Lifestyle ESL lesson plans

For ESL teachers exploring lifestyle and culture, our video-based lesson plans provide a comprehensive approach to discussing a variety of engaging topics. Each lesson covers aspects such as alternative lifestyles, travel experiences, urban and rural living, digital nomadism, celebrations and traditions, and hobbies and leisure activities. These lessons are designed to keep students engaged while encouraging them to share and discuss their personal experiences.

all our worksheets about lifestyle and culture

a photo of the American flaf and a slogan "celebrating fourth of july"

Vocabulary: Independence Day (speech, fireworks, flag, national anthem, colonies, empire, patriotism, revolution, freedom, parade)
Confusing words: story vs history
Speaking: history, Independence Day, patriotism

2:27

UPDATED

a stadium full of football fans who are cheering and a slogan - are you a football fan?

Functional language: talking about the team you support (I’m backing, I’m rooting for, I’m cheering for)
Vocabulary: measures against football hooliganism (ban, fine, zero-tolerance policy)
Video: “Football fan culture is changing but which type of supporter are you?”

6:10

a cruise ship and a slogan "inside the world's biggest cruise ship"

Vocabulary: cruise ships (e.g. cabin, deck, to embark, to disembark, galley, port of call)
Vocabulary: food on a cruise ship (stocks up ingredients, in stock, prep kitchens, all-you-can-eat, leftovers, food waste, buffet)
Video: “Inside the 24/7 operation to feed the world’s largest cruise ship”

5:52

a photo of cologne cathedral and a slogan "have you ever visited germany?2

Speaking: visiting Germany, comparing visiting Germany during Euro 2024 vs visiting on a regular day, travelling to Euro 2024 on a budget
Vocabulary: common adjective + noun  collocations (e.g. breathtaking views, trendy neighbourhood, vibrant nightlife, cosy café)
Video: Ultimate UEFA EURO 2024 Guide: Explore Germany’s host cities, culture, and cuisine!

7:30

UPDATED

a woman playing an electric guitar on stage and a slogan - do you watch the eurovision context?

Vocabulary: cheesy, catchy, tune, stage, release, performance
Reading: history and rules of the Eurovision Song Contest
Video: From pop to politics, what to know as Sweden prepares for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest

5:27

letter cubes arrange to read april fool's day, and a slogan "best april fool's day pranks and hoaxes"

Speaking: Conversation questions about humour, pranks, and April Fool’s Day, discussion quoets, describing photos, evaluating pranks and jokes
Vocabulary: humour, pranks and jokes (prank, fool, fall for, improv, stand-up comedy, hoax, adjectives to describe pranks)
Videos: “Why do we celebrate April Fool’s Day?”, and “Best April Fool’s Day jokes and pranks of all time”

6:00

eggs looking like faberge eggs and a slogan "what might have happened to the missing faberge eggs?"

Speaking: jewels, treasures, Fabergé eggs, rare objects
Vocabulary: gemstones, words related to Fabergé eggs, adjectives
Grammar: Past modals for speculation (might have/could have + past participle)

5:44

a float depicting a scene of Jesus's life in Seville, Spain during Holy Week, and a slogan "how is Holy Week celebrated in Spain?"

Vocabulary: Holy Week (e.g. resurrection, crucifixion, The Passion, brotherhood/fraternity, Palm Sunday, processions)
Word formation: devote, reflect, grieve, repent, empathize
Video: Rick Steves’ European Easter: Palm Sunday in Sevilla

5:32

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Lifestyle-Focused ESL Lessons

Try out The English Flows’ lesson plans related to lifestyle and culture if you are an ESL teacher whose students are:

  • Individuals interested in broadening their cultural awareness and understanding of different lifestyles, which can make language learning more meaningful and enjoyable.
  • Individuals who have recently moved to a new country and need to understand local customs, social norms, and everyday practices to better integrate into their new environment.
  • Professionals Relocating for Work: Employees moving to an English-speaking country for work who need to navigate cultural differences and understand local customs in both personal and professional contexts.
  • International Students: Students studying abroad who want to learn more about the culture of their host country, enhance their social interactions, and adapt more easily to the local lifestyle.
  • Travel Enthusiasts: Learners who are interested in global cultures and lifestyles and want to prepare for travel or cultural exchanges by improving their understanding of different ways of life.

Each ESL lesson plan is 5-8 pages long, and is designed to explore lifestyle and cultural topics in depth. These subjects are highly relatable and promote cultural awareness. Topics such as alternative lifestyles, travel, cultural traditions, and leisure activities offer numerous opportunities for meaningful language practice and interaction.

Every lesson plan includes

Pre-class online activities
(Free)

In-class activities
(For Full members)

After class: Additional resources
(Free)