt Mirian’s Lifelong Dream
Among those dreams, one shone brighter than the Eiffel Tower on a Parisian night. It was a dream that had lived within my dear Aunt Mirian’s heart for as long as I could remember. She longed to wander the charming streets of Paris, to savor the art, culture, and the enchantment of the City of Love.
Paris: Dreams Do Come True
Fast forward to September 2022, and there we were, Aunt Mirian and I, embarking on a journey to fulfill her lifelong dream. For ten magical days, we wandered through the picturesque streets of Paris, exploring its hidden gems and soaking up the beauty of every moment.
A Birthday Celebration to Remember
But there was something even more special about our trip. We carefully chose a particular day to be in the heart of Paris: my birthday. And how did we celebrate, you ask? Well, we did something that felt straight out of a fairytale. We enjoyed a delightful picnic right at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Inspiration Beyond Borders
As we sat there, the Eiffel Tower standing tall and proud above us, the Seine River softly whispering nearby, it was a moment of pure magic. It was a moment that reminded us of the beauty of dreams and the power of turning them into reality.
But this journey didn’t end when we bid au revoir to Paris and returned home. No, it was just the beginning. Paris had awakened something within me—a boundless well of inspiration. The sights, the sounds, and the vibrant energy of the city had ignited a creative spark that would soon transform into something incredible.
From Paris with Love
I was brimming with ideas, especially when it came to crafting song-based lesson plans. Paris, with its charming cafés, historic landmarks, and enchanting culture, became the backdrop for these lessons. Each place we visited became a chapter in the story, a verse in the song of our adventure.
A Joyful Journey Awaits
So, fasten your seatbelts, my friends, because we’re about to embark on a joyous journey through music, travel, and dreams come true. It’s a journey where every song tells a story, and each lesson is a celebration of life’s most beautiful moments. 🎵✨
Stay tuned as we explore song-based lesson plans that have the theme of Traveling, combining the magic of music with the joys of learning. Get ready to join the conversation, share your thoughts, and perhaps even discover a new dream of your own along the way. 🗺️✨
ESL Song-Based Lesson Plans Inspired by the Theme of Travel
Song-Based Lesson Plan 1 – ‘The Open Road’
Alright, let’s dive right into the first song-based lesson plan, featuring the enchanting melody of ‘The Open Road’ by Hollow Coves. 🎶🗺️ This plan is designed to be a dynamic journey in itself, igniting the spark of creativity and curiosity in our students.
In this captivating lesson, we kick things off by exploring inspirational quotes centered around the themes of adventure and travel. It’s a moment to reflect on the magic of exploration and the allure of distant horizons.
But here’s where the fun truly begins. We’ll be immersing our students in the soothing sounds of ‘The Open Road’ while guiding them through various listening activities. These exercises are carefully crafted to sharpen their listening skills and help them identify the use of the present perfect tense within the song.
But that’s not all; we’re also taking a leap towards preparing our students for the Cambridge English B2 First (FCE) exam. A comprehensive exercise, tailored to align with the style and content of the exam, will ensure that they’re not just learning but also building essential exam readiness.
As we journey further into the lesson, we’re offering our students the chance to unleash their creativity. They’ll be tasked with crafting a narrative that weaves a chosen line from the song’s lyrics, echoing the style of Cambridge English B2 First For Schools exam (FCE) Writing paper part 2.
So, what’s the grand objective here? It’s a three-fold adventure: enhancing those listening skills, honing exam readiness, and fostering the art of creative writing. This lesson plan isn’t just about teaching English; it’s about sparking a love for language and storytelling. 🌟📚
Access this song-based lesson plan by clicking below:
Song-Based Lesson Plan 2 – ‘Traveler’
In the second segment of our musical journey, we delve into a captivating lesson plan featuring the song ‘Traveler’ by Luca Aprile. This dynamic lesson plan is crafted to immerse students in the world of traveling and relationships, designed especially for Cambridge C1 Advanced levels.
