True or false: you can still remember the lyrics of the songs you loved in your teens but you can’t remember algebra or history with the same ease.
That’s because it’s easier to learn and remember when we learn through song. Scientists say that singing can also be used to teach challenging concepts and develop language, while our brain is fooled into thinking that we’re having fun rather than learning.
This is why sharing a song with a refugee is such a good idea – we learn something of their culture, they learn something of ours and we all get to have a little bit of fun along the way.
Of course, if you don’t know anyone from another culture you don’t have to miss out on the fun. You can always start sharing music written by refugees with your mates – get them listening to Wyclef Jean, M.I.A, Gloria Estefan, Bob Marley, K’naan or Mika to name a few.
The Year Five Choir at Godwin Junior School, London, have written and shared a song!
Why don’t you do one too?
