When choosing action songs or chants the teacher should take into the consideration some aspects, because they may improve the participation of children in the lesson.
To begin with, the teacher ought to check what kind of vocabulary is included in it and if the learners already known some of these words or not. Some songs may contain old fashioned words wich can be not undrestood by pupils. That is why, the teacher should carefully choose the action song or a chant in which the vocabulary is simple and the language is authentic (Nilsen, 2003).
Secondly, the action songs and chants should not be too complex and long, of course suitable tempo is required. What is more, the melody must be easy enough for children to follow.
It is also suggested that “ some of the songs are selected because they are humorous” (Nilsen, 2003, p.34). On the other hand, the aim of most songs is to teach a specific set of vocabulary which is often connected with a subject of a lesson.
Another important factor in selecting the action songs and chants is the topic in which learners should be interested in. This may motivate them to participate in singing and doing the actions (Szmidt, 2000).
Next, the age and maturity of the learners are also significant, because the older children are, the easier they perform physical activities.
Afterwards, the song can become the subject to discuss for example after listening to the song about a snowman the teacher can ask them what kinds of other activities they do in the winter except of building a snowman.
Clearly, the action songs and chants ought to contain a chorus which is easy to learn and remembered. The physical activities in songs should not be excessively coplex for the learners to follow.
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