- Levels: B1B2C1
- Lesson Types: Lesson Plans
- Recommended for: Download and GoScreen Sharing
- Themes: General Lesson Plans
This lesson explores New Year’s Resolutions and traditions around the New Year celebrations in different cultures. It encourages students to discuss personal resolutions and reflect on past and future changes. The class is speaking-based, suitable for multi-level groups, and can take 30 to 60 minutes (or longer with additional discussion questions). Key skills practised include conversation, vocabulary expansion, reading comprehension, and structured speaking.
- Print or display the lesson handout.
- Prepare explanations for key vocabulary, including words related to celebrations, traditions, and self-improvement.
- Familiarise yourself with cultural references, such as the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight or Hogmanay gift-giving in Scotland.
- Encourage students to think of their own past resolutions or personal traditions before class to enhance discussion.
- Introduction & Warm-Up
- Students discuss New Year’s celebrations in their country.
- They answer introductory questions about traditions, midnight rituals, and personal perspectives on the new year as a fresh start.
- Vocabulary Exploration
- Students identify and discuss pictures of New Year’s traditions.
- Teacher explains cultural differences and associated vocabulary.
- Reading & Discussion
- Students read a short text on the history and significance of New Year’s resolutions.
- They answer comprehension questions about the tradition and its challenges.
- Resolution Writing & Sharing
- Students write their own New Year’s resolution.
- They create a small plan with achievable milestones.
- Optional: Students share their resolutions with the class to make them feel more real.
- Extra Speaking Activity (If Time Allows)
- Reflection questions on last year, the coming year, and personal changes.
- Discussion on how to stick to resolutions and help others achieve theirs.
This year, I want to give up chocolate! Well… maybe not completely. What’s the key to a good New Year’s resolution?
Detailed Description
This English lesson plan focuses on New Year’s celebrations and New Year’s resolutions. ESL students begin with some speaking questions which introduce them to New Year’s vocabulary. They then see pictures related to New Year’s Eve and talk about whether these things are part of the celebration in their country. Check out the Teacher’s Insights for a couple of interesting points here!
The reading exercise which follows introduces New Year’s resolutions. After a brief explanation, students are invited to make and share their own.
Don’t forget to check out the screen-share version of this class if you are teaching online!