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Disturbing Dolls

Level: C1 and up Time: 60-75min

Halloween is here again!

Sometimes the best English lessons are the ones that make students stop and say, “Wait… what?!” This lesson plan, “Disturbing Dolls”, does exactly that. It takes a light-hearted look at the strange world of unwanted, creepy, or broken toys — and turns it into a fun and thought-provoking English class.

In this lesson, students:
🧩 complete grammar and vocabulary exercises based on a real article about a couple who collect “disturbing” toys,
💬 learn new expressions like “get your kicks from”, “rifle through” and “snowball”,
🗣 discuss fears, childhood memories and unusual hobbies,
🎭 take part in a speaking task where they have to pitch one of their old toys to be “rehoused” by the fictional company Unsettling Toys.

The materials are designed to develop communication skills, critical thinking, and a sense of humour — all while practising natural English vocabulary and idioms in context.

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Mardi Gras

Time: 90 min Level: B1+

Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday.

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a centuries-old celebration that takes place every year in New Orleans, Louisiana, and other parts of the world. The festivities typically begin on January 6th, also known as Twelfth Night or Epiphany, and culminate on the day before Ash Wednesday.

It is a celebration that has been a part of New Orleans’ culture for centuries. From the colorful parades to the traditional foods and elaborate costumes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This lesson is an opportunity to learn about Mardi Gras but also share some personal stories. The question about the most memorable carnival costume puts smiles on all SS faces.

Enjoy!

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What’s in it for us?

Level B2/C1 Time: 90min

Putin has declared that referendums in four partially occupied areas of Ukraine have delivered a mandate for assimilation into what Moscow calls Russian territory.

On top of that he has started ‘partial mobilisation’ with plans to recruit 300.000 civilians.

And last week it became clear that Kremlin wants the use of nuclear weapons to be considered a real possibility and, as Putin said, “it’s not a bluff.”

In such circumstances I felt that it’s necessary to introduce the topic of the war in Ukraine in my high school classes.

What started as a search for material on the war, ended up being a very fruitful and enriching experience and discussion on geopolitics, privilege and rhetoric skills.

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Being an artist

Level: B2 Time: 90min

Some of my students are really artistic. Musicians, painters, video creators etc. this lesson is a tribute to their hobbies and interests.

You can use it with any group that is open to talk about their artistic behaviors. It starts with a discussion on what is art, talent and being creative. After that I recommend a WordWall vocabulary presentation and practice. After that a couple of comprehension questions that can work as a starting point for discussion.

https://wordwall.net/embed/6ebef2d374834782bf416f0a0c2e63f7?themeId=45&templateId=76&fontStackId=0
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Christmas online lesson

Level: B1 and up Time: ~90min

This pdf presentation is a material for a B1 online lesson based on a video from world famous youtuber and internet celebrity Zoella.

Start the presentation and let your SS watch fragments of the video to find out how Zoella answered the questions. After that have your SS answer the questions in pairs/groups/in breakout rooms etc.

Merry Christmas!!!

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Summerhill – part 1

Level: B2 and up

1

This is a worksheet based on 2008 movie ‘Summerhill’ about Summerhill School. It is a boarding school in Suffolk, England. It was founded in 1921 by Alexander Sutherland Neill with the belief that the school should be made to fit the child, rather than the other way around. It is run as a democratic community; the running of the school is conducted in the school meetings, which anyone, staff or pupil, may attend, and at which everyone has an equal vote. These meetings serve as both a legislative and judicial body. Members of the community are free to do as they please, so long as their actions do not cause any harm to others, according to Neill’s principle “Freedom, not Licence.” This extends to the freedom for pupils to choose which lessons, if any, they attend. It is an example of both democratic education and alternative education. 

Students call Summerhill the happiest school in the world.

Check out why:

Link to the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9BgrGiIYc0

Introduce the two main characters Ryan and Maddy with the poster and then just follow the worksheet questions.

I was too lazy to do the Answer Key for this one. Hope you manage 🙂

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Who knows me better – Brent Rivera

Works great with all levels and ages from A2 up.

Brent Rivera is an American social media personality and actor.

This is a ‘Who knows me better’ video with his sister Lexi and girlfriend Eva. Students try to complete the missing information about Brent.

After each question, give students opportunity to talk about themselves. Not only will you practice Q/A  but also find out lots of interesting stuff about your students.

Have fun!!!

Who Knows me better Brent Worksheet pdf icon

Who Knows me better Brent Answerspdf icon

 

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What’s inside? Inspiration.

Level: B2 and up

The first part of the worksheet is a self-directed set of four activities. Discussion on working with your family and little bit of pre-listening guess work.

After that students listen to the initial part of the interview and write down comprehesion questions for other students to answer.

Activity five, on the other hand, is a set of hardcore listening comprehension questions. A 20 yo girl calls the show to ask for advice on inspiration and motivation. Seems obvious and easy but… well check it out for yourself. My students found it pretty challenging.

Finally, a discussion on privilage and unfair advantage, based on the story of New Orleans. Before going into discussion, I suggest pre-teaching New Orleans’ tough history which resulted in residential segregation of the city.

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Who knows me better?

Level: A1 and up

Works best with A1-A2 level primary school kids.

It’s an episode from world famous Sis&Bro. Karina is doing a who knows me better show with her dad and bro.

Procedure:

Pause the video after Karina asks a question.

Have your SS answer the questions so that it’s true for them. (e-g’: What’s your favorite food?)

Continue the video and pause after Karina’s dad and Ronald show their answers. Have SS guess who is right.

or just print out the worksheets let SS do the work 🙂

Who knows me better_Worksheet

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