Enhancing Young Learners’ English Vocabulary Through Songs and Interactive Games

INTRODUCTION 

Language learning, especially at an early age, is a fundamental aspect of a child’s cognitive and linguistic development. Vocabulary acquisition plays a crucial  role in mastering a language, as it provides the foundation for effective communication, reading comprehension, and overall language proficiency. Teaching vocabulary to young learners requires engaging and interactive methods to sustain their interest and improve retention. Traditional teaching approaches, such as rote memorization and textbook-based learning, often fail to capture children's attention, making it challenging for them to internalize new words effectively. Therefore, incorporating alternative teaching strategies that cater to children's natural learning tendencies, such as songs and games, has become an area of interest in language education research. One of the most effective methods for teaching vocabulary to young learners is through the use of songs. Songs provide repetitive exposure to vocabulary, making it easier for students to remember words and their meanings. According to Nation, repeated exposure to words in meaningful contexts significantly enhances vocabulary retention. Additionally, songs contain rhythm and melody, which help learners associate words with sounds, ultimately improving pronunciation and listening comprehension. Grean also emphasizes that young learners benefit from activities that involve movement, music, and play, as these elements make learning enjoyable and reinforce language acquisition in a natural and engaging way. 

Apart from songs, educational games also play a significant role in vocabulary learning. Games create a fun and relaxed learning environment where students can interact with their peers while acquiring new words. According to Hansel, games help students lower their anxiety levels, enhance their motivation, and encourage active participation in the learning process. Games also promote cooperative learning, where students work together, exchange ideas, and use new vocabulary in meaningful interactions. This interactive approach contrasts with traditional passive learning methods, which often lead to a lack of engagement and difficulty in vocabulary retention. Several previous studies have explored the effectiveness of songs and games in teaching vocabulary to young learners. Benedict conducted a study demonstrating how songs improve students’ pronunciation, listening skills, and memory retention. His findings suggested that songs provide a natural and enjoyable way to introduce new words and phrases to young learners. Similarly, research by Paivio supports the idea that multimodal learning using both auditory and visual inputs enhances memory retention, which further validates the effectiveness of songs as a vocabulary-learning tool. In terms of game-based learning, a study by Yolageldili and Arikan (2011) highlighted that games improve students’ motivation and engagement, leading to better language acquisition outcomes. 

a) Vocabularies Mastering and utilizing a diverse and extensive vocabulary is essential for achieving success in English language learning. Without a solid vocabulary foundation, learners struggle to communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms. Unlike grammar, where students can still engage in conversation despite not fully understanding all the rules, vocabulary plays a more immediate role in conveying meaning.

b) Songs, Moves and Videos Using media in teaching and learning activities helps students focus their attention and concentration, ultimately increasing their enthusiasm and motivation for learning. Additionally, the flexibility of media allows information to be delivered anytime and anywhere, encouraging greater student participation in class.

 There are several advantages to using music as a tool for teaching English: 

1. Encourages Enjoyment in Learning: The joy of singing makes children more enthusiastic about learning. The effectiveness of English instruction for young learners depends on the teacher’s ability to select appropriate songs and incorporate choreographed movements that suit their developmental stage. Engaging activities through songs can increase children's happiness and activeness in learning while also making it easier for them to understand the lesson. 

2. Increases Motivation and Engagement: When children view learning as exciting rather than monotonous, they become more attentive and involved. Singing is often perceived as a fun activity rather than a formal educational exercise, making it an effective tool for keeping students engaged. It enhances their sense of enjoyment, which in turn boosts their motivation to learn (Joyful Learning). 

3. Enhances Multisensory Learning Through Videos: In addition to imitating the teacher’s gestures, students can watch related educational videos displayed on a central screen. This use of video media supports English learning by providing visual reinforcement, making it easier for young learners to grasp and retain new information.

CONCLUSION 

The implementation of interactive teaching methods, including songs, games, repetition, and printed exercises, played a crucial role in enhancing the students’ English vocabulary and pronunciation.

Work citied

https://doi.org/10.61579/future.v3i2.464