LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• talk about supernatural phenomena;
• practise words related to mysterious and supernatural events;
• watch a video about people who claim to see ghosts;
• play a quest game.

This Halloween lesson enables students to discuss mythical creatures (e.g. the Yeti, elves) and supernatural phenomena. They learn to talk about the paranormal (e.g. haunt, lurk), read the synopsis of a story and discuss the impact of supernatural stories. Students also complete a ghost story, talk about why people claim they see ghosts and watch a video on the topic. In addition, they play a quest game called A Night in a Haunted House.

WARM-UP AND VOCABULARY

This lesson starts with a warm-up where students look at pictures and name creatures (the Yeti/Bigfoot, an elf, the Loch Ness monster). After that, they talk about supernatural phenomena and discuss questions about beliefs in supernatural creatures. Then, students read about five supernatural creatures (fairy, mermaid, vampire, genie and ghost) and match descriptions with the names of the creatures. Next, they match words and phrases from the previous task (e.g. haunt, emerge out of nowhere, lurk, etc.) with their definitions. Afterwards, students read the synopsis of a story (The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde) and correct mistakes in words and phrases. Following that, they discuss questions about the popularity and impact of supernatural stories in books, films, and TV shows. 

DISCUSSION AND VIDEO

At this point in the lesson, students think of something for different categories (e.g. animal, famous dead person, famous slogan, etc.). Next, they complete a text about a ghostly adventure. Students use the words and phrases they prepared according to the category. Afterwards, they decide how some points (e.g. mould, sleep paralysis, etc.) might explain why people claim they saw a ghost. Following that, they watch a video about why people claim to see ghosts and say which point best summarises its main idea. After that, students complete sentences about sleep paralysis with what they remember from the video. Then, they watch the video again and check their answers. Finally, students talk about supernatural phenomena and discuss questions about their personal experiences and beliefs. At the end of the lesson, they play a quest game (A Night in a Haunted House). Students read cards with spooky situations, complete tasks and get points.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This Halloween lesson plan also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students read an interview and complete phrases where the first letters are provided. They also complete the interviewer’s questions. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.