Teaching Point: Past Constructions
Use “Somebody that I Used to Know” or “Call Me Maybe” to review different past constructions with your class. Lyrics like the following allow them to think about which past tense is appropriate to use and why:
No you didn’t have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don’t need that though
Now you’re just somebody that I used to know
(From “Somebody that I Used to Know”)
I wasn’t looking for this
But now you’re in my way
Your stare was holding
Ripped jeans
Skin was showing
(From “Call Me Maybe”)
In order to use these songs in class, the most efficient way would be to make worksheets in advance with the lyrics typed out and the appropriate past construction removed. Replace these removed past constructions with a blank, accompanied by the infinitive verb in parentheses.
Students should fill in the correct answer. Once they’ve finished, verify answers using the recording as a dictation. Hopefully, this activity will get students singing along!