The Memorial Day holiday is coming up, and I’ve got six great activities related to the holiday that you can try in your adult ESL class!
1. Discussion on Memorial Day History: Start with a brief overview of Memorial Day’s history and significance – I like this video from History.com. You can put on the subtitles and slow the video down for lower levels. Then, engage students in a discussion about their understanding of the holiday and its importance in American culture.
2. Veterans’ Stories Sharing: Invite veterans, if possible, to share their experiences and stories with the class. This can be a powerful way for students to connect with the theme of Memorial Day and learn firsthand about the sacrifices made by service members.
3. Memorial Day Vocabulary Lesson: Teach relevant vocabulary related to Memorial Day, such as “veteran,” “sacrifice,” “honoring,” “memorial,” and “freedom.” Use these words in context through discussions, readings, or activities.
4. Reading Comprehension Activities: Provide articles or passages related to Memorial Day for students to read. Follow up with comprehension questions to check understanding and encourage discussions. Here are some great Memorial Day reading passages of different levels from ReadWorks.org – it’s free to sign up.
5. Memorial Day Tribute Presentation: Ask students to research and prepare short presentations about notable veterans or historical events related to Memorial Day. Encourage creativity in how they present their findings, such as through slideshows, speeches, or posters.
6. Virtual Field Trip: Take a virtual tour of a military memorial or cemetery, such as Arlington National Cemetery. Discuss the significance of these places and the rituals associated with honoring fallen soldiers.
These activities can help make Memorial Day meaningful and educational for your adult ESL class while also fostering a deeper understanding of American culture and history.
Want more adult ESL lessons? I’ve got a store full of high-quality ESL lessons for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. Check it out here!
Check out more ideas for teaching advanced ESL here.
