Christmas Conversation for an English Classroom
This blog is for all ESL English teachers and L2 English users looking for a fun adult/student English lesson with a Christmas theme.
It’s a taste of cultural immersion – Blue Non-style.
Topics: Christmas, Commercial Culture, Advertising, Brand Identity, Marketing
Time – 90 minutes
In this Christmas-themed English lesson you will find:
Culture and festival topics for class discussion
A funny advert to watch in class
Irn Bru ads always disrupt culture and advertising stereotypes.
Links to reading assignments for in class/homework
Irn Bru ads always disrupt culture and advertising stereotypes.
A video based homework assignment
Irn Bru ads always disrupt culture and advertising stereotypes.
Opening Discussion | Marketing Christmas
Begin by discussing good and bad examples of corporations marking Christmas.
What are the brands most associated with marketing at Christmas time?
Students critique their own examples using YouTube.
Instead of just saying something stupid, expect them to explain their reasons. Encourage other students to ask ‘why’ and ‘so what’ to draw out their reasoning.
Why should/shouldn't corporations jump on the festive bandwagon?
Review these language structures and ask students to use at least 1 in their presentation.
Simple Statements
“I think that…”
“In my opinion…”
“I believe that…”
Conditioned Opinions
“As far as I’m concerned…”
“If you ask me…”
Alternative Marketing | A Non-Traditional Christmas Advert
Watch this video together in class.
It’s a non-traditional approach to all the manufactured sentimentality surrounding Christmas.
What are the most sentimental brands? What brands would you expect to break tradition?
Suggested Conversation Topics this Christmas-themed English Lesson
UK Cultural Immersion |Which landmarks can the students identify in the video
You can play this in teams for a nice bit of in-class competition.
How is this advert 'alternative'? Do they think it is a good advertisement?
How is this advert 'alternative'? Do they think it is a good advertisement?
Would this advert work in another country? How would you have to adapt it for your own country?
And what does it say about Scottish culture?
Optional Discussion | Alternative Langauge School
Blue Noun is an alternative language school.
What do students think an alternative language education is or can be?
(Having students think critically about how they are learning now will help them continue as autonomous learners in the future).
(I’d love to hear their answers – why not tag me with them in a LinkedIn post?
Why Choose an Alternative Language School
Reading Comprehension
The Edinburgh News has a great description of this Christmas advert, including some of the words to the song which can be a little difficult for L2 English users.
The article also provides statistics about the popularity and success of this advert.
Ask the students to find this information in the text.
The Blue Noun Christmas Video Lesson
Students can enjoy this short video English lesson as homework.
How to Use This Video
On YouTube, I have a channel called Blue Noun English Moments.
The English Moments series is an invitation to join us exploring Scotland – or parts of Scottish/British culture.
The videos are narrated for English learners so that the images on screen help with comprehension.
For this reason, do watch with subtitles OFF.
If you get stuck understanding something, you can always rewatch it – and if it is still tricky, only then switch the subtitles on.
This is the best way to practice comprehension.
Real-life conversations don’t come with subtitles. Train your ears!
Christmas Conversation for English Learners
If you and your students have enjoyed using this Christmas-themed English lesson, please do sign up for the newsletter for a free mini workshop in introductions.
This year, we also have a great fun Christmas Challenge for £120
RECOVER YOUR ENGLISH
The Christmas Holiday
English Challenge
Further Information
English Cultural Immersion
This Christmas-themed English lesson has a theme of Scottish culture running through it.
More on Christmas and New Year
If you are interested in learning more English with Scottish culture, find out about all our English language coaching services.
Find out how this Non-Corporate Langauge School celebrates Christmas.
Did your English Grow in 2024?
Independent ELT Teachers
Have You Joined Our Hub?
There are several ways Blue Noun Language Hub can support you to help your students.
We can even provide you with new students if your teaching and courses align with our values
Learn more about our ESOL teacher community.
Help with 2nd Conditional
Lesson Plan | Practice Exercise on 2nd Conditional | Scottish Fishing
A complete lesson plan using a hypothetical policy change. Good for environmental topics and practicing the 2nd Conditional.