
Learn the basic vocabulary needed to check in with a dental receptionist
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Week of Dec. 15/25
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The lesson includes interactive vocabulary activities, a short video, and reflection questions to…
Keep readingLesson plan overview
| Task | To learn the basic vocabulary needed to check in at a dentist’s office. |
| CLB level | CLB Stage I (CLB 1-3) |
| Delivery method | Online |
| Class size | 10-15 students (vary the number of activities according to your class size) |
| Estimated time | 1.5 hours (depending on class size) |
| CLB Skills and Competencies | Speaking: Interacting with others Getting things done Sharing information Listening: Interacting with others Comprehending instructions Getting things done Comprehending information Reading: Comprehending information |
| Language focus | Learn the vocabulary needed to understand this topic. Use the appropriate grammar structures and vocabulary to respond personally to the reflection questions. (Encourage students to respond in full sentences.) |
| Cultural focus | Students understand the questions and answers expected and politeness formulas used in checking in at a dentist’s office in Canada. |
| Specific task learning objectives | Students will learn and use basic vocabulary needed to check in with a receptionist for a dental appointment. Students will watch, understand, and practice a role play. |
| ESL Directions original video (🎥) and audio (🔊) activities? | This lesson includes original video (🎥) and audio (🔊) activities. |
| Resource attribution | ESL Directions original resources are marked below with an asterisk (*). Feel free to use these, but please give credit to ESL Directions. |
Lesson plan
Warm-up: Introducing the topic and defining our terms
- Today, we’re going to learn some of the words you need to check in at a dentist’s office.
- What is a dental receptionist?
- What is an appointment?
- What does checking in for a dental appointment mean?
- What are some words you might say when you see a dental receptionist?
Skill-building activities
FEATURED CONTENT
- Vocabulary flashcards*
- Listen to the vocabulary again* 🔊 (Pay attention to how to say the words and what they mean.)
- Talking with the dental receptionist video* 🎥
Skill-using tasks
Assessment/review tasks
Reflection questions
- What are three words or phrases that you learned today?
- Who is the person who greets you when you arrive at the dentist’s office?
- Do you usually speak with this person when you visit a dental or medical office? Does someone else help you with speaking?
- How do you feel about going to the dentist for a check-up?
- What is the person who cleans your teeth called?
- Do you know what it means to pull up a dental chart?
- Do you have dental insurance? How do you get dental insurance in Canada?
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Keep readingHEALTH YOUTUBE PLAYLIST
Click on the small right arrow at the top of this video to watch the videos or go to the YouTube Health Playlist.

HEALTH WORDWALL ACTIVITIES
Wordwall is a very useful interactive lesson-creation site. If you sign up for a free Wordwall account, you will be able to see our “Health” folder, which includes ESL Directions activities that you can add to your lessons.
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ESL teacher, movie buff, constant reader, and former editor and communications pro. Now a graduate of the Teaching English as a Second Language program at the University of Manitoba and a TESL Canada certified ESL teacher in Edmonton, Alberta, I specialize in teaching online classes of beginner ESL students.
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