Fit for a queen! This fun and interactive ESL lesson is perfect for elementary to intermediate (A2–B1) learners who want to improve their English while learning about Victoria Day in Canada. Students start by chatting about holidays and sharing their own experiences. Then, they watch a short video to find out who Queen Victoria was and why this day is still celebrated. After that, they read a short text and complete vocabulary activities to build their language skills. The lesson wraps up with a lively discussion where students talk about how holidays are celebrated in their own countries - and even create a new holiday of their own. It’s a great way to build confidence, learn useful vocabulary, and explore culture in an engaging way.

Lesson Objectives

Listening: Students will watch a video about Victoria Day celebrations and its importance in Canadian history. The speaker discusses Queen Victoria’s legacy, how the holiday originated, and modern traditions like parades and fireworks. This listening activity will enhance students’ ability to comprehend detailed explanations and discussions in English, focusing on vocabulary and concepts related to the topic.

Speaking: The conversation activities will encourage students to express their views on national holidays and why they are important, using newly learned vocabulary and idioms.

Vocabulary: Students will learn and practice key vocabulary related to Victoria Day, Canadian culture, and national holidays. Words such as holiday, celebration, parade, fireworks, legacy, monarch, cottage, and summer will be introduced through pictures, reading, listening, and discussion tasks. The vocabulary activities are designed to help students understand the meaning of each term in context, use the words in full sentences, and apply them during speaking activities.

Cultural Awareness: Students will gain insight into Canadian traditions, values, and identity by exploring how national holidays like Victoria Day reflect historical milestones and shape cultural practices. Through comparisons with holidays in their own countries, students will develop a broader understanding of global celebrations and appreciate cultural diversity.

Homework: The tasks include answering questions about the video, filling in the blanks with key terms, and using pictures to discuss the topic. These exercises aim to reinforce the lesson’s vocabulary and concepts, helping students better understand the intricacies of Victoria Day and its role in Canadian culture.

Video

                                                What is an important national holiday in your country? Have you heard of Victoria Day before? Watch this video to explore the importance of Victoria Day, its historical ties to Queen Victoria, the reasons Canadians celebrate it, and the traditions that make it special.
												
                                            