Acknowledgements

The purpose of this research paper is to show that if games and songs are used properly,
with well-defined aims, they can be an amazing tool in the language teachers᾿ hands. Games are
popular with all ages and can motivate children in the process of learning, eliminating the stress
factor from classrooms. Singing is seen by most young learners as an enjoyable activity. Songs
improve children’s listening skills, teach vocabulary and encourage children to express
themselves during singing.

My aim has been to suggest activities through which I can help learners to develop their
language skills. Using well-planned games, learners can put into practice and internalize
vocabulary, grammar, and structures extensively. Play and competition that are provided by
games enhance the motivation of the young learners. At the same time as playing games, the
learners' attention is on the message, not on the language.

My personal experience of foreign language teaching has been with the secondary school
children. I believe that at this age, teaching via games has a particular impact by developing
pupils’ mental processes, the observation spirit, skills and perspicacity, the ability to express
their thought in a clear and required form. Therefore, in writing this paper I have this type of
students in my mind, so the activities will be suitable for intermediate to upper-intermediate
learners.

On the other hand, I took into account the learning needs of my students, their intellectual
abilities. In a class there are students capable of performing in English, but also students with
high abilities in sport or pupils with disabilities. Using games and music when teaching English
could attract their interest and satisfy the learning needs of all youngsters.

The first chapter of this thesis will present some of the most popular methods and
techniques used in teaching English.

In the second chapter I will analyze the concept of game as a teaching method. I will also
try to emphasize the importance of games in language learning ELT classroom and the
advantages and disadvantages of using them.

The third chapter of the paper will bring into discussion some relevant strategies and
techniques in teaching songs and the importance of using them while improving the English
language skills.
 The last chapter of this paper, the practical one, will contain a list of teaching activities
through games and music in order to improve both the oral and the written English language
competence and the considerations of the impact that they had on my students.

To conclude, I could say that songs and games have an important role in teaching English
as a foreign language in secondary school. They can bring variety to the everyday classroom
routine, which can increase students᾿ interest in learning the English Language, by reaching
higher levels of achievement.