Some smart people in the UK found out that playing music or singing is good for the brains of older people. They looked at more than 1,100 people who were around 68 years old. They found out that those who played musical instruments were better at remembering things and solving problems. Playing the piano or other instruments like trumpets and flutes was especially good for the brain. But just listening to music didn't help the brain in the same way.
The main researcher, Prof Anne, said learning to play music is like learning a new language for your brain. It's good exercise for your brain. They didn't check if starting to play music when you're older is good for your brain, but they think it might be. Playing music might not stop a sickness called dementia, but it could help make your brain stronger. A group called Dementia UK thinks music is very helpful for people with dementia. So, playing music or singing might help keep your brain healthy as you get older.
Original news source: Playing a musical instrument good for brain health in later life – study (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out a musical instrument or a song title without speaking. The other groups will try to guess what they are acting out. This activity will help students practice vocabulary related to music and instruments, as well as improve their non-verbal communication skills.
– News Summary
Instructions: Provide the students with a simplified version of the article. In pairs or small groups, they will take turns summarizing the main points of the article to their partners. This activity will help students practice reading comprehension and summarizing skills, as well as encourage discussion and communication.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down a list of vocabulary words related to music and instruments from the article. Divide the class into two teams. One student from each team will come to the board and draw a picture representing one of the vocabulary words. The rest of their team will try to guess the word. This activity will help students practice vocabulary recall and reinforce their understanding of the new words.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will discuss the pros and cons of playing a musical instrument, based on the information from the article. They can take turns sharing their opinions and reasons with the rest of the group. This activity will encourage critical thinking, discussion, and the use of persuasive language.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask the students to think about how they feel when they listen to music. Then, have them pair up and share their thoughts with their partner. After a few minutes, ask some volunteers to share their partner's thoughts with the whole class. This activity will encourage students to express their feelings and opinions, as well as practice speaking and listening skills.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
They found out that playing music is good for the brains of older people.
They looked at more than 1,100 people.
They found out that those who played musical instruments were better at remembering things and solving problems.
The main researcher said that learning to play music is like learning a new language for your brain. It's good exercise for your brain.
No, they didn't check if starting to play music when you're older is good for your brain, but they think it might be.
Playing music might not stop a sickness called dementia.
A group called Dementia UK thinks music is very helpful for people with dementia.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Some people in the UK found out that playing or singing is good for the brains of older people. They looked at more than 1,100 people who were around 68 years old. They found out that those who played musical instruments were better at remembering things and solving problems. Playing the piano or other instruments like trumpets and flutes was especially good for the brain. But just listening to music didn't help the brain in the same way. The main , Anne, said learning to play music is like learning a new language for your brain. It's good for your brain. They didn't check if starting to play music when you're older is good for your brain, but they it might be. Playing music might not stop a sickness called , but it could help your brain stronger. A group called Dementia UK thinks music is very helpful for people with dementia. So, playing music or singing might help keep your brain healthy as you get older.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is playing music good for?
2. How would you feel if you could play a musical instrument?
3. Do you like listening to music? Why or why not?
4. What is dementia?
5. How do you think playing music might help keep your brain healthy?
6. What is a musical instrument?
7. How would you feel if you could play the piano or the flute?
8. Do you think playing music is like learning a new language? Why or why not?
9. How would you feel if you couldn't remember things well?
10. Do you think playing music is a good exercise for your brain? Why or why not?
11. What do you think Dementia UK thinks about music?
12. How would you feel if you couldn't solve problems easily?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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