The Special English Program (SEP) at Kasetsart University recently held an English camp weekend. The weekend was designed to create a fun environment where students could practice speaking and listening to the English language. The students were split into 6 groups of 30 and rotated between 6 classrooms lead by English teachers. I was 1 of the 6 teachers that volunteered to lead an activity. The majority of the students are enrolled in the courses I teach so I knew the weekend would be a humorous one.
The activity I decided to use in my classroom was “Making the Band.” The activity was based on the American reality TV show from years ago. I opened the activity with vocabulary building using esoteric music words such as collaborate, catchy, rhythm, album, and melody. I then explained the activity and showed the students the music video of Kool & the Gang performing their hit Celebration as an example band.
Once in groups, each group had to do the following
1. Determine the genre of music their band would play
2. Decide on the band’s name
3. Each member of the band created his/her own stage name
4. Tell how your band formed and why it is the best band
5. Perform!!!
Here is a short 6 minute compilation video of the performances. I recently showed this to my students and they really enjoyed it. I was lucky to make a cameo appearance toward the end. I hope you enjoy it.