Teaching English through a Chinese Folk Song: “Selling Radishes“346

Introduction:

In the realm of language learning, songs have emerged as potent tools for engaging students and facilitating language acquisition. Folk songs, in particular, offer a unique blend of cultural immersion, linguistic exposure, and catchy melodies, making them an ideal medium for teaching foreign languages. This lesson plan outlines an innovative approach to teaching English through the beloved Chinese folk song "Selling Radishes" ("卖萝卜"), providing a comprehensive framework for teachers and learners alike.

Song Lyrics and Translation:

Verse 1:
萝卜白菜一大筐， 小孩娃娃快来尝。
萝卜白菜卖得光， 明儿个再来我摊上。
Translation:
A large basket of radishes and cabbages,
Children, come and have a taste.
If you buy all my radishes and cabbages,
Come to my stall again tomorrow.
Verse 2:
萝卜白菜营养好， 维生素多又解燥。
萝卜白菜价钱低， 一分钱一斤卖得掉。
Translation:
Radishes and cabbages are nutritious,
Rich in vitamins and help with digestion.
The price of radishes and cabbages is low,
One cent per pound, you can afford it.
Verse 3:
萝卜白菜老少爱， 顿顿离不了这个菜。
萝卜白菜味道美， 营养健康全家爱。
Translation:
People of all ages love radishes and cabbages,
Every meal cannot be without this dish.
Radishes and cabbages taste delicious,
Nutritious and healthy, loved by the whole family.

Lesson Plan:
Warm-up (5 minutes):
- Greet students and introduce the topic of teaching English through "Selling Radishes."
- Play the song for students to listen to and enjoy.
Vocabulary Introduction (10 minutes):
- Introduce key vocabulary from the song, such as "萝卜" (radish), "白菜" (cabbage), "营养" (nutrition), "解燥" (relieve constipation), "价钱" (price), "一斤" (one pound), and "老少" (people of all ages).
- Use flashcards or visual aids to help students understand the meaning and pronunciation of these words.
Comprehension Check (10 minutes):
- Ask students to sing along to the song and check their understanding of the lyrics.
- Encourage them to explain the meaning of the song in their own words.
Language Expansion (15 minutes):
- Teach students related vocabulary, such as "卖" (sell), "买" (buy), "好" (good), "便宜" (cheap), "味道" (taste), "健康" (healthy), and "全家" (family).
- Guide students in creating sentences using the new vocabulary.
Pronunciation Practice (5 minutes):
- Focus on difficult sounds and tones in the song, such as the "r" sound in "萝卜" and the fourth tone in "白菜."
- Have students repeat the lyrics after you, paying attention to proper pronunciation.
Role-play Activity (10 minutes):
- Divide students into pairs and assign them roles as the radish seller and the customer.
- Provide them with a list of sample dialogues based on the song.
- Encourage students to practice their conversation skills and use the vocabulary and phrases they have learned.
Cultural Connection (5 minutes):
- Discuss the cultural significance of "Selling Radishes" as a folk song and its importance in Chinese culture.
- Share information about the history and traditions associated with the song.
Assessment (5 minutes):
- Have students complete a short quiz to test their comprehension, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Provide feedback and encouragement to students based on their performance.

Conclusion:

This lesson plan provides a comprehensive framework for teaching English through the Chinese folk song "Selling Radishes." By incorporating cultural immersion, linguistic exposure, and hands-on activities, this approach engages students, enhances their language skills, and fosters an appreciation for Chinese culture. Embracing the power of music and folk songs in language learning creates a fun and memorable experience, making the acquisition of English both enjoyable and effective.

2024-11-10

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