This week, our Be the Voice of Girls program hosted a special virtual session led by Ece Ulus and Heather McNaught from the podcast English as a Singing Language. The session’s theme was “Getting to Know You,” designed to foster connection and improve English fluency through music. As always, the focus was on building confidence and encouraging expression among the girls.
Ece and Heather introduced the session by sharing a bit about themselves, their musical backgrounds, and the inspiration behind their unique approach to teaching English. Both hosts brought warmth and cultural relatability to the session. The girls were eager to engage, sharing their favorite music genres and artists, which ranged from local Turkish rock to international pop icons like Lady Gaga and Mitski. This exchange not only helped break the ice but also set the stage for the rest of the musical lesson.
The session’s primary song, “Getting to Know You,” from the musical The King and I, was chosen for its upbeat rhythm and clear language focus. Ece and Heather emphasized sentence stress—how some words in English are pronounced with more emphasis to create a natural flow. The girls were encouraged to sing along, highlighting the key stressed words, which were integrated into an interactive activity. They practiced pronouncing phrases like “getting to know all about you” with the proper intonation, making language learning both fun and musical.
One of the highlights of the session was the introduction of idiomatic expressions, specifically the phrase “my cup of tea.” The girls discussed its meaning and learned how to use it both positively and negatively—an exercise that drew a lot of giggles and engagement.
To wrap up, the participants sang “Getting to Know You” together. Despite initial shyness, the girls gradually found their voices, reflecting the program’s broader goal: empowering girls to express themselves confidently in English. Ece and Heather concluded by encouraging everyone to continue practicing with a Halloween-themed song they provided as an additional activity.
The session was a beautiful blend of learning, music, and cultural exchange, marking a great start to this year’s virtual series. We look forward to more such engaging moments and can’t wait for the next session!
