In a lively and engaging session on November 20, the Be the Voice of Girls program brought participants together to explore the spirit of Thanksgiving, learn about American culture, and improve their English through meaningful discussions, vocabulary lessons, and a musical interlude. This event showcased the program’s unique blend of cultural exchange and education, culminating in a joyful group singalong of Carrie Underwood’s Stretchy Pants.
Discovering Thanksgiving: A Time for Gratitude
The session opened with an introduction to Thanksgiving, led by Ece and Heather from English as a Singing Language. Using the session’s slides, Ece explained that Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a day dedicated to giving thanks and sharing a meal with loved ones. The girls eagerly shared what they knew about the holiday, recalling foods like roast turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, and sweet potato casserole.
Heather asked participants to reflect on what they were thankful for. To make this exercise more personal, the group broke into smaller breakout rooms, where each participant shared their gratitude. From family and friendships to education and personal growth, the responses revealed a shared sense of appreciation and connection.
Diving into Carrie Underwood’s Stretchy Pants
After regrouping, the focus shifted to Carrie Underwood’s fun and festive song, Stretchy Pants. Ece introduced Carrie as a country and pop singer with over 85 million records sold, emphasizing her advocacy for balance in life—celebrating health and indulgence in equal measure.
Before playing the song, Ece discussed its humorous theme: stretchy pants as a Thanksgiving essential to accommodate a big meal. This lighthearted introduction set the stage for a memorable listening activity. As the song played, the girls laughed and enjoyed the clever lyrics, while also taking notes on vocabulary and grammar.
Learning Through Song: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation
The session’s slides guided an in-depth discussion on key language points from the song:
- Vocabulary: Words like growling (as in stomach), stuff my face, casserole, britches, and elasticity were explored. The girls examined the meanings of terms in context, discovering cultural nuances along the way.
- Grammar: The song’s casual language was a perfect teaching tool. Examples like can’t fit no more (instead of can’t fit any more) and I ain’t messing around (instead of I’m not messing around) highlighted how contractions and colloquialisms are used in informal speech.
- Pronunciation: Reductions such as ‘cause (because), ‘em (them), gonna (going to), and ‘bout (about) helped the girls understand how spoken English often differs from its written form. These insights made the song more relatable and provided practical lessons in listening and speaking.
The Grand Finale: Singing Together
The highlight of the session was a spirited group singalong of Stretchy Pants. Guided by Ece and Heather, the girls came together to practice their pronunciation and rhythm, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere. The singalong not only reinforced the day’s language lessons but also gave the girls a boost of confidence and a shared sense of accomplishment.
A Celebration of Connection
This Thanksgiving-themed session embodied the mission of Be the Voice of Girls—empowering young women through cultural exchange and language learning. By exploring gratitude, engaging with American traditions, and singing together, the participants strengthened their communication skills while forming meaningful connections across borders.
As the session came to a close, the girls left with new vocabulary, improved grammar, and, most importantly, a deeper appreciation for the power of community and shared experiences.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who made this session unforgettable!
