February 25, 2009
illy la Bufanda has always been my most well-known song. I find this popularity to be rather humorous, since it is far and away my most ridiculous song. It’s about a scarf that goes places and does things, despite the fact that being a scarf makes it impossible to do those things and go to those places. I imagine that many find this lack of logic to be annoying, but I personally find it to be rather endearing.
The Origin of Billy la Bufanda
Four years ago, I wrote an original story about Billy la Bufanda. My students and I were working on a chapter that included winter clothing vocabulary. Therefore, I crafted a short story about a scarf that hates all other clothing. One day he falls to the ground and meets a pair of boots. He immediately falls in love with them, and they with him. However, before they have a chance to get to know each other, Sr. Wooldridge picks the scarf back up, and Billy never sees the boots again.
For some reason, my students absolutely loved the story of Billy la Bufanda, and regularly begged me for more. Hence, the song.
Teaching tips
The song serves as a fun introduction to IR (to go) and PARA (in order to).
I recommend teaching Billy la Bufanda with its companion piece, the Ir - Preterite song.
Sometimes I let my students make up their own lyrics to the song. If you buy the CD, it contains alternate tracks of each song without vocals. Once in awhile, if I’m feeling adventurous, I make my students record those new lyrics. Listen to the following samples:
Billy Alternate 1
Billy Alternate 2
Billy la Bufanda Links:
“Billy la Bufanda” has enriched my life
I think some people underestimate the power of song and how it can be used to help students learn a language. Señor Wooly’s format with lyrics, karaoke and video has created the ultimate learning experience for my kids and they love it. This song and the character of Billy brings to life one of the most important aspects of a child’s capability to learn: “THEIR IMAGINATION.” I love Billy la Bufanda, he’s just a bufanda. Great stuff. I would recommend everyone who visits this sight become a subscriber.
Besitos y abrazos.
Señor Kent de la Chalupa
i like this it is funny
Senor Wooly, (please excuse the lack of tildes y acentos)
We just performed this song in sixth grade this morning to reinforce direct objects. The performance was presented with two cowboy hats, a cane, two old-fashioned ladie’s hats, a basket, a dress and a shirt. Four students drummed up participation from the front of the room as the rest of the students joined in on the “No lo tengo.” parts. Fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth grades have already seen or performed it and they all seem to like it a lot. !Buen trabajo Senor Wooly! Nos gustan las canciones y los videos.
Sra. McCleery
Arizona
Oops, the above comment was meant for the song “No lo tengo.” We ALL already love “Billy.” Even Kindergarten has heard Billy La Bufanda at this school. We even made an art picture of him for my office window!!
!Gracias por todo, Sr. Wooly!
Sra. McCleery
Love this! Gracias!!
Billy needs more adventures. Please!!!!!!!
Sra. Jackins
Connectiut
Thanks for the great website. My students love the ‘Puedo ir al baño’ video/song, and I plan to teach them many more. So far, they’ve only watched the video. I agree with you that getting students to work with a song to understand it well and listen to it several times greatens the chances that they won’t think they’re too cool to sing it.
-Sr. Fricano
Wisconsin