American TESOL Institute - TESOL TEFL Lesson Plans

Lesson 1: Navigating the World (Giving Directions)

Target Age Group: Elementary (adaptable for middle school)

Learning Objectives:

• Students will learn how to give clear and concise directions using cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and relative positions (left, right, straight ahead).
• Students will practice using directional vocabulary in real-world scenarios.
• Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by navigating different locations.

Materials:

• World map, country map, local map (physical or digital)
• School diagram (physical or digital)
• Compass (optional)
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

Warm-Up:

• Play a "Simon Says" game with directional commands, requiring students to respond physically (e.g., "Simon says touch your left ear," "Simon says jump three steps north").

Introduction:

• Discuss the importance of giving clear directions and understanding them, especially when traveling or helping others.
• Introduce key vocabulary: north, south, east, west, left, right, straight ahead, distance, landmarks.
• Show students the different maps and explain their purposes.

Activity 1: Map Exploration:

• Divide students into pairs or small groups.
• Assign each group a starting and ending point on the world map, country map, and local map.
• Students practice giving each other directions to reach the destination from each map, using the appropriate vocabulary and landmarks.
• Discuss the challenges and strategies for giving clear directions based on different scales (world vs. local).

Activity 2: School Navigation:

• Using the school diagram, have students write directions from their seat to a designated location (library, gym, etc.).
• Encourage them to incorporate landmarks, distances, and specific turns.
• Exchange written directions and test them out as a class, following each other's instructions.
• Discuss what made the directions easy or difficult to follow and how they could be improved.

Wrap-Up:

• Review the key vocabulary and have students share their experiences navigating different maps and the school.
• As an extension, challenge students to write directions from their home to school or another familiar location.

Differentiation:

• Provide visuals or manipulatives for students who need additional support understanding directions.
• Offer more complex scenarios or longer distances for advanced learners.
• Allow students to use technology tools like map apps to explore additional routes.

Assessment:

• Observe students' participation in activities and discussions.
• Collect and review their written directions for clarity and accuracy.

Lesson 2: Global Currency Exchange

Target Age Group: Upper elementary/middle school

Learning Objectives:

• Students will understand the concept of currency exchange and exchange rates.
• Students will learn the names and values of different currencies around the world.
• Students will practice calculating currency conversions using real-time exchange rates.

Materials:

• Whiteboard or projector
• Pictures or samples of different currencies
• Online currency converter (e.g., XE Currency)
• Worksheets with sample conversion problems

Warm-Up:

• Show students pictures of different currencies and ask them to guess where they might be from.
• Discuss the purpose of money and how it's used for buying goods and services.

Introduction:

• Explain that different countries have different currencies with different values.
• Introduce the concept of exchange rates and how they determine how much one currency is worth in another.
• Briefly discuss factors that can affect exchange rates (e.g., economy, tourism).

Activity 1: Currency Exploration:

• Divide students into pairs or small groups.
• Show them a selection of currency pictures or samples.
• Have them research the names, values, and interesting facts about each currency.
• Students can create short presentations or posters to share their findings with the class.

Activity 2: Exchange Rate Calculations:

• Use the online currency converter to demonstrate how to convert between different currencies.
• Provide students with worksheets containing sample conversion problems with real-time exchange rates.
• Guide them through the calculations and encourage them to explain their reasoning.
• Allow for exploration of different currencies and conversion amounts based on student interest.

Wrap-Up:

• Discuss the importance of understanding currency exchange for travelers and international businesses.
• Ask students to reflect on how knowledge of different currencies can be useful in their lives.
• As an extension, have students research a specific country and calculate the cost of various items using the local currency.

Differentiation:

• Provide students with varying levels of difficulty for the conversion problems.
• Offer alternative activities like creating a fictional currency with its own exchange rate system.
• Encourage students to explore news articles or documentaries about currency exchange and its impact.

Assessment:

• Observe