It’s winter in your ESL classroom! In this (one of my shortest posts!) I have compiled a list of movies, YouTube videos, reading passages and activities you can incorporate with your ESL/ELL students.
In many parts of the world, December is a month of celebrations. And even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, Hannukkah, or Kwanzaa, the beginning of winter likely gives you a “pass” to spice up your lessons and have some fun.
Some ideas of activities include:
- Watch two movies and do a compare/contrast
- Bring a dish from your country and teach a class how to make it
- Create a poster/presentation about any celebration in your country
- Snowflake cutting contest
- Compare/contrast winter time in your country vs. your new country
- Make a holiday list not only for you but also for the closest people in your life
- Write a postcard
Below you will find a list of movies, videos, and reading that you can use with your English learners during the busy time right before the holidays, and all throughout the winter.
Note: I recommend that you pre-watch whatever you are going to show to your students so you are aware of what is coming up and you can plan ahead.
For non-winter related movie ideas, check out this post.
Winter movies
The Polar Express – This one is my family’s favorite and every time we watch it, new things and new discussions arise.
Klaus – Just when you think that ALL the ideas for Christmas celebrations have been exhausted, think AGAIN. Klaus is funny, light and with a really great message for both young and old! Not your typical Christmas movie, I think .
Winter holiday classics
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
White Christmas and Holiday Inn – have the students compare and contrast the two.
A Christmas Story – a great movie not only for its humor, but also for teaching American culture and a historic period.
Winter in your ESL classroom of older students
English for Beginners – this short video shows a grandfather in Poland who started learning English in order to be able to communicate with his grandchild.
Marco Polo Christmas Around the World – the video talks about Christmas, Hannukah and other holidays. It is very lively and very fast, so it is important that you preview it. You may show it to your ESL students over a period of a couple of days or just parts of it so you can generate discussions.
December Holidays Around the World – this short lesson focuses on reading and speaking. Students read about 7 most popular holidays celebrated around the world, and work in groups (or individually) to create presentations for their classmates.
Winter in your ESL classroom of elementary students
Holidays Around the World – reading comprehension with exercises.
Christmas Around the World – a blog post with lots of links to different ways people celebrate around the world.
Christmas resources for ESL/ELL/EFL
Christmas cards for classroom discussion.
Just winter activities
A variety of activities to enjoy teaching about winter – Boggles World ESL
9 Activities for Winter Season
And there you have it!
For more ideas and for a great community, where you can share your questions, concerns join our free Facebook group!
For ready-made ESL lessons and activities, check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store. December Holidays Around the World and The Gift of the Magi are great for this season!
For done-for-you beginner and mixed-level ESL lessons and personal support, join us over at The ESL Teaching Roadmap.
What activities do you like to do with your students? Share in the comments!
