PPLI Spotlight on Schools Using Music and Rhythm in the MFL Classroom - Flipbook - Page 5
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Using Music and Rhythm in the MFL Classroom
Step-by-Step Pronunciation Activity with French Pop Songs
1. Song Selection
- Choose a song with clear lyrics and strong rhythmic patterns (e.g. Le sens de la vie by Tal, or a Sara9h cover of a
current English hit).
2. First Listening – Immersion
- Play the song without text. Students just listen, focusing on rhythm, intonation, and overall mood.
3. Second Listening – Guided Noticing
- Provide the lyrics. Students underline examples of nasal sounds (e.g. -on, -an, -in), silent onal consonants,
and places where liaison occurs.
4. Pronunciation Focus
- The teacher models a few key lines slowly, exaggerating nasal vowels or silent endings.
- Class repeats in call-and-response, clapping along to reinforce rhythm.
5. Singing Along – Conodence Building
- Students sing a short section (chorus orst) together, focusing on accuracy of sound rather than volume.
6. Extension – Student Challenge
- Students in pairs choose one tricky line and practise until they can perform it with correct pronunciation.
- Musically talented students may accompany with guitar or keyboard, adding a performance element.
7. Wrap-Up / Renection
- Class discusses what was easier or harder about French pronunciation in the song compared to English.
- Teacher highlights one or two key pronunciation
