You never know what’s going to work ….

Sometimes you never know what is going to work in class.

For the Tanzania project there is a whole chapter devoted to “a/an.”

Originally I thought it was so easy that it didn’t need a Genki English theme, but seeing as we’ve just remixed the “Fruit Market” song I figured I’d just pop it in.  And you know what, it was by far and away *the* most popular song of the lot!

So even if you’re not sure of a song, give it a try, it might just be your greatest hit!

Richard Graham

Hello, I'm Richard Graham. When I was a kid I found school to be sooooo boring... So I transformed my way of teaching. I listened to what the kids were really wanting to say and taught it in ways they really wanted to learn. The results were magical. Now I help teachers just like you teach amazing lessons and double your incomes!

8 Responses to “You never know what’s going to work ….”

  1. Gumby

    Thanks for this. I can’t see the video on my computer at the office, but I will watch it at home. Just to second Richard’s suggestion on trying new songs, here is a link to a ‘favorite song’ thread on the forum.

    http://genkienglish.net/clipart/forum/viewtopic.php?t=235&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

    I was surprised to see how my favorite song list has changed. Most of these changes have taken place because other teachers encouraged me try new songs.

    My favorite song to use now is
    Bigger, Please

    and I just tried Under the Sea, and it was a big hit. The students loved the game and it tied it really well to the Superhero song.

    For those who teach the Brother and Sister song, the picture book is NOT to be missed.

    It would be great to see new additions to this list on the forum!

  2. Margit

    Yeah, I also didn’T use to teach this so much, as kids know lots of fruits already.
    Anyway, last year I used it with my 4,5,6year olds in several classes and they all couldn’T get enough. They loved it so much and wanted to do it 3 times a lesson.
    We used it for a performance as well.

    I’m surprised about this old thread you pulled out there. I’ll add some things there.
    I have so many favorites, though. But “Under the Sea” in fact beats many of them.
    I think for huge classes my number one is “Where are you from”~ it is a song I can use any time to get kids focussed.

  3. julian

    Blimey, that looks fun!
    Those revamped visuals look SO much better! Great job, all round.

  4. cathleen

    I just want to say that was great to watch the fruit market. Gee I wish I had those students what a blast….so much fun

  5. Kobekid

    “You never know what’s going to work…”

    great post Richard and so true, it’s very easy to get into a rut and not try “new” songs. And excellent follow up Gumby and Margit. “Under the Sea” has been a staple at my schools, usually right after the students return from summer vacation. I’m gonna try “Bigger Please” after your recommendation Gumby, actually I had forgotten about that song.

  6. Stephen

    Hey everyone,

    Have to concur with everybody – under the sea is a pretty cool song. I just did the ‘baby monkey, put on your…’ song this month in my lessons which went down pretty well. We started off just doing the gestures, but in one my classes, the kids actually put on and took off their hats, scarves, coats, etc as they were singing it!!! Perfect lesson to teach during Winter!!!

    The thank you song also works really well at the end of the lesson I find. Great way to end the lesson. I would like to know what people use as the song to open the lesson. I have done the Genki English disco song and Rock paper scissors song, but would love to hear what other people are doing!!!

    I managed to watch that video last night – awesome stuff. Are you sure no one was spiking the water with anything? You really had it going – didn’t even look like you were doing an English thing – looked more like a dance club!!! 🙂 Definitely looking forward to trying this song out!!!

  7. Roger

    yes, the revamped themes are great! Thanks Richard

  8. Jennifer

    Wow Richard the atmosphere there was fabulous!!! You must be in seventh heaven when you do these events!!! Your Genki style is amazing and so infectious!!! Thank you very much!!!

Comments are closed