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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Apr 24, 2008 by World Languages Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
Songs for Teaching, Spanish Songs provides resources for teaching the Spanish Language. Materials include lyrics, sound clips, lessons plans and external links. The songs provided range from simple alphabet songs to more complex grammar and conversational songs. Many of the songs are culturally situated, to allow learners to listen to authentic Spanish in music form. This site also has areas for other languages, including German, and Latin, as well as other subject areas, such as Math and Special Education. This site is an excellent starting point to teaching Spanish through songs. |
| Learning Goals: |
Listening skills and Spanish culture |
| Target Student Population: |
Learners of Spanish |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
None |
| Type of Material: |
Collection |
| Recommended Uses: |
Whole class or individual work |
| Technical Requirements: |
Media player |
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| Strengths: |
Songs for Spanish provides a wide range of songs with lyrics and sound clips, some lessons, body movement suggestions and links to outside resources. The site is easy to navigate, with clearly labeled links to songs in different genres (Spanish, German, French, Special Education, Math, etc.). The links on the site are all relevant to the materials that are there with no advertising. There are also links to download or purchase full CD versions of the songs. |
| Concerns: |
Limited depth - most of the songs are not full versions, many do not link to outside materials. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
There is definite teaching effectiveness present on this website. Be it the Spanish language section or others, student will have the opportunity to see and hear the target language in a new way. The website is engaging, and could spark students to undertake independent learning time. Teaching with Songs can easily be integrated into the curriculum at many points and in many ways. This site can be used in whole groups, small groups or individually with very little in the way of technical guidance. Teachers also have an opportunity to purchase single songs or CDs to be used in the classroom. This can alleviate the stress of when the internet goes down or if the site is blocked by filters. |
| Concerns: |
Limited depth of information on the website. Some time should be spent with the materials before asking students to explore on their own. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
Songs for Spanish is a neat and tidy website, with appealing colors and easy to navigate links. The audio is generally good quality, and English translations of lyrics are also provided. |
| Concerns: |
None |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
None |
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