Increasing Vocabulary Mastery by Using Song-Related Reading Texts to Children Aged Six to Twelve

Abstract

The purpose of this research examines an effective and innovative way of increasing the English vocabulary of children aged six to twelve years old children in Batu Raja Village Mataram West Nusa Tenggara. They were in grade 1 to 5 of different elementary schools participating in a private English Home Class. The study were conducted in the following procedure: (a) teacher-student greetings (b) brainstorming activities, (c) students' listening to a song, (d) teacher and student singing the song, (e) reading a song-related text, (f) students interact with text through question and answer activities. The result proves that the children's ability to comprehend word meaning reaches the minimum required standard competency and they can write, spell and use the words in spoken forms. In addition, the children are motivated to learn English by singing the songs and memorize each the words that they have learned (from ten words most of children memorized eight to nine words). This result shows facilitating role of songs for mastering English words. In addition, the children enjoy each word that they have learned by singing them in every place and moment that they have. The value of giving the children reading texts can prove that this way is an effective way of introducing fun and enjoyable English lessons to beginning learners of English.