Teach children to sing English (1)

Author: Zhang Xiangjun (Writing) / Shi Zhengting (Illustrations)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features:
- Catchy English children's songs
- Fun game units
- Happy language learning
English children's songs CD: 10 familiar English children's songs to guide children in joyful learning
Game learning units: 50 English game learning units to lead children in natural learning
DIY craft paper: 2 DIY craft paper sheets 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 beautiful lullabies, 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 from English-speaking countries.
In the UK, folk songs are considered a formal field of study, compiled into early learning materials and systematically introduced by nannies and kindergarten teachers. For British children, the age of five is the era of folk songs. Some say, "British children's education is effective because it is guided and driven by folk songs," 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 lowized. However, as the duration of English learning extends, English teaching materials and methods must vary across different stages. It is essential not to focus solely on language skills, mechanical memorization of vocabulary and grammar rules, or rote practice of dialogues, while neglecting the cultural aspects of English and American languages. Children should be encouraged to understand English and American cultures to use English more naturally.
The author, specifically targeting the physical and mental development characteristics of preschoolers, has written three game books titled "Teaching Little Kids to Sing English" (Volumes 1, 2, and 3). These books allow children to sing English folk songs, count, solve mazes, color, and engage in cutting and pasting activities at school or home, thereby increasing their interest in learning English and expanding their other skills. The 30 folk songs 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-solving exercises, in their design, must not only be related to the content of English folk songs to reinforce the theme but also consider how the visuals convey beauty to children. Therefore, the author has specially invited a close friend, also a renowned picture book author, Shi Zhengting, to illustrate all the images, ensuring authenticity and aesthetic appeal.
Each game book comes with a CD, allowing children to sing along repeatedly. To ensure children can clearly hear the pronunciation of each English folk song and sing along accurately to achieve language learning goals, the recording process involved three stages: first, native speakers were asked to recite each folk song once, followed by a second recording with music, and finally, a third recording with only instrumental music for children to practice independently.