First of all, no matter where you are, you see that we all generally like the same things. Celebrate more or less the same occasions and special moments. Nonetheless, every culture has its way of celebrating customs and traditions.

There are in fact benefits of bringing these commemorations into the ESL classroom!

I can find at least 16 reasons why celebrating fun important days of the year in ESL is a really good idea!

So read and tell me if you agree with me.

It…

gives a sense of meaning to students’ lives;

2. connects students to real-life;

3. creates memories at school;

4. adds fun and excitement to English lessons;

5. promotes the playful aspect of English language teaching;

6. makes students learn vocabulary related to special days, celebrations, commemorations, festivals, memorials, etc;

a way of introducing vocabulary

7. shows students the importance of sharing love and joy;

8. develops the spirit of competition (if the activities include some games, for example);

9. develops the creativity and the aesthetic sensitivity of students ;

10. promotes respect for different peoples and cultures;

11. shows to the school community culture in English-Speaking countries;

12. develops the spirit of initiative, organization, autonomy and mutual assistance;

13. consolidates knowledge;

14. boosts a reflective and critical spirit;

15. promotes education oriented towards active citizenship;

a way of promoting active citizenship

16. helps to build up a spirit of solidarity and reflection.

Other Days Of The Year

Besides special occasions, commemorations, festivals, etc, there are other fun days which are worth exploring inside ESL classrooms.

Check out daysoftheyear.com to see what is going on TODAY or TOMORROW or in the next 7 days and grab these occasions to introduce exciting vocabulary and carry out fun activities with your students.

Every second Friday in October since 1996 people are celebrating the EGG DAY.

Therefore, as an example, I have prepared some resources for you to work with your students.

Why Celebrating Fun Days Of The Year In ESL? — *Download the FREE PDF here to show it during your lesson.*

EGG DAY, 9th October

Lesson Plan

Discover with your students the “History of Egg Day”
Show the video on the daysoftheyear.com
Brainstorm EGG related words (see some ideas in my free-templates and download the PDF below)
Explore the PDF 13 REAL FACTS ABOUT EGGS (you will find it above)
If necessary, provide extra information
Explore the site thinkegg.com especially “EGGS CAN…” and “FASCINATING FACTS”
Explore the second PDF with different EGGS DISHES (you can find it below)
Ask students to write a recipe including eggs (for a class recipe book, for instance)
(alternative) Ask students to film them while cooking an egg-related recipe (make a class film later, for example)