First, try to fill in the listen words. They will rhyme with the final word of the preceding line, so that and the context are your clues. Afterwards listen to the song and check your answers.

Teenage Years, what are they for?
A time to study and to __________,
A time to look and to sound cool,
A time to daydream while you’re at __________,
A time to wear shabby jeans
A time to read teen ___________,
A time to hit cafes with friends,
A time to believe that life never __________,
A time to hang out at clubs all night,
A time to believe that you’re always _________,
A time to fall in love at first __________.

*This poem was written by Evgeniya Dudina, 20, of Samara, Russia. Photo courtesy of Zhenya.

Now you’ve read Zhenya’s poem and heard Kevin’s song, it’s your turn to write a similar poem. You’ll work in pairs or groups, and your song will be short, so don’t panic! You’ll also have a model to follow. Choose your own subject, a period of time, like “Childhood Years” or “Summer Nights” or “School Days.”

TITLE: ___________________________

1. ________________, what are/were they for?
2. That’s the time to …
3. A time to …
4. A time to …
5. A time to …
6. A time to …
7. A time to …
8. A time to …
9. A time to …
10. A time to…
11. A time to…

In the remaining lines you’ll describe actions or events or lessons learned during that time. You may be poignant or comical.

Your poem may rhyme, but it doesn’t have to.

When you’re finished you can read the poem to the class. Or you might create a gap-fill activity, just like with “Teenage Years.” You may decide to post the poems on the wall of the classroom, or even put them up on the web.

The final task, and the most fun, is to sing your song. You can create your own music if you like, or you may use the karaoke version of “Teenager Years.” Listen to it and adjust your words so that they fit.

Complete Text of “Teenage Years” by Zhenya Dudina

Teenage Years, what are they for?
That’s the time to study and to explore,
A time to look and to sound cool,
A time to daydream while you’re at school,
A time to wear shabby jeans
A time to read teen magazines,
A time to hit cafes with friends,
A time to believe that life never ends,
A time to hang out at clubs all night,
A time to believe that you’re always right,
A time to fall in love at first sight.

 

 Teenage Years [1:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (427)

 

 Teenage Years, Karaoke [0:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (64)