It’s a Wonderful Life

My brother (otherwise known as The Hoppy Mailman ) will not let a Christmas season go by without watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”.  This classic old film is about a man who does not know how much his life has impacted others.  The viewer learns that what we do affects many people.

But I doubt my brother would have ever thought that something he did would wind up in Việt Nam. 

My brother is one of The Last Great Romantics.  On his wedding day, he sang Clint Black’s “Something That We Do” to his bride.  Now, I’m not much of a country music fan, but I was impressed.  No – not impressed with my brother’s singing ability.   I was impressed with the lyrics of the song.

Awhile back, I used it in one of my speaking classes.  I made up a handout for the students with the lyrics – but with some of the words blank.   I play the song on my iPod with speakers, and they listen for the words that are blank.  It helps build listening skills and vocabulary.  The rhythm of singing helps people speak better too.  After singing it a few times, the students sing along enthusiastically (the Vietnamese love karaoke) .  We take a little time to discuss the meaning of the song and their new words, then sing it again. 

Then, the Mystery Guest Blogger used it with her students.  Same enthusiastic response. 

Vietnamese blogger , and regular visitor to our apartment, Le Bao Tuan liked it too – and posted the lyrics on his blog Sticky Rice.

Our fellow teacher heard it – and once she got past the nasal twang of country singing, she liked it.  Then she decided to use it.  She used it in the mock wedding.  Four Vietnamese girls sang “Something That We Do” as part of the music.

There you have it, Bro.  It’s a small world, and even though I would hate to have to paint it, this shows  you just never know where you influence will end.

Comments

[Tom Murray]

Music is a key element to teaching many subjects. I use it a lot in Social Studies. It can tell you so much about an era or a people. Not many use it in the USA, but it can be so powerful. It puts energy and enthusiasm into the room.

[Duong Lam Anh]

Sure, songs (and movies, too) are an endless resource for language teaching. I have been using them a lot in my teaching and it works amazingly. I’m currently using my favorite classic musical The Sound of Music. Maria brought back music to the von Trapp family. We, teachers, bring back music to the class :-)

This I did learn from the shadow of a tree
That two and fro did sway upon my wall,
That my shadow self, my influence
May fall where I may never be.

Your stated example here, about your bro's influence upon your class, brings life to my favorite poem!! Sis

[The Hoppy Mailman]

Wow bro. It's coming up on 8 wonderful years since I sang her that song. Thanks for kicking my butt in the right direction during one of our storied talks. You ARE a teacher. I love you man. I'm going to go listen to it right now. I'd love to hear your class singing it.