Many ESL lessons end up following the same predictable routine: open the textbook, complete the exercises, ask for quiet, finish with a quick game, and send the class home. It works, but it rarely inspires anyone. If you want your young learners to feel genuinely excited about English, you need lessons that use movement, music and storytelling to grab their attention.
Songs are one of the most effective tools for this. High quality music makes English memorable and helps children engage without even realising they are learning. This guide breaks down how to plan richer ESL lessons using music as the driving force.
Set Clear Goals for Every Lesson
Before planning anything, decide exactly what you want learners to achieve. The SMART model keeps your lessons focused and realistic.
- Specific. State the exact target language or skill.
- Measurable. Learners should demonstrate it clearly.
- Attainable. Keep it achievable within the session.
- Relevant. Ensure it connects to previous learning.
- Time-bound. Work within the duration of the lesson.
For example, if teaching location prepositions:
- Learn five prepositions (at, in, on, under, above).
- Respond accurately to “Where is…?” questions.
- Build on last week’s vocabulary about classroom objects.
- Achieve this within a forty five minute lesson, followed by homework to reinforce retention.
Having a precise goal will shape your warm-up, the song you use and the extension activities.
Review and Introduce Vocabulary
Start with a short recap from the previous lesson. Retrieval practice helps children store new language long term.
Then introduce the key vocabulary for today’s topic. Flashcards are ideal because they need no preparation and support a huge range of games.
After modelling the pronunciation, ask learners to repeat. Vary the voice to keep the energy high. Try “say it like a robot” or “say it like a monster”.
Here are two reliable flashcard games:
Vocabulary Splat
- Create a “runway” to the board.
- Place three flashcards on the board.
- Two children race to slap the correct card when you call a word.
Hot and Cold
- One learner leaves the room.
- Hide a flashcard.
- The class whispers the word if the child is far from it and gets louder as they get closer.
- When they find it, they shout the word.
These games make vocabulary review active and memorable.
Use Songs to Teach and Reinforce Language
Choose songs that match your target vocabulary and feel modern. Children today recognise high-quality audiovisual content instantly, so avoid outdated nursery-style music.
Tell the class they will listen to a song and ask them to predict the vocabulary they may hear. This small step activates their language knowledge.
Play the song once for gist. Ask what words they noticed. Then play it again and encourage them to sing along and copy the actions. Movement strengthens recall.
Teach the key lyrics and dance moves if appropriate. Splitting the class into two groups for a friendly “dance-off” often creates excitement and reinforces the language at the same time.
Tip: If possible, select videos that include sign language. This supports inclusive teaching and adds a kinaesthetic element for every learner.
Develop Reading and Writing Skills
Good ESL lesson plans cover all four skills. After listening and speaking, move into table-top learning.
Provide worksheets that match the song and vocabulary. If you use a programme with ready-made printables, you will reduce preparation time significantly.
Walk around the room to check understanding. Use open questions such as “Where is the mouse?” and encourage full-sentence answers.
Add a “fast finisher” activity to each worksheet so early finishers stay focused and do not distract others.
Children often enjoy writing answers on the board at the end of the task. It reinforces accuracy and gives you a quick assessment snapshot.
Wrap Up with Purpose
An effective ESL lesson is structured, varied and filled with resources that children want to engage with. Ask your learners what games they enjoy outside the classroom and adapt them for English practice. When children feel included in the process, motivation increases naturally.