B1 ESL Video Lesson Plan: The DNA Journey
This B1-level ESL video lesson plan is built around a thought-provoking video that explores the themes of nationalities, ethnic groups and DNA. It is designed to help learners develop key language skills—listening, viewing, speaking, reading, writing and visually representing—through guided discussion, roleplay, vocabulary building, and engaging classroom activities.
Check out the lesson planThis ESL lesson plan is designed around a short viral video commissioned by Momondo, and the themes of nationalities, ethnic groups and DNA. In the lesson students watch a short video, make predictions, and speak about their families, nationalities and ethnic groups.
Language level: Intermediate (B1) – Upper Intermediate (B2)
Learner type: Teens and adults
Time: 90 minutes
Activity: Watching a short, making predictions and speaking
Topic: DNA, nationalities and ethnic groups
Language: Vocabulary related to nationalities and ethnic groups
Benefits for Teachers:
- Save hours of preparation with a fully developed, flexible lesson plan
- Engage students through compelling stories and real-world themes such as emotional intelligence, character, values, empathy, personal development, identity, relationships, global issues and social issues
- Build classroom routines that integrate multimodal literacy naturally and progressively
- Foster more inclusive and differentiated learning by using varied modes of input
- Rely on a trusted methodology backed by educational research and grounded in the theories of Vygotsky, Kress, Mayer and Krashen
Benefits for Learners:
- Develop communicative competence and confidence through integrated skill-building
- Expand vocabulary and improve listening and reading comprehension through repeated, meaningful exposure
- Think critically and creatively while exploring powerful social and emotional themes
- Strengthen emotional intelligence and intercultural awareness through affective engagement with multimodal texts
Watch the video.
Check out the lesson plan
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We hope you enjoy this ESL video lesson plan.
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— The Film English Team
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Transform Your English Classroom with the Multimodal Approach
This ESL video lesson plan is built around a thought-provoking short video and designed using the innovative Multimodal Approach, integrating listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Engage learners with real-world themes, develop communicative competence, build vocabulary and foster critical thinking through dynamic, research-informed activities. Find out more about the Multimodal Approach and join thousands of teachers transforming their classrooms with Film English.
This is amazing Kieran, and perfect to explore many different issues. Thanks a lot for another great lesson!
Hi Giulia,
A pleasure. I’m very happy you like the lesson.
All the best,
Kieran
In an era when people seem to want to separate and become more isolated as nations, this is a joy. Thank you.
Hi Debbie,
I’m happy you like the message of the lesson.
All the best,
Kieran
I saw this video on Facebook and I’m so glad you made a lesson out of it. Such a great message. Thanks so much, Kieran!
A pleasure, Eve. I’m happy ypu like the message.
Cheer,
Kieran
Great lesson for adv students. I did a follow up exercise where they had to write an essay for the DNA kit and it was perfect for high int adv students.
Cathleen, anglaisvitefait.com
Hi Cathleen,
I like your follow up writing exercise.
All the best,
Kieran
Dear Kieran,
This film should be required watching in our post-Brexit world. Thank you for drawing attention to it. I hope I can use it in class when I’m feeling less emotional!
Jo
Dear Joanna,
Yes, it is sadly topical in our post-Brexit world. I hope you use it in the future 🙂
All the best,
Kieran
Wow, congratulations! This is a great film and a wonderful lesson.
Hi Jerry,
Great to know you like the lesson.
All the best,
Kieran
Hi Jaoa,
I see from your profile that you offer online English lessons. I imagine you give easier lessons for lower level students and more difficult lessons for higher level students. Well, that is obviously the case at Film English too. The levels are clearly stated at the beginning of each lesson. In fact, this lesson is not particularly difficult as it’s suited for B1 to B2 students.
Kieran