For Interactive ESL Lessons Try Role Playing English Conversations
The end of the second semester approaches, term end exams are finished and there are still two weeks before the closing ceremony. I find this is the time when I am able to offer ESL role play classes and this includes interactive lessons for ordering food. We can move away from grammar lessons, entrance exams and vocabulary tests and focus on English communication and conversation practice. I have a selection of role play activities that are always fun and engaging.
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How To Teach Restaurant Vocabulary with A Subway Role Play Lesson
Today, I would like to introduce the first of these interactive English lesson plans which is a role play for ordering at Subway. I recently ordered a Subway here in Japan and was surprised that there were not as many customisations options as there are in other countries. My cultural anecdote and that the drinks fountain in the US is unlimited refills captured the attention of my English class.
For teaching this ESL lesson I start by asking if anyone has ever been to Subway. I teach in rural Japan and most of the students have never encountered the sandwich chain, Subway. Another chance to squeeze in an example of British English Vs American English with subway and underground.
How To Order A Subway Sandwich In English
I have a Powerpoint lesson that introduces what a submarine is, how it is related to the size of Subway sandwiches. We look at useful restaurant ordering vocabulary and discuss how to order a Subway sandwich, step by step.
Next, I have my class watch the amusing Youtube video from the bilingual Japanese English creator Bilingirl Chika where she and her Japanese husband show how to order a subway sandwich in America. The video is aimed at English as an additional language learners but I surprisingly found in the comment section that many native speakers find the customisation options at Subway anxiety inducing, some of them use the video to practice ordering Subway before visiting a store.
After watching the ordering example, students practice the conversation and make up their own orders. I created a simplified version of the Subway menu, with only four bread, cheese and sauce options. This still leaves room for discussion about what the flavour profile of the breads, cheeses and sauces might be.
The lesson culminates in us turning the classroom into a busy subway store with 6 students becoming staff members and the remaining students acting as hungry customers during the lunchtime rush. I use a felt toy food playset from Melissa and Doug to add a further sense of realism to the English role play lesson.
I love food related role plays, what is your favourite type of roleplay to act out in the ESL classroom?
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