Welcome to ESL Class

Talking About Superstitions

Objective:
SWBAT identify and discuss common superstitions in North America through discussion.

Method:
In small groups, the students will discuss whether or not they are superstitious. Together they will list common superstitions in North America and in their native culture. Superstitions can be about luck, animals, colors, numbers, health, marriage, food, the weather, etc.



Talking About Astrology

Objective:
SWBAT identify his or her astrological sign and discuss the possible personality characteristics by reading the astrological forecast in the newspaper for three day and through discussion with others.

Method:
Students will bring in their astrological forecast for three consecutive days from a newspaper or magazine. They can also do some research on the computer about their sign in addition. The students need to find two native English speakers born under the same sign. They need to find out:
a. what characteristics they associate with their sign.
b. how often they read astrological advice and forecasts in newspapers.
c. whether they believe in the accuracy of astrology.
Once the information is obtained, they will present their findings in front of the class.



Discussing Remedies

Objective:
SWBAT suggest, accept and reject treatments for the following list of problems.
cold baldness bad breath dry skin hiccups toothache burn warts cough itchy eye dandruff sore throat
high blood pressure

Method:
Example: Student 1: I have a sore throat.
Student 2: You should gargle with salt water.
Student 1: Sounds like a good idea. I'll try that.
or: Thanks, but I prefer drinking hot tea.

The students are paired up and each couple is given a card with a problem written on it. They have to come up with as many remedies as they can think of. They present these remedies to the class and list them on the board.
When everyone is finished, the class will discuss which remedies are "old wives' tales" and which are standard medical treatments. Also, the students will speak about their own experiences on which remedies work.

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