I got to borrow my dad’s car for one week on vacation and listened to two Sirius radio channels - 90’s on 9 and Pop2K on 10. My son keeps asking me why I’m singing along to Ace of Base and No Doubt, and I can only reply “I love these songs!”
These days, I tend to listen more to audio books than the radio. The nostalgia of listening to the music of my high school and college days was more potent than I expected, and I understand now why the Music Playlist works so well for students. Music helps students define themselves and others around them. It also creates deep nostalgic memories that can impact vocabulary learning.
When I think of my students enjoying summer break, I can't help but hear summer soundtracks playing in my head. I can guarantee that students are listening to music whether they are laying by the pool, driving in the car to a vacation destination, or working a summer job. Music will always be tied to the memories they are making right now.
With beats and rhythms on the brain, I had an epiphany! I realized English Language Arts teachers could use the power of music to assess students' vocabulary skills at the start of the school year. My Create A Vocabulary Playlist is the perfect back-to-school vocabulary activity for students.
On the first day of school, explain to students that you want to listen to their summer soundtracks. Instruct students to pick 10 songs that remind them of their summer break and list them out on their Create A Vocabulary Playlist handout. Once they've picked out their 10 songs, students will need to listen to each song in class (or at home) and make mnemonic connections to words and definitions.
This quick and fun vocabulary activity will encourage students to recall vocabulary words and express themselves. Download it now!
Rap Your Words Vocabulary Practice
Color your Words Vocabulary Game
Allegory of Vocabulary Words
Reading Literature/Informational Text Standard 7. Evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media
Language Standard 4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words
Language Standard 5. Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meaning.
Language Standard 6. Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge