Teach children to sing English (2)

Author: Zhang Xiangjun (Written by) / Shi Zhengting (Illustrated)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features:
- Catchy English children's songs;
- Fun game units;
- Joyful language learning.
English children's songs CD: 10 familiar English children's songs to guide children in learning happily;
Game learning units: 50 English game learning units to lead children in natural learning;
DIY craft paperboards: 2 DIY craft paperboards to provide children with hands-on activities.
The learning of a language is inseparable from cultural understanding. One effective way to enhance children's interest in language learning and increase their cultural awareness is to expose them to traditional folk songs from around the world. Ancestors of various ethnic groups have left behind many lovely nursery rhymes, which often represent the essence of their culture. It is important for children to learn and sing these folk songs from a young age, especially those passed down in English-speaking countries like the UK and the US.
In the UK, nursery rhymes are considered a formal field of study, compiled into early education materials and systematically introduced by nannies and kindergarten teachers. For British children, the age before five is the era of nursery rhymes. Some say, "British children's education is effective because it is guided and driven by nursery rhymes," which seems quite reasonable.
In Taiwan, parents generally believe that the earlier a child starts learning a foreign language, the better the outcome. As a result, bilingual kindergartens are popping up everywhere, and English learning is becoming increasingly low-aged. However, as the duration of English learning extends, English teaching materials and methods must differ across stages. It is essential not to focus solely on language skills, memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules, or practicing dialogues, while neglecting the cultural aspects of English and American languages. Children should be introduced to English and American cultures to use English naturally.
The author, specifically targeting the physical and mental development characteristics of preschoolers, has written three game books—Teach Little Kids to Sing English (Volumes 1, 2, and 3)—to allow children to sing English nursery rhymes, count, solve mazes, color, and engage in cutting and pasting activities at school or home. These activities aim to boost their interest in learning English and expand their other skill sets. The 30 nursery rhymes and exercises selected for the three game books are designed with varying lengths and difficulty levels, catering to the physical and mental development of children at different age groups. Parents or teachers can choose based on the child's English learning progress.
As someone working in children's education, it is hard not to give children the best. Even simple activities, like maze exercises, are designed not only to align with the content of English nursery rhymes to reinforce the theme but also to convey aesthetic beauty through visuals. Therefore, the author has specially invited a good friend and renowned picture book author, Shi Zhengting, to illustrate all the images, ensuring their authenticity and beauty.
Each game book comes with a CD, allowing children to sing along repeatedly. To help children clearly hear the pronunciation of each English nursery rhyme and sing accurately to achieve language learning goals, the recordings were produced with first reciting each rhyme once, followed by singing with music in the second take, and a final version with only instrumental background music for children to practice independently.