Here’s my TEFL lesson plan for my next conversation class. Since it’s my first class of the year, we’re gonna be talking about the New Year and student’s resolutions.
It’s a nice way to get your English students back in the saddle and ready for the coming school year…especially if you can tie their resolutions into learning and practicing the English language lessons that they are learning. 
Step 1: Greet & Kick Off The TEFL Lesson
I’ll put a music video on as students come in the class. It’s just a cheery, feel-good song by Kirk Franklin called ‘I Smile’.
This particular video below is the Kinesthetic version…although the original video by Kirk & Gang is good too. You could probably show both of them if you like.
While everyone comes straggling in, we’ll just start off with general chit-chat. Then move into talking about their vacation to see what students did for the holidays and where they traveled to.
Step 2: Warm-Up Video & Conversation
Talk about amazing things people can do, and then show them the People Are Amazing video
Ask them what kind of amazing things they would like to learn how to do this year.
Step 3: Review Ways To State New Year Resolutions
At this point, start asking the students about these amazing things (or even regular things) they would like to do. Ask them about any New Year resolutions that they made.
Use this time to show/review how to state their resolutions and things that they intend to do in the future.
- In 2013 I will / won’t…
- This year I’m (not) going to…
- I resolve (not) to…
- This new year I hope to…
While you’re reviewing these phrases, show them the New Year Resolution generator. Have them state each of the resolutions using the correct phrases. Ask them if these are things that interest them or that they think would be beneficial.
Step 4: TEFL Lesson Handout & Group Activity
Give them a handout with options for resolutions and ask them to check off ones they like or think would be beneficial.
Then review some ways to agree and disagree with other people as in the sample phrases below:
- Agreements – So, will I/I’m gonna do that too
- Disagreements – No, way/I won’t even try to do that
Have students walk around the class and find other people who have similar resolutions while practicing the phrases reviewed above. Tell them that they have to find at least one person to agree with each of their resolutions, and then they may sit down.
Step 5: ESL Student Presentations
Divide students into groups based on their goals and have them discuss ways to reach their goals this year.
Then bring the class back together and ask them if they find it hard to keep their New Year resolutions. Have them share/brainstorm ways to keep resolutions
Show the students Richards website with 10 tips for keeping New Year resolutions and talk about each one of them. Then play Richard’s video on New Year Resolutions.
Now, have student get back in their groups and create ways to track their goal and stick to their New Year resolutions.
Then allow students to give a presentation based on what they came up with
Step 6: Play ESL Game – ‘Resolution Lie’
Write 4 resolutions on the board and ask them which one is not true. Allow students to write their resolutions on the board and others to choose the lie
Extra TEFL Lesson Plan Activities If You Have Time
- Talk about strange New Year traditions
- Give them a print out of page 2 of the search-a-word puzzle for fun
