Hey there, fellow English teaching rockstars!
Let’s face it… are you tired of those same old grammar drills? That feeling when you’re just going through the motions, and you can see in your students’ eyes that the simple past tense just isn’t sticking? I know that feeling. But what if you could bring REAL energy, REAL soul into it?
This creative song activity isn’t just another worksheet. Believe me. It’s a way to connect. Using popular songs is such a powerful way to teach English grammar because it stops being about rules and starts being about feeling. About memory. It becomes FUN for your teen and adult students.
Think of this lesson plan as my gift to you. It’s low-prep, it’s engaging, and it works. You’ll see your students FINALLY master this tricky grammar point. We’ll be using amazing tracks from James Blunt, Blink 182, and The Rolling Stones to create a class they won’t forget.
Why Use Creative Song Activities for the ESL Classroom?
Have you ever wondered why music connects with us so deeply? Let me tell you, using songs isn’t just a “fun break.” Not at all. It’s a strategic and truly soulful way to teach. It gets to the HEART of the language. This is the whole idea behind the MUSIC+ Framework—using music to create real, lasting learning.
- Boosts Engagement: Music speaks to the soul. It’s a universal language. When your students hear a song they love, you can literally FEEL the energy in the room shift. Their motivation just soars. It’s magic.
- Improves Listening Skills: Songs are more than just listening practice. They’re a window into the living, breathing pulse of the English language. They help our students hear the natural rhythm, the different voices, the real emotion behind the words. It sharpens their ear in a way a textbook just can’t.
- Provides Context: Let’s be real—grammar rules taught in a vacuum are forgotten. They just fade away. But grammar inside a song? It has a story. It has a feeling. This is how students truly internalize structures like the simple past tense. They don’t just learn the rule; they feel it.
- Expands Vocabulary: Song lyrics are like little treasure chests full of useful words, idioms, and expressions. And the beautiful thing about a song is its repetition. That chorus comes around again and again, and each time, it plants those new words a little deeper in their minds. It’s so effective!
A Time-Saving Lesson Plan for Teaching Simple Past
Okay, are you ready to bring this energy into YOUR classroom? Let’s do it! In this interactive and deeply engaging activity, we’re going to take our students on a musical journey. Their mission is simple: watch the music videos, listen with their whole hearts, and fill in the blanks with the simple past verbs they hear.
It’s the perfect activity for a review, for listening practice, or even as a beautiful reward for all their hard work.
The Song Lineup
- The Girl That Never Was by James Blunt
- Closure by Henry Moodie
- One More Time by Blink 182
- Mess It Up by The Rolling Stones
- Evolution by Sheryl Crow
A fun and dynamic GIF emphasizing that learning English can be enjoyable.
How to Run This Interactive Song Activity
This should be all about creating flow, purpose, and real connection in the classroom. It’s not about complicated steps; it’s about a simple, effective rhythm that leads to success. Here’s how we do it:
Amplify the Joy (Compete – Optional):
If you feel that buzz in the room, why not amplify it? Turn the activity into a fun team competition. It’s not about winning; it’s about sharing the energy and celebrating their success together!
Set the Stage (Prep):
Before class, just make sure you can play the video so everyone can see and hear it clearly. If you’re online, have the link ready to share. Simple as that!
Spark Curiosity (Intro):
Take a moment to introduce the artists and songs. “Has anyone heard this one before?” Just asking that simple question is enough to build anticipation and invite them into the experience.
Activate What They Know (Review):
This is so important. Ask them, “What simple past verbs do you already know?” Write their examples on the board, both regular and irregular. This validates their knowledge and prepares their minds for the mission ahead.
The Musical Mission (Activity):
Now for the fun part! Tell your students their mission is to write down the missing verbs. Remember to create a safe space—let them know it’s okay to pause the video if they need to ask about a word. This is a journey you take together.
Listen with Heart, Check with Friends:
Play each clip at least twice. The first listen is for the vibe, the second is for focus. Then—and this is key—have them check their answers in pairs. This builds SO much confidence before you do the final group check together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I adapt this simple past song activity for different levels?
For lower-level learners (A1), pre-teach the verbs in the base form before they listen. For a B2-level challenge, ask students to write a short paragraph summarizing one of the song’s stories using the simple past.
What are some other creative song activities for the ESL classroom?
Beyond gap-fills, try lyric sequencing, where students put scrambled lyric lines in order. Or, for a speaking focus, have students discuss the emotions or story in the song. Explore our other song-based lesson plans for more ideas.
How do song activities help with student engagement?
Music activates different parts of the brain, making learning more memorable and enjoyable. Using popular songs makes the content relevant to students’ lives, which is a key principle of the MUSIC+ Framework for motivating reluctant learners.
Can I use this activity to teach English listening skills too?
Absolutely. This activity is excellent for developing listening comprehension. Students must listen for specific grammatical forms within the natural flow of sung English, which is a fantastic and authentic practice.
Are there any tech tools to make this lesson more interactive?
Yes! You can use online quiz tools like Kahoot! or Mentimeter for the competition part. Have students submit their answers in real-time for a fun, game-show feel that integrates technology seamlessly.
Why is teaching grammar with songs better than using a textbook?
Textbooks provide a strong foundation, but songs offer authentic context that textbooks sometimes lack. Aligning song activities with your textbook’s grammar progression, as outlined in our curriculum alignment research, creates a powerful combination of structured learning and authentic application.
Song Activity Factory 
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