Personal development, Teambuilding
Art and culture, Storytelling
30 min.
Large group, Small group
Upto 1 hour
Materials needed
Advanced, Beginner, Moderate
Speaking, Listening
Cultural awareness
Communication
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Objectives

The learner can consolidate vocabulary related to birthday celebrations.

Material

  • Paper garlands.
  • A box wrapped in festive wrapping paper.
  • A or more birthday card(s).
  • Other elements that help create a festive atmosphere.

Preparation

Create a festive atmosphere by (a.o.)

  • Decorating the room with paper garlands.
  • Putting the box wrapped in festive wrapping paper on your desk.
  • Drawing and writing birthday wishes on the blackboard.

Instructions

  • Welcome the learners in a festive way. Let them guess why.
  • Have a group conversation about celebrating birthdays, e.g.
    Are birthdays celebrated in your country?
    Are birthdays important?
    Is there an obligation to register dates of birth?
    Do you celebrate your own birthday?

    How do you celebrate?
    Who do you invite?
    How do you invite your guests? By text message, with a written invitation…?
    What was the best birthday present you have ever received?
    What was the best birthday party ever?
    Would you like a surprise birthday party?
  • Teach and write down standard sentences related to birthday celebrations, e.g.
    The happiest of birthdays to the [loveliest] of [daughters].

    Warmest wishes for a happy birthday.
    Hope today’s filled with all your favorite guilty pleasures.
    Hope you make your [25th] a birthday to remember!
  • Have a fictional birthday party: appoint a birthday person, the other learners are the guests, who enter the room one by one or in little groups (parents, grandparents, children, a couple of friends…)

Closing Up

Practice a birthday song (see the exercise ‘Happy Birthday’).