Christmas Language Fun

Theresa Dash   Theresa I December 17, 2024
Category
General English
Topic
American Culture, Christmas, Holidays
Media
Text
Level
A2 Elementary, B1 Intermediate
Grammar
Mixed Grammar
Focus
Speaking, Vocabulary
Lesson ID
A2B1-20
Lesson Time
30 minutes
UNLOCK THE LESSON
Christmas decorations with a "Language Fun" sign, perfect for an ESL lesson plan on holiday vocabulary and traditions.

Lesson Overview

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! In this lesson, students will explore Christmas traditions in the U.S. and around the world through engaging activities and discussions. They will learn about the history of the Christmas tree and practice key vocabulary and idioms, such as eggnog, gingerbread cookies, and tinsel, with clear, real-life examples. The lesson features fun, interactive exercises, like matching activities, discussion prompts, and comprehension questions, to ensure students have an enjoyable and dynamic learning experience. Designed for adult learners at elementary and intermediate levels, this lesson provides plenty of opportunities to practice Christmas-related vocabulary in context.


Lesson Objectives



  • Grammar: Students will use mixed tenses, such as Past Simple and Present Simple, while talking about the history of the Christmas tree and personal holiday traditions. Activities will help students form sentences using verbs like "decorate," "celebrate," and "bring."




  • Reading: Students will read a story about the history of the Christmas tree, focusing on how the tradition began in Germany and spread to other countries. The text highlights key details, such as how evergreen trees symbolized life and hope during winter. Comprehension questions will help students identify important information and practice reading for understanding. For example, "Why were evergreen trees considered special?" and "What decorations did people use in the 1500s?"




  • Speaking: Students will discuss their personal experiences and thoughts on Christmas traditions, decorations, and foods. Guided prompts such as "What special foods do you eat during the holidays?" or "How do you decorate your home for Christmas?" will encourage students to practice using new vocabulary and idioms in conversation. Discussions will help them build confidence in speaking English about familiar and festive topics.




  • Vocabulary: Students will learn and practice key words and expressions related to Christmas, including festive idioms and decorations. Examples include "eggnog," "gingerbread cookies," "wreath," "stockings," "tinsel," "ornaments," and "holly". Matching exercises, word associations, and real-life examples will ensure students can use the vocabulary in context.




  • Cultural Awareness: Students will explore Christmas traditions in the U.S. and around the world, such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and singing carols. They will learn about practices like the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest in the U.S., fostering an understanding of holiday celebrations and cultural differences. Comparisons with their own traditions will provide a broader perspective.




  • Homework: Students will complete activities such as answering comprehension questions about the history of the Christmas tree, matching vocabulary words to their meanings, and describing festive pictures. Homework tasks will reinforce new vocabulary and key concepts, helping students remember words like "tinsel," "wreath," and "angel." They will also reflect on their own traditions and share personal holiday experiences.




History of the Christmas Tree

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

tradition [noun]: a custom or belief passed down through generations
Christmas [noun]: a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th
ornament [noun]: a decoration used to adorn a Christmas tree or other spaces
decoration [noun]: items used to make something more attractive or festive
tinsel [noun]: thin, shiny strips of material used to decorate for Christmas
snow globe [noun]: a decorative item with water and glitter inside, often depicting winter scenes
gingerbread cookies [noun]: sweet cookies made with ginger and spices, often shaped like people or houses
stuffing [noun]: a mixture of ingredients used to fill poultry or served as a side dish, especially at Christmas
Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas [expression]: a jolly greeting often used by Santa Claus
Happy Holidays [expression]: a greeting used to wish someone well during the holiday season
Season’s Greetings [expression]: a general holiday greeting used to wish others happiness in the season
Deck the Halls [idiom]: to decorate or prepare a place for Christmas celebrations
Christmas cheer [noun]: a sense of joy and happiness associated with the Christmas season
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear [expression]: a quote from the movie Elf, meaning joy can be spread through song
White Christmas [noun]: a Christmas day with snow on the ground
Jingle all the way [idiom]: a phrase from a popular Christmas song, meaning to have fun and enjoy the holiday season
Tis the season [expression]: short for "it is the season," often used to refer to the festive Christmas time
Making a list and checking it twice [idiom]: a phrase from the song Santa Claus is Coming to Town, referring to Santa reviewing who has been naughty or nice before delivering gifts
stockings [noun]: long socks or bags hung by the fireplace, traditionally filled with gifts
nativity scene [noun]: a model or depiction of the birth of Jesus, often displayed at Christmas
yule log [noun]: a large log burned in the fireplace during Christmas or a traditional dessert made of cake shaped like a log
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