Within this lesson plan, students will embark on an engaging adventure, starting with thoughtful discussions inspired by a quote from the song. They’ll answer intriguing questions about travel, mimicking the format of the Cambridge C1 Advanced Speaking Paper part 1. As the class progresses, students will be swept away by the song’s melodies, participate in stimulating listening activities, and engage in group discussions centered around the song’s themes. To further enhance their language skills, students will work with the song’s lyrics, honing their comprehension abilities and gaining valuable insights into the song’s message. It’s a holistic approach that encourages active participation, sharpens listening skills, and reinforces students’ language proficiency.
Access this song-based lesson plan by clicking below:
Song-Based Lesson Plan 3 – ‘Musical World Tour’
Our third stop on this musical adventure brings us to the “Musical World Tour” lesson plan, a delightful exploration of different countries and cultures through the power of music. In this engaging lesson plan, students get the chance to broaden their horizons and embark on a virtual journey around the world, all while refining their English language skills.
This interactive lesson plan encourages students to discuss various countries, from Albania to Uzbekistan, and match them with their corresponding beautiful places. They’ll have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sounds of different cultures by listening to song extracts that represent each country. Not only does this activity introduce them to diverse musical styles, but it also fosters an appreciation for global perspectives.
Additionally, students will dive into grammar correction exercises, including possessive pronouns and adjectives, verb tenses, and relative pronouns. This holistic approach to language learning not only enhances their grammar skills but also exposes them to real-world applications of English. By the end of this musical journey, students will have expanded their horizons, developed a deeper understanding of different cultures, and fine-tuned their language abilities.
Access this song-based lesson plan by clicking below:
Airbnb Experience in Paris
During our unforgettable journey to the City of Light, we had the pleasure of staying at the charming Studio Café Papillon, located near the exhibition center, Porte de Versailles. This cozy and impeccably clean studio apartment exceeded all our expectations, aligning perfectly with the enticing description provided in the Airbnb listing.
What truly stood out during our stay was the studio’s cozy ambiance, which made us feel right at home amidst the vibrant energy of Paris. It was a comforting retreat after our adventures exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and indulging in exquisite cuisine. The convenient proximity to a nearby metro station, a supermarket, and an array of delightful restaurants in the charming neighborhood made our stay even more delightful. It’s safe to say that we fell in love with the Parisian way of life during our time at Studio Café Papillon.
One remarkable aspect of this trip was that it marked our inaugural experience using Airbnb, and Studio Café Papillon set the bar incredibly high. The personalized touch of our host and the seamless booking process made our stay enjoyable and stress-free. As an avid traveler, I’m already planning my next adventure and have my next Airbnb booking in place. To share the joy of travel and delightful stays, I’ve included this link here if you are interested in accessing enticing discounts on your own Airbnb experiences!
Conclusion
In this journey through music, travel, and dreams come true, I’ve ventured beyond the confines of traditional blog posts to share a more personal side of the Song Activity Factory. While my primary mission remains to provide you with innovative song-based lesson plans, I believe that sometimes, it’s the personal experiences that infuse life with meaning and inspire creative endeavors.
Through the song-based lesson plans featured in this post, we’ve explored the boundless potential of music to enhance language learning. From sharpening listening skills to preparing for Cambridge English exams, these lessons showcase the power of combining creativity and critical thinking with the enchanting melodies of songs.
And speaking of dreams, we’ve also celebrated the fulfillment of one very special dream: my Aunt Mirian’s lifelong desire to visit Paris. The joy of seeing her dreams come to life was a heartwarming reminder that dreams are meant to be pursued and cherished.
As I wrap up this post, I encourage you to explore the song-based lesson plans I’ve shared. Dive into the world of music, creativity, and language learning. And when wanderlust calls, consider venturing into the world of Airbnb for unique and delightful travel experiences.
With a heart full of melodies and stories to share, I look forward to continuing this musical journey with you. Bon voyage, dear readers, and may your dreams soar as high as the Eiffel Tower itself. 🎵🗼✈️
Happy teaching! (Happy traveling!)
PS:
The song-based lesson plans featured in this post are 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!
KNOW MORE IDEAS FOR ENGLISH ACTIVITIES WITH SONGS HERE
That’s it for this week! I hope this activity is helpful and enjoyable!
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