Category Archives: Seasonal

Spring Into English with a May Day EFL Lesson!

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We’re exploring the history and cultural significance of May Day and how it can be integrated into the classroom to enhance language learning. May Day is celebrated on the first day of May each year, holding a special place in the hearts of many around the world in its association with springtime and workers’ rights. Let’s uncover the origins of this international holiday and discover how we can use it in the classroom for a fun May Day EFL lesson to explore language in context.

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It’s Crufts! Canine Capers at the World’s Biggest Dog Show

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Crufts is the annual event where thousands of dogs compete to be crowned Best in Show! This famous British dog show is organised by the Kennel Club and takes place each year at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK. Dog lovers will watch their favourite pooches compete in different events with four days of canine competition. Our Crufts EFL lesson gives us a perfect platform to explore dog-related vocabulary as we await the excitement of the agility, obedience and heelwork challenges! Which pups will triumph? Watch this space! Continue reading →

Get On the Starting Line… It’s the London Marathon!

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London Marathon EFL Lesson

1. London Marathon runners – image source

It’s the London Marathon this weekend! The big race is held annually in the spring and this year we’ll see over 40,000 people take to the streets of London for the 26.2 mile course. Whatever the weather, thousands will be lacing up their trainers with over 75% running to raise money for charity. Read on to learn more about this long-distance race and explore vocabulary and conversation topics in our fun London Marathon EFL lesson. Continue reading →

Mother’s Day EFL Lesson Ideas

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It’s Mothering Sunday this weekend! This day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent each year, falling three weeks before Easter. The day was originally a religious day when people would visit their ‘mother’ church, but later it also became a day to celebrate motherhood. Mothering Sunday is now intertwined with the secular celebration Mother’s Day and the two names are often used interchangeably. Join us to explore the origins of the day and enjoy our ‘correct word’ exercise and gap fill games. Continue reading →

Celebrating International Women’s Day

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1. We Can Do It poster is from a series based on a World War II Poster, We Can Do It! aka Rosie the Riveter –Source image

International Women’s Day falls on 8th March every year and coincides with Women’s History Month. This special day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. International Women’s Day also highlights areas where action is still needed to achieve gender parity around the world.

An International Women’s Day EFL lesson can engage with these issues in a highly relevant way. The concept of access to education as a basic human right is reflected in language learning, as a great way to empower women and girls. Continue reading →

St David’s Day EFL Lesson – Exploring Welsh Culture

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St Davids Day EFL Lesson - Flag of WalesSt David’s Day falls on 1st March each year. This special day has been celebrated since the 12th century and although it is not a national holiday in the UK, it is regularly marked with celebrations.

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and the Feast of St David commemorates the day he died in 589 AD. On Saint David’s Day it is traditional to eat Welsh foods and celebrate Welsh culture.

This is an ideal time to explore all things Welsh in the EFL classroom, introduce students to Welsh culture and learn some new vocabulary. Join us in exploring the Welsh flag, national symbols, language, accent, foods and traditions for a fun St David’s Day EFL lesson! Continue reading →

Writing a Christmas Card in English

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Writing a Christmas card in English is one of the top December activities for EFL learners. At this time of year, many people are thinking of writing to loved ones and friends to wish them a merry Christmas or a happy holiday season. But what should you write in the card?

Read on for a discussion of traditional Christmas messages and images, along with advice on how to write a Christmas card in English using appropriate greetings, messages and closing words. Continue reading →

Happy Thanksgiving! Now Get Ready for Black Friday!

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Thanksgiving dinnerThanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the last Thursday of November in the United States of America. This special day originated as a harvest festival to celebrate the crops produced in the Pilgrims’ first harvest. Throughout the USA, people normally attend parades and sporting events and enjoying a special meal with friends and family. Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday in the UK, many people still celebrate the harvest festival at this time of year. Join us to explore Thanksgiving and learn more about its cultural significance and related vocabulary. Continue reading →

UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 Kicks Off!

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Women Euro 2017 - Denmark vs AustriaThe UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 is currently playing in the Netherlands, giving us the perfect excuse to move on from tennis after the excitement of Wimbledon and into some fresh football vocabulary! The Euros group stage began on 16th July and the final will take place on 16th August. Join us for a soccer-themed language and culture lesson as we dive into the latest footy action with the Women’s Euros 2017! Continue reading →

Wimbledon EFL Lesson – Game, Set and Match!

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Wimbledon is one of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments and the most prestigious of the Majors. These few weeks of Grand Slam tennis offer a great chance to prepare a sporty EFL lesson with a traditional British flavour. Grab your racket and let’s explore the traditions of Wimbledon and learn some useful tennis vocabulary! Continue reading →