Songs and young language learners: vocabulary and motivation
The use of songs as a technique in teaching is appreciated for their linguistic, cultural, pedagogical and entertaining features. Songs are valuable learning materials which can be used to teach and develop every aspect of a language. This paper aims to review different classroom based studies focused on the effects of songs on Young Learners' vocabulary development and motivation. This review has the aim of, firstly, exploring the effectiveness of using songs as a means to improve Young Learners' English language vocabulary and, secondly, as a means of influence Young Learners' motivation towards English. Moreover, the paper also contains a theoretical framework of Young Learners in relation to both vocabulary and motivation. It also deals with how areas such as vocabulary and motivation might be related to songs. Finally, bearing in mind the findings on motivation and vocabulary, the paper includes a pedagogical proposal for an EFL class based. The analysis of the different studies show that songs have a positive influence on vocabulary of Young Learners. Furthermore, findings conclude that songs undoubtedly improve Young Learners' motivation and create a positive learning environment. Students motivated with songs feel happy, active and eager to learn.