Discover Nativity with your ESL students

 

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to teach about the nativity in the ESL classroom. This is a great opportunity to introduce students to the Christmas story and its importance in Christianity. It also provides a chance to explore cultural traditions and the values associated with the holiday. While there are many ways to teach about the nativity story, here are some ideas to get you started. 

From crafts and activities to discussion topics and stories, these tips will help you bring the nativity to life in your ESL classroom:

• Read and discuss the Nativity story.
• Create a Nativity scene with school supplies.
• Have the students roleplay the characters in the Nativity story
• Ask the students to write a creative story based on the Nativity.
• Have the students make a video or presentation on the Nativity story.
• Use a timeline activity to discuss the history of the story.
• Ask the students to draw a comic strip about the Nativity story.
• Read a story about the Nativity.
• Have students create paper or clay figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus.
• Have students draw pictures of the stable.
• Teach students the song Joseph and Mary.
• Make a class-wide mosaic of the star of Bethlehem.
• Have students recreate the journey of the magi.
• Make a timeline of the events leading up to Jesus's birth.
• Learn about the symbols of Christmas and what they represent.
• Have students act out the Nativity story.
• Create a Nativity themed Word Search with words related to the Nativity.
• Engage in a discussion about the meaning of the Nativity and its importance.
• Teach vocabulary associated with the Nativity (e.g. Joseph, Mary, angel, manger, etc.).
• Read a story about the Nativity and have the students identify important characters and plot points.

In conclusion, teaching about the Nativity in an ESL classroom can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both teacher and student. By including games, story telling, craft activities and role plays in the lesson plan, students will gain valuable insight into the culture and history of Christmas. Furthermore, focusing on the meaning behind the Nativity story helps to give a greater understanding of what Christmas is really about.