Some Ideas to Teach About the Great Fire of London for ESL Students



The Great Fire of London was one of the most significant events in English history. It was a devastating event that burned for four days. The fire started on September 2, 1666, in a bakery on Pudding Lane. It quickly spread through the city, fuelled by the wooden houses and strong winds. The fire burned for 3 days before it was finally extinguished. Despite the devastation, the fire was also a time of great heroism. Firefighters from all over the country came to London to help fight the fire. In addition, many people risked their lives to save others. The Great Fire of London is a great topic to teach in the ESL classroom.

Not only is it a chance to teach about British history, but it is also a chance to teach about disaster management and how to deal with difficult situations. 


How to teach the Great Fire of London in the ESL classroom

When teaching about the Great Fire of London in the ESL classroom, one great way to get students engaged is to have them work in groups. This can help them to better understand the events of the fire, as well as to develop their teamwork skills. There are a few different ways that you can structure group work for this topic. One option is to have students work together to create a timeline of the events of the fire. This can be done using a blackboard or whiteboard, or even just on paper. Students can research the different events of the fire and then order them chronologically. Another option is to have students work in groups to create a map of the city, marking where the fire started and where it spread to.


Here are some ideas on how to teach the Great Fire of London for your ESL students:

  • Using pictures and videos of the fire to engage students
  • Discussing other major fires in history and how they compare to the Great Fire of London
  • Acting out the story of the fire with students taking on different roles
  • Have students create their own artwork or writing inspired by the event
  • Researching and presenting on different aspects of the fire, such as its impact on people's lives or the city itself
  • Put on a play or create a skit to recreate the event
  • Have students work in groups to research and present information about the fire
  • Compare and contrast London before and after the fire
  • Have students create a timeline of events
  • Create a game or activity to help students understand the cause and effect of the fire


In conclusion, teaching about the Great Fire of London in the ESL classroom can be a great way to engage students and help them learn about British history. There are a number of different resources and activities that can be used to make the lessons enjoyable and interactive. With a little creativity, you can ensure that your students have a great time while learning about this significant event in British history.

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