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JAZZ  BABY IN  AFRICA & MADAGASCAR

Songs and Chants

Jazz Chants help non-native speakers get the "feel" of American English. The student learns the stress, rhythm and intonation patterns by "doing" them. It's a very effective and enjoyable way to learn.

Carolyn Graham's Jazz Chants can be a great help in your classroom. The MP3 files may be downloaded and will give the sense of jazz, timing and fun that must accompany them.
 
Steps in teaching a jazz chant:

  1. Be sure students know all the key vocabulary.
  2. Write the chant on the board.
  3. Read the entire chant to the class.
  4. Read one line at a time and have students repeat the line until they can say most of the words.
  5. Add the rhythm (clapping, marching, pounding the table or a drum).
  6. Let the class do the rhythm and say it at the same time.
  7. Let "soloists" say it while everyone else claps.

 

The songs and chants

The music is in MP3 format (64kbits/s) and the lyrics in PDF format


I saw a lion
  1. Hi, How are You?
  2. Do You  Speak English?
  3. African Grass
  4. He's an  Ethiopian
  5. African Name Chants
  6. African Name Songs
  7. I Saw a Lion
  8. Giraffes are Strong
  9. I Saw a Rhino
  10. My Leopard
  11. Leopard Question Chant
  12. Sleepy Lion
  13. Giraffes Drink Water
  14. Lemures Dancing in Madagascar
  15. Mahajanga Song
  16. Antananarivo Chant
  17. The Trees of Madagascar
  18. The Little Elephant Song
  19. Monkeys Swing

 
Jazz Chants

Jazz chants teaching manual
For more information or teaching material, please contact this office

Contact Us

Francinah Magoro
Tel: (012) 431-4208
Fax: (012) 431-4618
MagoroFM@state.gov

Eran Williams
Tel: (012) 431-4215
Fax: (012) 431-4618
WilliamsEM2@state.gov