Cultures are not costumes (cultural appropriation)

This ESL lesson plan deals with the topic of cultural appropriation at Halloween. Students discuss the topic of cultural appropriation vs appreciation and appropriate and inappropriate Halloween costumes. Other lessons you might like are “Minority languages”, “Stereotypes”, “Cancel culture”, “Halloween”, and “Phrasal verbs: Halloween”.

Speaking: The lesson starts with a discussion about tradition and celebrations in students’ cultures that require traditional clothing. Students also discuss how they would feel if someone wore their traditional clothing on different occasions (at the event itself, on a random day, or on Halloween as a costume). Next, students discuss Halloween and Halloween costumes, if they usually dress up for Halloween, and appropriate vs inappropriate costumes.

Vocabulary: Students learn words and expressions that can be used when talking about cultural appropriation and appreciation, such as cultural identity, to face backlash, to get canceled, to mock, and misrepresentation. Students match the expressions to their definitions and complete a gap-fill activity. Then, they discuss a few questions related to how their culture is usually portrayed in the media. Next, students read the definitions of cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.

Listening: Students watch a video called “Tips to avoid cultural appropriation at Halloween”, and complete 3 listening comprehension activities. Then they engage in a post-listening discussion.

Speaking: Students look at 4 different opinions about cultural appropriation at Halloween, and discuss them, giving their opinion and arguments.

Vocabulary review: Finally, students complete a word formation task to review key vocabulary from this lesson.

For more speaking practice, you can check out the conversation cards.