Feel the music - upper secondary (3º ESO+) and adults- A2
The new Spanish education law (LOMLOE) has explicity introduced cross-curricular competencies related to personal development. Songs offer a great way to approach this area in the English language classroom.
Our feelings vary just as much as the moods of the songs we listen to. It's simply impossible to imagine our lives, the highs and the lows, without music to accompany us everyday. This didactic concert with songs from both old and new artists takes us on an emotional journey with songs that invite us to "feel" our way through the challenges that life inevitably brings.
Strong emotions have inspired heart felt songs from many contemporary artists, such as Lewis Capaldi´s " Someone you loved", Avril Lavigne´s song about surviving a life-threatening illness "Head above water", Beyoncé's pride in her black African heritage in "Black Parade", Olivia Rodrigo's tussle with social trauma in "Ballad of a home schooled girl", Harry Styles melancholy but fast paced pop hit about a relationship breaking up "As it was", and more recently Shawn Mendes song "Heart of gold" about grief and mourning.
But songs about tough emotions have been around a long time, for example, "Smalltown boy" by Bronski Beat about the trauma of dealing with bullying or "Can't stand losing you" by The Police on the, until recently taboo, issue of suicide and even from the greatest band of all time The Beatles "Help!" as they tried to come to terms with the pressures of their success.
Although some of the stories are tough there is room for a dash of humour with "Always look on the bright side of life" by Monty Python, some pacy passion and desire with Shocking Blue's "Venus, she's got it" and to finish "We are the champions" by Queen, the timeless masterpiece about overcoming the challenges of life to reach our goals.
An A2 (CEF) minimum level is required.
