Six Little-Known Steps to Boost English Skills with This Classic Song

🎵 Hey Amazing ESL and EFL Teachers! 🌟

It’s time for a classroom refresh, and I, Márcia Bonfim, (the “crazy” mind behind the Song Activity Factory LOL) have crafted a refreshing ESL/EFL lesson plan to mix it up – one that’s sure to make your teaching heart skip a beat. Thanks to Ana, a teacher who used the song request form, we’re reminded that collaborative ELT is pure gold!

See this interactive English lesson plan as your secret ingredient for ESL/EFL classes that students will eagerly anticipate all week.

Now, let’s cut to the chase with this “Last Christmas” activity for language learning:

SAVE YOUR TIME: Forget hours of ESL/EFL lesson planning. This activity is plug-and-play, ready when you are.

TECH MADE SIMPLE: If tech in ELT usually has you tangled up, this will be a breath of fresh air. Simple, straightforward, and stress-free for any English teacher.

GET THEM TALKING: Engage your students with an interactive listening comprehension session set to Wham!’s “Last Christmas“. They won’t just listen; they’ll analyze, discuss, and interpret, transforming a classic holiday tune into a critical thinking exercise for English language learners.

THINK & SHARE: In pairs and as a group, your class will explore the song’s message, sharing opinions and honing their skills for the Cambridge B2 First exam. It’s a dynamic way to prep for those speaking assessments.

EVERYONE JOINS IN: Every voice matters in this collaborative and inclusive English classroom exercise. As they discuss and debate, every student becomes a vital participant in the journey to language mastery.

As we conclude this lesson, it will be apparent that our goal transcends mere exam success; we’re igniting a passion for English in every ESL/EFL learner. These are the moments that stay with students, the ones they’ll look back on and smile about.

Stick around until the post’s end, and I’ll divulge more about the upcoming Exclusive Subscriber Club – the place where the rhythm of ELT never stops and the beat of teaching English with music continues to resonate.

Ready to elevate the energy in your English class? Let’s turn up the volume, hit play on “Last Christmas,” and initiate this engaging learning fiesta! 🎤🎉

Quick Lesson Overview:

Engage your ESL students with this dynamic English language lesson plan featuring Wham!’s “Last Christmas.” In this interactive classroom activity, learners critically ANALYZE the song’s core message, actively DISCUSS and DEBATE its themes in pairs, and expand their ESL vocabulary and idiomatic knowledge directly from the lyrics. They’ll also SHARPEN their language SKILLS by practicing GIVING OPINIONS and articulating their thoughts in a structured manner reflective of the B2 First Cambridge English Exam’s Speaking Paper 4, Part 4. This comprehensive lesson plan culminates as students WATCH the iconic music video and WRITE insightful reflections, effectively integrating listening comprehension with critical thinking and enhancing speaking fluency for ESL learners.

Language level: B2 and above
Learner type: teens and adults
Skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing
Topic: Interpretation of song messages and holiday themes
Language: Vocabulary and idioms from the song, expressing opinions
Materials: Youtube video, genially presentation
Duration: About 30 min (with extension and homework possibilities)

Downloadable materials: Instructions.pdf

How to Teach English with This ESL Song Lesson Plan: Instructions and Tips

Step 1 (2 min)

Tell your students they are going to practice giving opinions, supporting their ideas and discuss politely with a partner. Important skills for the Speaking Paper 4, part 4 of B2 First Cambridge Exam. They are going to do this with the help of a song! (the song is “Last Christmas.” by Wham! – but do not tell them yet)

Listening Comprehension Warm-Up:

Genially presentation slide 01. LINK Play the verse 1 and chorus of “Last Christmas” and prompt students with the warm-up question:

What is the main theme or message of this song extract?

Also, ask students if they recognize the song or the artist.

TIP: Ensure the song extract is audible for all students.

SUGGESTION: For beginner teachers, start by asking students if they know the song or the band. This could be a good ice-breaker and can make students more engaged.

