This document summarizes a presentation about using songs and chants in the Chinese language classroom. It discusses when songs and chants can be used, such as to supplement other materials, as assessments, or to add energy to class. It describes the ideal song or chant as using natural language, having a catchy tune that emphasizes the rhythm of the language, and covering topics and structures being taught. Steps for teaching songs and chants include listening tasks, speaking tasks, reading tasks, and writing tasks. Examples of songs about Thanksgiving are provided.

1. Robin Harvey New York University National Chinese Language Conference April, 2011 Songs & Chants in the Chinese Classroom

3. To supplement other materials

4. As assessment (project)

6. To supplement other materials

7. As assessment (project)

8. For practicing all 4 skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing

9. Three modes: interpretive, interpersonal, presentational

11. Catchy tune or rhythm which emphasizes the natural rhythm of the language

12. Topic students are interested in/you are currently teaching

13. Structures you are currently teaching

15. MUST give students task to do while listening

16. Count how many times a phrase appears

17. Listen for all sports they know

19. Sing with gestures

20. Memorize and perform for class

21. Write their own version

22. Change a few words

23. Use only the rhythm & basic patterns

25. Read along

26. Radicals search

27. Figure out the rule

28. Writing

29. Create & Illustrate their own version

31. 四声歌 Common Classroom Language Emphasizes Pronunciation Teaches names of tones along with pronunciation Answer to our boring drills! Great for dancing!

35. 感恩节做什么？感恩节我们看游行！ 长长的游行 短短的游行 。。。。 游行好玩！

36. 感恩节，我们看球赛！

37. 感恩节我们吃火鸡

38. 感恩节我们吃什么？

39. What other holidays could we use?

40. Thank you! Robin Harvey Project for Developing Chinese Language Teachers New York University Robin.harvey@nyu.edu (212)992-9367