Introduction
The Mae Among the Stars – Inspirational Lesson Plan is designed to inspire and engage ESL students by introducing them to the incredible story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. This lesson plan aims to not only improve language skills but also to instill a sense of motivation and determination in students. By exploring Mae’s journey and her determination to achieve her dreams, students can learn valuable vocabulary, practice language skills, and be inspired to pursue their own aspirations. This lesson plan is an excellent way to encourage students to dream big and work hard towards their goals while improving their English language abilities.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Astronaut |
A person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft. |
Space Shuttle |
A reusable spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo to and from space. |
Dream |
A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal. |
Inspiration |
The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially something creative. |
Determination |
Firmness of purpose; resoluteness. |
Contextual Usage
1. The astronaut floated gracefully in the space shuttle.
2. Mae’s dream was to become an astronaut and travel to space.
3. Mae’s journey to becoming an astronaut is an inspiration to many.
4. Her determination led her to achieve her goal of traveling in space.
5. The children were inspired by Mae’s story and expressed their own dreams for the future.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To kick off the lesson and capture students’ attention, start with a warm-up activity that involves asking students to share their dreams and aspirations. Encourage them to use the vocabulary introduced in the lesson plan, such as “dream,” “inspiration,” and “determination.” This will set the tone for the lesson by getting students thinking about their own goals while incorporating key language elements from the Mae Among the Stars – Inspirational Lesson Plan. Students can take turns sharing their dreams, and this can lead to a discussion about how they plan to achieve them, just like Mae Jemison did with her dream of becoming an astronaut.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Dream Collage
To reinforce the vocabulary related to dreams and aspirations, have students create a dream collage using images from magazines or printed from the internet. Instruct them to find pictures that represent their dreams and aspirations, and then ask them to present their collages to the class, explaining why each image is significant to them. This activity encourages both individual creativity and speaking skills.
Listening Activity: Mae’s Journey
Play an audio or video clip about Mae Jemison’s journey to becoming an astronaut. Afterward, engage the students in a discussion about what they learned from Mae’s story. Encourage them to use the vocabulary words introduced earlier in the lesson. This activity provides an opportunity for listening comprehension and promotes group discussion.
Roleplay Activity: Astronaut Interview
Divide the class into pairs and assign one student in each pair to be an astronaut (pretending to be Mae Jemison) and the other as an interviewer. The interviewer will ask questions about the astronaut’s journey, dreams, inspirations, and determination. This roleplay activity allows students to practice using relevant vocabulary in a conversational context.
Reading and Writing Activity: Letter to Mae
Ask students to imagine they are writing a letter to Mae Jemison, expressing their own dreams and aspirations while also sharing what they found inspiring about her story. This activity combines reading comprehension with writing skills, allowing students to reflect on their own goals while reinforcing the lesson’s vocabulary and themes.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students can be tasked with writing a short essay about their own dreams and aspirations, drawing inspiration from Mae Jemison’s story. They should incorporate the vocabulary words learned in class and reflect on how determination and inspiration play a role in achieving their goals. Additionally, students can be encouraged to research and write a brief summary of another famous astronaut’s journey, further expanding their knowledge of space exploration and the individuals involved. This assignment reinforces the lesson content while promoting independent research and writing skills.
Conclusion
Key Points Summary
Throughout this lesson, students have explored the inspiring story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. They have learned vocabulary related to dreams, aspirations, determination, and space exploration. Additionally, they have engaged in activities that reinforce listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while reflecting on the importance of perseverance and ambition.
Reflection and Application
As students reflect on this lesson, they can apply what they’ve learned not only to their language development but also to their personal growth. By understanding Mae Jemison’s journey and using relevant vocabulary in various activities, students can improve their English language proficiency while gaining motivation to pursue their own dreams with determination. This lesson encourages students to think about their goals and aspirations in English, fostering both language skills and a sense of inspiration.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
The Mae Among the Stars – Inspirational Lesson Plan is an excellent topic for ESL learning as it not only enhances language skills but also inspires and motivates students. The story of Mae Jemison provides a context for learning vocabulary related to dreams, aspirations, and determination, while also offering opportunities for listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. Additionally, the theme of space exploration can captivate students’ interest and curiosity, making the learning process more engaging and meaningful. This topic encourages students to reflect on their own goals and ambitions in English, fostering both language development and personal growth.
