The last few weeks of ESL classes can be challenging. With books finished and exams wrapped up, it’s the perfect time for a young learner ESL lesson on the Sun. This fun and engaging lesson teaches students about the Sun’s stages, its effects on health, and how to stay safe during summer.
One of my favorite things about teaching ESL is getting to pick what topics we talk about. Sure, during the school year we have to stick to a schedule, finish up textbooks, and prep for exams. But every now and then, we get the chance to plan a class on anything we want. Those moments are the best because we can tailor the lessons to our students’ interests or even our own!
With summer on the way, I figured it’d be a great time to check how much my students know about the Sun – like its pros and cons for our health and how we can protect ourselves from its rays. I’ve put together three downloadable resources: a lesson plan, a reading worksheet, and a sample project. You can download all of them at the end of the blog! This lesson plan can stand alone or serve as a fun intro to summer break.
Warmer: Exploring the stages of the Sun
The class starts by looking at the different stages of the Sun throughout the day. Students tap into what they already know about the times of day, like morning, afternoon, evening, and night, and get introduced to concepts like sunrise and sunset. It’s also a great chance to check if they’re using the right prepositions when talking about those times!
Reading: Bringing Science into the Classroom
The next part of the class tests how well the students get science concepts and using big numbers in English. The learners come up with their own definitions of the Sun and try to guess its age and how far it is from Earth. You can check their answers by reading a piece about the Sun from Britannica Kids. This will help get the students more interested in the topic and show them that, even at a young age and beginner level, they can actually understand real materials. It might even inspire them to start exploring and doing their own research in English!
Speaking: Discussing the Sun’s Impact on Health
The class moves into the speaking section next. Students are asked to share their thoughts on the pros and cons of the Sun when it comes to our health. Write down their ideas on the board and encourage them to brainstorm different ways to protect ourselves from the Sun’s harmful effects. Make sure to write everything down since these ideas will come in handy later for the project on staying safe during the summer.
Project: Sun Safety Poster
Before you hand out all the project materials, it might be a good idea to show your YL an example poster. This way, they’ll get a clearer picture of what you’re looking for, and it’ll definitely save some time when they’re working on their projects. Once they’re finished, you can show them off in the classroom or let your students take them home as a reminder about staying safe while they’re outside!
Don’t miss out! Explore the links below to easily download your resources for a young learner ESL lesson on the Sun. Start teaching and having fun today!
What are your favourite summer-themed activities or topics to teach in your ESL classes?