Step 2 ( 5 – 6 min)

Reading and Vocabulary:

Slide 2 of the Genially presentation. Students listen to the extract again and read the lyrics. Help with vocabulary.

Note The idiom “once bitten, twice shy” means that someone who has been hurt or disappointed before will be more careful in a similar situation in the future to avoid getting hurt again. In the song “Last Christmas,” it refers to being cautious about falling in love after having a bad experience.

TIP: Highlight key vocabulary words in the lyrics and provide definitions.

SUGGESTION: Don’t rush through this step. Allow students time to process the lyrics and understand the words

Step 3 (3 min)

Pairwork:

In pairs (or breakout rooms), students discuss what they understood from the message of the song extract.

TIP: Encourage students to take notes or write down their thoughts about the song’s message.

SUGGESTION: For teachers who are unsure about this kind of lesson, remember that there’s no wrong answer here. The goal is to foster understanding and discussion.

Step 4 (5 min)

The pairs share their ideas with the whole class. Have other students say if they agree or disagree. Have the pairs report what they have talked about the lyrics.

TIP: Create a supportive environment for sharing.Praise students for their ideas and encourage others to do the same.

SUGGESTION: Keep track of time to ensure all pairs get a chance to share their thoughts

Step 5 (5 min)

Tell students they are going to answer questions in the style of the Cambridge Exam B2 first paper 4 part 4 in which they are supposed to be tested on their ability to give opinions, give reasons for their opinions, and their ability to politely discuss things with their partner.
Show slide 3 with some useful expressions and go over them with your students.

TIP: Make sure students understand the format and expectations of the Cambridge Exam B2

SUGGESTION: Use examples to demonstrate how to give opinions, provide reasons, and discuss politely.

Step 6 (10 min)

Ask the questions below.

When appropriate, ask “What do you think?” to other students and also: “Do you agree?” to model what the examiners do during the real exam.

Discussion Questions (Cambridge Speaking Paper 4, Part 4 style)

1- The song describes a situation of giving and receiving during the holiday season. In your opinion, is the act of giving gifts an important part of holiday celebrations? Why or why not?

2- The lyrics mention feelings of regret and moving on. Do you think it's more challenging to overcome personal setbacks during the holiday season?

3- The chorus repeats the decision to "give it to someone special." What qualities do you think make someone 'special' enough to deserve such a gift?

4- The singer reflects on being fooled by someone they trusted. Is trust more easily built in personal or professional relationships, and why?

5- The narrative revolves around a Christmas experience. How does the holiday season affect people's emotions and decisions about relationships?

6- The song's perspective is about learning from past experiences. Do you believe personal growth is more influenced by positive or negative experiences?

TIP: Ask open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and avoid yes/no responses.

SUGGESTION: Be patient and give students time to formulate their responses. Remember, the goal is to stimulate discussion, not to rush through the questions.

Remember, the goal is to stimulate discussion, so encourage students to explore their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the song’s theme. They should feel free to agree or disagree with each other and justify their opinions.

After the discussions, have a class reflection on the activity. Discuss how the song’s themes relate to their personal opinions and how they can employ these ideas in the context of the exam.

End the lesson with a reminder of the importance of being able to articulate and support opinions, as well as engage in constructive dialogue—a skill that’s valuable not only in exams but in everyday interactions as well.

Activity Extension + Follow-Up / Homework

Play the Official Music Video for them, (slide 4) and have students comment on the story as it relates to the song extract they read and talked about.

For the following class, have students search for the full lyrics of the song and write a paragraph giving their opinion on how well the music video portrayed the lyrics

General Tips:

BE FLEXIBLE: If a step is taking longer than expected, adjust your lesson plan accordingly.

FOCUS ON INTERACTION: The goal of this activity is to get students talking, so facilitate conversation rather than lecturing.

BE SUPPORTIVE AND ENCOURAGING: Make sure to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. Encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment.

BE PREPARED: Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the song, its lyrics, and be ready to explain difficult vocabulary or cultural references.

That’s it for this week! I hope this activity is helpful and enjoyable!