Lesson Overview
In this C1/C2 ESL lesson plan, students explore the fascinating world of superstitions and investigate why people continue to believe in them despite a lack of scientific evidence. They begin by testing their knowledge of unusual superstitions from around the world before watching the video, which explores the strange origins of common beliefs and practices.
Students develop advanced vocabulary and phrasal verbs related to belief, behaviour, coincidence, and psychology while completing video-based activities and analysing the reasons behind different superstitions. They then explore how culture, upbringing, psychological bias, and the desire for control can influence the way people think and behave.
The lesson challenges students to consider whether superstitions are truly irrational, whether they can sometimes serve a useful purpose, and why seemingly outdated beliefs continue to influence modern behaviour. Through discussion, debates, and personalised activities, students are encouraged to think critically and express nuanced opinions on a fascinating aspect of human behaviour.
- Warm Up: Superstitions – Real or Fake?
- Video Vocabulary
- Phrasal Verbs
- Video: Predict the Origins
- Video: True or False
- Irrational or Understandable?
- Discussion
- Debate
- Phrasal Verb Challenge
Homework
There is an excellent homework task to supplement this C1/C2 ESL lesson plan. Students read an engaging article exploring the psychology behind superstitions before completing comprehension questions and reflecting on why humans continue to believe in things they know may not be rational.
- Article: Why Do We Believe in Superstitions?
- Writing Task
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