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National Holidays and Traditions

Episode of the series Awesome Stuff

CEFR: A1

In this episode

Illustrated slideshow (21 images)
Glossary (7 words)
Comprehension quiz (13 questions)
9 cultural notes

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The episode

What are the biggest days of the American year? Two friends find out about the fireworks on July Fourth, the turkey and the parade at Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the candy at Halloween.

Episode worksheets (2)

Student sheet In your teacher account
Teacher sheet In your teacher account

Teaching guide

Objective & content

One host takes the other through three of America's biggest yearly traditions: July Fourth, Thanksgiving (with Black Friday the next day) and Halloween. The script explains why July Fourth is the country's birthday, how families celebrate each day, and gives the facts behind them, such as the 1777 fireworks and the hot dogs Americans eat, the turkeys families cook and the candy corn that sells. The language focus is the present simple, with short past simple stories for the dates, and celebration vocabulary. Learners listen for dates, big numbers and customs at A1+. One line to listen for: "Trick or treat."

Materials & prerequisites

The student sheet and the teacher sheet (PDF and HTML versions) from the episode's printables.
Learners should already know the present simple and numbers, so that the large figures in the script are not a barrier.

Curriculum alignment

Tagged c3-child-and-wider-environment (cycle 3, 6e). The episode targets CEFR A1+.

Possible adaptations

Lower levels: Offer segmented listening and additional visual aids.
Advanced levels: Encourage an oral summary and a debate in English on the theme.
Large groups: Organise group work with differentiated roles.

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