Juicy June Lesson Ideas

Some of us in the northern hemisphere may be enjoying a long-awaited break, but there are others who still have plenty of teaching to do. So, for those of you who still need lots of great advice and ideas - never fret! BusyTeacher.org works year round to provide you with fresh tips and suggestions. Here are some fabulous ideas for your June lessons:

How to Teach a Perfect June Lesson

1. 1

   Flag Day

   Flag Day is celebrated in the United States on June 14th. If you want to give your ESL students a dose of American history and culture, this is a great opportunity to do it. Americans are typically proud to display their flag outside their businesses and homes, but on this day very few are without a splash of red, white and blue. Some activities you may want to choose include:

   • Talking about the symbolism of the colors chosen for the flag and the flag’s history.
   • Crafts involving the American flag.
   • Reading the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner, followed by some hearty singing.
   • Check out this excellent June Worksheet, with wonderful Flag Day activities.
2. 2

   Eat Your Vegetables Day

   Every month has quirky observances and celebrations, and the month of June is no different. June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and June 17^th is Eat Your Vegetables Day. Some great activities include:

   • Teaching or reviewing fruits and vegetables in English. Play games and give your students fun worksheets. Don't forget you can make your own Fruits and Vegetables Word Search with our easy-to-use tool.
   • Talking about healthy eating habits. Give your students a secret message or healthy eating tip to unscramble with our Tile Puzzle creator.
   • Why not give your class a challenge? Dare your students to eat nothing but fruits and vegetables for the entire Eat Your Vegetables Day. Then, ask them to write about what it was like to become a vegetarian for one day. Your students may be surprised to find out it's not that hard after all.

   For more interesting or unusual observances for the month of June, go to About.com. You can choose any special day or celebration and make it into a fun-filled lesson!

3. 3

   Father’s Day

   This month there’s a very special celebration, and one that students really look forward to: Father’s Day is on June 16^th. Here are some of things you can do to celebrate this special day:

   • Father's Day crafts are a must. Help your students make something special to take home to their dads.
   • No Father’s Day lesson is complete without a Father’s Day card.
   • Help students show their dads just how much they love them with a special writing assignment: I love my Dad because..., or have them describe a special trip or day they shared together.
   • Create a Best Dad Award or Certificate.
4. 4

   Juneteenth

   June 19^th, also known as Juneteenth, commemorates the ending of slavery and African-American freedom. It is a great time to share with your students yet another important period in American history. Your Juneteenth lesson may include:

   • Discussions on slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries – What was it like? How did they live? When was slavery abolished?
   • Reading about the role of the Underground Railroad. NationalGeographic.com has an amazing adventure for your advanced students. They must follow a slave on his escape to Canada and be faced with the same decisions runaway slaves were faced with back then.
   • Listening to African hymns and songs.
   • Reading about Phillis Wheatley. Phillis Wheatley was a slave and the first African-American woman to be published. Read about her life with your students, but also give them a chance to see some of her poems although they may not understand most. AmericanPoems.com has some great information on the poet, as well as her poems, available.
5. 5

   First Day of Summer

   If you’re teaching ESL over the summer, you may take advantage of everything the season has to offer. Why not start by celebrating the First Day of Summer!

   • Have a picnic or organize an outdoor activity.
   • Worship the Sun god with some crafts – make them all bright yellow!
   • Help your students make their own Summer Visors.
   • Enjoy more Summer Fun with this worksheet!

BusyTeacher.org has even more great worksheets available for you in our June Worksheets section. Father’s Day, Flag Day and more! So, make this a fun-filled June for your ESL students and relax - we've got the best resources for you so you can enjoy the summer, too.