ESL Lesson Plan

...and then we might have times when we hardly travel at all.

I'm in one of those strange seasons of life where, because of work, family and other obligations, I just haven't traveled much lately.

But I still read books and listen to music from around the world. Here are some of my thoughts, observations and recommendations related to music.

One online radio station I like a lot is KBCS. They play a range of international music from Senegal to Scotland and much more. You can listen to their archives here - http://kbcsweb.bellevuecollege.edu/playlist/archive/.

Other music I love and listen to often is the band Paris Combo. The band members are from all over Europe and North Africa and they sing exclusively in French.

I barely know French, but their music is infectiously wonderful.

Another band I have only run into in the last year or so is Rupa and the April Fishes. Rupa,the lead singer, is a doctor in the San Francisco area and write most, if not all of the songs based on interactions with her patients. She sings in a variety of languages including English and French.

If you are in the mood for some new music - or even some great classic songs, and you are on a budget, be sure to sign up for Spotify - the latest online music source. Check it out here - http://www.spotify.com/us/about/what/.

"Thinking is the best way to travel" is a line from a song by the Moody Blues (the album In Search Of the Lost Chord). The title on the album is actually "The Best Way to Travel". I highly recommend that album as well.

I love the internet, you never know what little piece of information, story, song or insight you might stumble into. I incorporate my little discoveries in my classes all the time.

Let us know what links or other resources you find useful or encouraging. We are all learning and making new connections all the time. And sharing makes our journey much richer.

About the author of this entry:

Morf has a B.A.from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington and an MAT (Master's in Teaching English) from the University of Washington (Seattle). Morf currently teaches English and writing for a local technical/vocational college with many international students. Morf prefers international and independent films, foods he can't pronounce, music no one else likes and unlikely and ridiculous situations.