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 woman in a sensory deprivation tank doing floatation therapy and a slogan - would you try a sensory deprivation tank?

Speaking: brainstorming vocabulary related to the senses, conversation questions
Video: How sensory deprivation and floating impacts the brain
Vocabulary: verbs related to the different senses (stare, gaze, eavesdrop, overhear, nibble, devour)

6:15

FREE

a Day of the Dead sugar skull and a slogan "How is the Day of the Dead celebrated?"

Vocabulary: words related to the Day of the Dead
Word formation: celebrate, symbolize, die, remember, offer
Speaking: quiz, conversation questions

5.30

a woman's head silhouette with multiple tasks on notes and a slogan - who carries the mental load in your family

Vocabulary: to take a toll, the brunt of things, take someone off your plate, to drain, to burden
Speaking: conversation questions, completing surveys, guessing the answer
Video: Share the Mental Load: 5 ways to split invisible responsibilities more equally

8:00

a photo of a woman in a field conveying feelings of calmness, and a slogan - how much time do you spend in nature?

Vocabulary: collocations with the verbs alleviate, boost, soak in, brighten up, and soothe
Vocabulary: nature sounds
Speaking: conversation questions, brainstorming

3:00

a person leaving a 4-start review an a slogan - how to spot fake reviews

Idioms and phrasal verbs: get a leg up, a red flag, stand out
Video: How to spot fake reviews on Amazon
Collocations: pay attention, spot a fake review, gain a review
Writing: writing a review for a product or service

4:59

positive friendly young woman showing her kindness - being kind is good for you!

Word formation: nouns to adjectives (care, politeness, compassion, respect, support, tolerance, help, consideration)
Confusing words: careless/uncaring; helpless/unhelpful
Funcional language: expressing gratitude

2:15

FREE

a person leaving a tip in a tipping jar and a slogan - Has tipping culture in the Us gone too far?

Vocabulary: expressions with “tip” (tipping etiquette, tip jar, to tip upfront, a guilt tip, pre-set tipping options)
Vocabulary: tipping (to round up, minimum wage, customary, service charge)
Video: “Has tipping reached a tipping point? Whom to tip and whom to skip”

3:25

a couple zip lining in a forest having an adventure and a slogan - do you like to feel the adrenaline rush?

Vocabulary: adventure tourism activities
Vocabulary: expressions about adventure tourism (adrenaline rush, adrenaline junkie, get a high, uncharted territory)
Video: “Adventure tourism scrutinized after Titanic submersible tragedy”

4:54

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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)