All over the world we have unique names for the months of the year, often with historical or cultural references.

This activity encourages students to think about these historic and cultural references at the same time as they do the activity.

In this lesson students play a quiz-based card game in groups. They have to discuss three facts about each month and guess which fact is false. Students play in groups of odd numbers so that they are forced to reach agreement. The information is meant to be informative and fun.

Aims

  • To develop and practise speaking skills
  • To learn some interesting cultural and historical facts
  • To work in a team to reach agreement

Age:

Teenagers and adults

Level:

Council of Europe Framework (CEF) level A2 and above

Time:

45 - 50 minutes

Materials:

The lesson plan and student worksheets can be downloaded below in PDF format.

Downloads
Lesson plan243.64 KB
Month cards230.99 KB
Language Level

Comments

Submitted by nahimana239 on Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:33

I really liked the lesson plan on the months of the year. It takes into account the historical and cultural backgrounds of the learners. It's true that every society has names for each of the months; and the recurring events that happen in those months. Another thing to appreciate is that the lesson plan gives a well-explained procedure, showing the teacher what should be done at each step of the lesson.

Thanks for your feedback nahimana239, we're glad you found the lesson plan useful!

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by ColinA89 on Wed, 12/13/2017 - 01:31

Hi, I noticed a mistake on the answer key. Augustus died in the first century AD, not the eighth century BC.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Wed, 12/13/2017 - 14:52

In reply to by ColinA89

Thanks ColinA89 - you are right! Thanks for pointing that out. It has now been corrected on the answer sheet. Best wishes, Cath TE Team

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 09/04/2017 - 09:58

In reply to by flomilczynski

Hello - you are right! There can't be. Thanks for pointing out the mistake - it's been corrected on the answer key now. Best wishes, Cath TE Team

Submitted by charliewheeler on Fri, 05/12/2017 - 09:01

Would it be a good idea to have a bit of board work or to focus on specific language/vocabulary? Overall I like the lesson idea, but I just wonder if it needs to be brought into focus at the end.

Submitted by Mohamed Eid on Sun, 05/07/2017 - 21:27

wonderful method to think pair and share Thanks

Submitted by simonetta uberti on Wed, 10/19/2016 - 12:20

I think it is interesting and challenging at the same time. Hope I can find a suitable class to introduce the cards. My oldest students are 13 and not all equally motivated

Submitted by Pushparajah on Fri, 10/07/2016 - 16:27

I AM GRATEFUL.THESE TWO ARE THE WONDERFUL RESOURCES TO LEARN AND FACILITATE LEARNING .

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