Latest Lessons

Latest

B2 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Metacognition

Published on March 29, 2026

By kierandonaghy

Lesson Summary:This Upper Intermediate (B2) to Advanced (C1) ESL lesson plan is built around a thought-provoking video that explores the theme of metacognition and emotional intelligence. 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. Learners explore how […]

It’s been a long time coming …

Published on February 29, 2016

By kierandonaghy

After a number of years of writing, training and speaking at conferences, I’ve decided the time is right to have an author website – a central place to showcase my work – my books, films, projects, talks and training sessions. So my new website is the place to find out more about me and my […]

A2 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Soar

Published on January 25, 2016

By kierandonaghy

This ESL video lesson plan is designed around a delightful short film by Alyce Tzue titled Soar and the theme of flying. Students listen to a description of a scene, visualise it, predict what is going to happen next, write a narrative, watch a short film and discuss it. Language level: Pre-intermediate (A2) […]

A2 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Taking Pictures

Published on January 18, 2016

By kierandonaghy

An ESL video lesson plan designed around a short film titled Taking Pictures and the theme of photos. Students learn and practise vocabulary related to photos, describe a photo, listen to a description of a photo, and talk about photos. Language level: Pre-intermediate (A2) – Intermediate (B1) Learner type: Teens and adults Time: […]

A2 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Touch

Published on January 11, 2016

By kierandonaghy

This ESL video lesson plan is designed around a short film titled Touch by Joshua Neale, commissioned by Huawei that explores the theme of touch. Students practise vocabulary related to senses, speak about senses, watch a short film, identify what is happening in each scene, and discuss the film. Language level: Pre-intermediate (A2) […]

B1 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Speed dating

Published on November 30, 2015

By kierandonaghy

This ESL video lesson is designed around a short film titled Speed Dating and the theme of dating. In the lesson students talk about meeting a partner and dating, watch a short film, and read and discuss speed-dating questions. Language level: Intermediate (B1) – Upper Intermediate (B2) Learner type: Teens and adults Time: […]

A2 ESL Video Lesson Plan: 97% Love Match

Published on November 2, 2015

By kierandonaghy

This ESL video lesson is designed around a short film titled 97% and the themes of apps and dating. Students talk about the apps they commonly use, do a dictation, watch a short film and retell a story. Language level: Pre-intermediate (A2) –Intermediate (B1) Learner type: Teens and adults Time: 90 minutes Activity: […]

B1 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Success

Published on September 30, 2015

By kierandonaghy

This ESL lesson is designed around a short video titled Success, and the theme of the nature of success. Students talk about the nature of success, watch a short film and reflect on their own successes. Language level: Intermediate (B1) – Upper Intermediate (B2) Learner type: Teens and adults Time: 90 minutes Activity: […]

B1 ESL Video Lesson Plan: Racism Is Real

Published on September 24, 2015

By kierandonaghy

An ESL lesson plan designed around a short video titled Racism is Real . In the lesson students watch the video, identify eight differences between the treatment of black versus white people, read a pledge, write their own pledge, and discuss racism and discrimination. Language level: Intermediate (B1) – Upper Intermediate (B2) Learner […]

B2 ESL Video Lesson Plan: How To Become a Better Person

Published on August 31, 2015

By kierandonaghy

This ESL video lesson plan is designed around a short film by Tracy Foster for The School of Life titled How to Become a Better Person. Students work on abstract nouns, discuss virtues important in the modern world and watch a short film. Language level: Upper Intermediate (B2) – Advanced (C1) Learner type: […]