This multi-purpose ESL lesson plan or lesson resource can be used in the teaching of English as a Second Language to migrants, or for the teaching of English within a foreign country. The concept works equally well for teaching literacy – either adult literacy or as writing prompt in primary or secondary school classes. How can a resource be that universally applicable? Because it is simplicity itself and relies on a visual prompt that can elicit the most basic sentence as an answer or a complex group of sentences. It can be used to teach oral or written language.
Resources Needed for ESL Lesson Plan or Literacy Lesson Plan
Classroom equipment
Classroom projector or OHP
Resources
Teacher needs to locate clear, detailed photos or line drawing that reflect everyday life or situations the teacher wants to explore with the class. Humorous photos are very useful, especially in a literacy class where students are still self-conscious.
To teach a broad rural vocabulary, the teacher might find a photo of a typical rural scene with cows, a stream, fences, perhaps people at work, houses or specific architecture like a church, farm house or bridge in the background. The busier the picture, the more questions that can be devised for the lesson.
TESOL or Literacy Method
Put the chosen photo or illustration on the classroom screen.
Teacher asks students what they can see in various areas of the screen, or asks specific questions about people or things in the picture. Depending on the students' present level of language skills, students can give one-word answers, or be encouraged to answer in complete sentences.
A carefully chosen picture can often work well as a discussion starter to give ESOL students conversation practice and can generate a less self-conscious, spontaneous approach, as students find something they want to talk about.
Similarly, with literacy students, the oral part of the lesson can explore sentences that students could choose to write later with guidance.
Possible Questions for a Vocabulary Lesson with Rural Theme
The following question and answer series will demonstrate the range of material that can be covered in such a lesson , and the manner in which the teacher can control the difficulty of the questions by directing "open" and "closed" questions to various students and accept simple answers or require complex answers.
For simplicity the questions AND answers are in English. Of course, teachers in foreign countries could direct the questions to the class in their own language, if they are not ready for oral comprehension.
The following questions are based on the photo of the New Zealand rural scene attached. The photo may be reproduced free with permission of the author. The questions are not exhaustive, but will give the teacher an idea of how versatile the practice can be.
ESL Lesson Plan
Teacher: “What can you see on the hill?”
Student: “Sheep”, “three sheep”
Teacher: “Is the hill big or little?”
Student: “The hill is big.”
Teacher: “How can you know that?”
Student: “The houses look so small.”
Teacher: What colour are the mountains in the back ground?”
Student: “Blue.” Etc etc
Humorous Literacy Lesson
This is an example of how context and cultural differences might cause the the lesson go flat! It relies on students being familiar with the British Thomas the Tank Engine book and TV series.
Show students the photo below of the little boy on the railway track, running from Pompey, the storybook engine. Teachers are free to use this photo with author’s permission.
Teacher: “ What is the little boy doing?”
Student: “He is running away from the train.”
Teacher: Is he in real danger?”
Student: “No. The train is probably not moving.” Etc etc
Conclusion
The versatility of this lesson resource is clear: it works just as well in the Primary classroom as a discussion or writing starter. The teacher need only adapt the questions to suit the skills level and interests of the class. Literacy students and ESOL students can even be encouraged to bring in photos that appeal to them or that they really want to talk about.
