Listening activity (Song) - Present simple

Why did we choose it?

 We choose the song "Take me out by Franz Ferdinand" because this song engaging for students and has repetitive structures that help identify the use of Present Tense in a informal or natural context. Also, this song has a rhythm that makes the language more easy and a funny way to practice.

 
What is the song about?

The song is about someone who wants to escape from a situation and is asking another person to take them out. It expresses desire, frustration, and a sense of urgency, which students can relate to or interpret in different creative ways.

 
What vocabulary/grammar we use? 

The focus is on identifying and practicing present simple tense verbs and vocabulary related to feelings, actions, and daily situations. The students will recognize verbs in the present form and analyze how they are used in the context of a song

Opinion 1 - Leidy Saavedra

I consider the use of the song Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand to be an effective pedagogical tool for practicing the simple present tense with sixth grade students. This song contains clear structures of the present simple tense that allow students to identify and analyze the use of the verb tense in a real and meaningful context. 

Also, I consider thah the use of music as a didactic resource also stimulates auditory memory and favors the retention of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Therefore, working with this song not only strengthens the recognition and use of the present simple, but also connects learning with a pleasant and culturally enriching experience.

Opinion 2 - Jonathan Roa

I honestly think Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand is a fun way to help sixth graders with the simple present tense. It’s not just about grammar rules—it’s about making learning feel cool and relevant. Music like this can really grab their attention, and when you make lessons fun, they’re more likely to remember what they’ve learned. Plus, the fact that the students already enjoy the song means they’re more likely to pay attention and connect with the grammar without it feeling like a chore. It’s a win-win!

So, we thought using the "fill in the missing words" activity with the present tense would be a fun way to connect everything. It just works really well with Take Me Out. The song’s got a great vibe, and when the students fill in the blanks, they can see how the present tense actually fits into the song’s lyrics. It’s not about making them memorize grammar, it’s about getting them to feel the tense in a real context. Plus, they get to learn while enjoying a song they actually like, which makes everything way more fun and memorable.