A blast from the past! In this lesson, students will discuss the past and nostalgia. This lesson features a video of a woman who lives every day like it’s 1958. Students will learn and practice phrasal verbs, idioms, and vocabulary relating to this topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets that have been developed for adult and teenage learners.

Lesson Objectives

Listening: Students will enhance their listening skills by engaging with a video that delves into the 1950s lifestyle. They will concentrate on understanding the historical references provided and how they can be applied in discussions about the past.

Speaking: Through role-playing exercises, students will simulate conversations about the 1950s, practicing the language and expressions learned. They will discuss their views on nostalgia and historical periods, enhancing their ability to articulate thoughts on past eras.

Vocabulary: The lesson will introduce vocabulary and phrases related to the 1950s and expressions of nostalgia, such as "honed in on" and "a blast from the past." These terms are vital for discussing personal and historical contexts.

Cultural Awareness: Students will explore how the 1950s influenced modern culture and discuss the impact of nostalgia on personal identity. They will examine how different elements from the past are perceived and valued in contemporary society.

Homework: Students will complete tasks that reinforce vocabulary and concepts discussed during the lesson. This includes replacing phrases with contextually appropriate idioms, filling in blanks with words related to nostalgia, and matching expressions to their meanings. These activities aim to deepen students' understanding of the 1950s and enhance their ability to discuss the past effectively.

Video

Watch this video about a woman who lives every day like it’s 1958. From her vintage dresses to her authentic mid-century kitchen appliances, Laci Fay looks like a blast from the past! And it's not just her home and car that are influenced by the decade: even her attire and makeup are all vintage.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

vibe [noun]: the mood or character of a place, situation, or piece of music

jukebox [noun]: a machine that plays recorded music after you put a coin into it

soda fountain [noun]: a device serving sweet, fizzy, but non-alcoholic drinks

hone in on something [phrasal verb]: to find and go directly toward;
to focus on

stop dead in your tracks [idiom]: to suddenly stop moving or doing something

Chevy [noun] short for Chevrolet; a brand of a car

built to last [phrase]: made sturdily; won’t break soon after you get it

appliance [noun]: a device or piece of equipment, especially an electrical one that is used in the home, e.g., a refrigerator or a washing machine

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