MUSIC AND SONG TOOLS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUNG LEARNERS: OPPORTUNITIES OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

One of the interesting tools of learning at English lessons is music and songs. Their purpose as a didactic tool is to develop English language competence, to impact on the emotional and sensory sphere of young learners, it is like a game for quick studying of learning material, raising interest, curiosity, enthusiasm at English lessons. The purpose of the research is to characterize the use of music and song tools at English lessons with the possibility of using digital technologies. The tasks of the research are to analyze different authors’ approaches to defining the basics of music and song tools; outline their influence on various aspects of the language; give examples of digital technologies practice using music and song material at English lessons. The results of the research show that music and song tools are teaching tools based on the introduction of rhythmic song material in teaching English for young learners. The use of chants contributes to the contextual introduction of lexical units and speech patterns, easier and faster memorization of English language material. At an English language lesson, it is necessary to use digital technologies to create an artificial English-speaking environment using authentic songs from websites, YouTube, Tik Tok, etc. When using digital technologies, an English language teacher in primary grades should follow three simple stages while implementing a song: pre-listening tasks, while-listening tasks, after-listening tasks as singing a song, creative tasks. Some songs provide the opportunity to perform various physical movements while singing, that relieves physical tension during English lessons (songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", "Can You Clap" and others). Therefore, the use of digital technologies does not involve only learning young learners in front of computer screens, it should be combined with the physical movements for young learners. It is recommended using a variety of digital resources at primary English lessons, such as the British Council's LearnEnglish Kids resource with lots of songs and tasks. So, the conclusion is digital technologies contribute to the use of music and song as a learning tool that expands the motivation of young learners and contributes to the development of English language competence.