Q.1 Are songs and games useful in teaching English?

Language learning is a hard task which can sometimes be frustrating. Constant effort is required to understand, produce and manipulate the target language. Well-chosen songs and games are invaluable as they give students a break and at the same time allow students to practise language skills. Songs and games are highly motivating since they are amusing and at the same time challenging. Furthermore, they employ meaningful and useful language in real contexts. They also encourage and increase cooperation. Songs is a very good tool to motivate the students' learning process, it works also as a break for the routine. Songs could be an essential part of English teaching. It makes the students more sensitive to the sounds and the classes become more interesting and powerful. Songs are a good way to teach in acquiring a language because they incorporate all the language skills: Listening (to the song) - Following the song to determine words. Reading (following the lyrics to determine the words) Writing (filling in the blanks) - Reading the lyrics Speaking (singing the song) As songs are usually easily obtainable and songs can be selected to suit the needs and interests of the students. Grammar and cultural aspects can be introduced through songs. Time length is easily controlled. Students can experience a wide range of accents. Song lyrics can be used in relating to situations of the world around us. Students think songs are natural and fun. These are only some of the many reasons songs are useful in the language learning classroom. They contain authentic language, are easily obtainable, provide vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students. They provide enjoyable speaking, listening, vocabulary and language practice both in and out of the classroom. Games are highly motivating because they are amusing and interesting. They can be used to give practice in all language skills and be used to practice many types of communication. Games are a welcome break from the usual routine of the language class. They are motivating and challenging. Learning a language requires a great deal of effort. Games help students to make and sustain the effort of learning. Games provide language practice in the various skills- speaking, writing, listening and reading. They encourage students to interact and communicate. They create a meaningful context for language use. There are considerations when applying songs and games in the classroom. It requires comprehensible input which depends on the learning level of the targeted students. The structure and the lexis of the songs and games is also very important i.e. the introduction of too many vocabularies at one time will affect the lack of interest of the students to enjoy the songs or the games. The time length of the games and songs should be controlled to avoid boredom of the students. Selection of songs have to be made carefully to avoid distortions of the pronunciation e.g. whatcha doing instead of what are you doing? 'In conclusion, learning language through songs and games is one effective and interesting way. The results of this research suggest that songs and games are used not only for mere fun, but more importantly, for the useful practice and review of language lessons, thus leading toward the goal of improving learners' communicative competence.'