
Learn the vocabulary needed to obtain a library card
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Week of Dec. 15/25
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Keep readingLesson plan overview
| Task | To learn and understand many of the standard questions and answers used in getting a library card. |
| 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 | 1.5-2 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 discuss the services available at a Canadian public library and how these might differ from those offered at libraries in their home countries. Students understand politeness formulas (e.g., standard greetings and farewells) expected in Canadian exchanges. |
| Specific task learning objectives | Students understand how to apply for a library card. Students listen to and practice a dialogue. Students understand some of the services available at their local library, including ESL classes. |
| 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 vocabulary needed to get a library card.
- What is a library?
- What is a library card?
- What is a librarian?
- What is a library patron?
Skill-building activities
FEATURED CONTENT
- Vocabulary flashcards*
- Listen to the vocabulary words again* 🔊 (Pay attention to how to say the words and phrases and what they mean.)
- Applying for a library card* 🎥 (Before the video, ask students to pay attention to the vocabulary they hear in the video. After the video, ask students to share the vocabulary they heard.)
- What words and phrases did you hear in the video?*
Skill-using tasks
- Applying for a library card: Audio, role play, and comprehension questions* 🔊
- Who says what?* (Move the tiles under the correct speakers.)
- Fill in the blanks*
- Unjumble*
Assessment/review tasks
- Speaking cards* 🔊 (Ask students to explain the meaning of each sentence.)
- What sticks?* (Ask students to give you two or three vocabulary words.)
Reflection questions
- Have you applied for a library card? How did that go for you?
- Have you ever visited your local library? If so, what did you take out, e.g., books, videos, music, etc.?
- What services does your local library offer?
- Do you feel comfortable asking questions in a library?
- Are libraries here different from libraries in your home country?
- Do you know about the ESL classes and other services offered in your local library? (For example, you can visit https://tinyurl.com/yfpthkju for information about services for newcomers in Edmonton.)
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COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURS 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 “Community and neighbours” 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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