Superstitions
Lesson plan overview
This ESL lesson deals with the topic of superstitions around the world. It is suitable to teach around days like Friday the 13th to prompt students to discuss the role of superstitions in their lives and their community. Other lessons you might like are “Idioms: luck”, “Unsolved mysteries“, as well as lessons related to traditions and customs e.g. “Family traditions”, “Halloween“, and “Day of the Dead”,
Speaking: The lesson starts with a few conversation questions. Then, students look at a few photos and try to guess the superstition.
Reading and vocabulary: Students read about lucky and unlucky superstitions and learn useful vocabulary (e.g. ward off, jinx, misfortune, omen). Then they discuss 7 conversation questions. As an additional practice activity, students choose the correct verbs to complete the sentences (e.g. cross your fingers, ward off evil spirits, toss a coin, knock on wood, make your wish come true).
Listening: Students watch a video called “The craziest superstitions in the world”, and complete 3 listening comprehension activities.
Lastly, students discuss different types of superstitions in their countries.
For more speaking practice, and to review key vocabulary from this lesson, you can use the conversation cards.
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Teacher’s lesson plan
Student’s worksheet
Student’s interactive PDF
Conversation cards PDF
Pre-class activities
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In-class activities
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Additional resources
Each video-based lesson plan includes links to additional resources (videos and articles), which are FREE can be found online (in the pre-class activities page. These links aim to extend the learning experience, enabling students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.
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Teacher’s lesson plan
Student’s worksheet
Student’s interactive PDF
Conversation cards PDF
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