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No songs in reading or classroom discussion sound right. Some teachers eliminate songs from school except in music class, believing in hearing a pin drop for learning. That is more like a traditional school. Nowadays, numerous teachers vote on songs in their classrooms. They employ songs for brain breaker, warmer or background music to achieve seamless transition or classroom organization. However, actively integrated songs in lessons offer much further rewarding experiences to the students and the teacher, in particular, in the ESL/EFL learning environment. Through songs, the level of motivation and retention spikes and valuable cultural aspects can be taught enhancing the language learning in the classroom. Exercises and drills are generally tedious and stressful for language learners. According to many studies, songs and music can reduce the feeling of anxiety and stress. Songs can establish harmony and community among students and teachers as well. Through songs, students can become more receptive to the lessons. Large class sizes usually also involve multiple learning styles amidst the students. Nevertheless, the rhythms, beats, or rhymes of songs grab the most resistant student's attention and prepare students to dive into the exercise. Buzzing a favorite song nudges students to smile and respond to the learning process dramatically diminishing the stress level of the language learners. Lyrics are excellent sources of words and expressions. Songs can deliver meaningful words to master for the ESL/EFL students. Nursery rhymes, for example, commonly contain a lot of fundamental concepts and expressions for the students to memorize. When students sing the poems, they can digest the words and phrases of the lyrics unquestionably. New concepts of syntax, sounds, vocabulary can be introduced creatively in songs, too. Conveniently offered for young learners are various phonics songs integrating favorite tunes for the ESL/EFL classroom. For adult learners, classroom games such as replacing the original words and poems to synonym or antonym of their choices can enhance their verbal and written language skills. Cultural aspects can also be beneficial. Pop, rock, or musical songs typically integrate cultural perspectives. Incorporating one of these songs into the ESL/EFL classroom delivers a unique opportunity for the learners to know the western community. For example, the musical fantasy film of a quintessential America, The Wizard of OZ, provides many songs with idiomatic expressions and words. Some excerpts out of the film can be used to teach both listening skills and cultural aspects. For upper-level students, following activities of discussion or composing their version of verses around the songs would enrich not only their language skills but also their cultural perceptions. 'Why is the musical film still prevailing today?' would be one of the relevant questions to stimulate students' critical thinking about American culture, history, and values. Amongst various activities in the classroom, songs are the most inspiring exercise and a powerful tool in learning the language. Songs are a reliable source backing emotional, social and cultural connection reaching out to every leaner, regardless of age, classroom size, or level of language ability. Songs integrated with the goals of lessons are an essential ingredient to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the ESL/EFL classroom. Songs are authentic. Why not chant in school?
