Introduction
Shark Tank ESL Lesson Plan introduces students to the world of entrepreneurship and business pitching, providing a practical and engaging way to improve language skills. This lesson plan aims to enhance students’ vocabulary, listening, and speaking abilities while also fostering critical thinking and creativity. By immersing students in the high-stakes environment of pitching business ideas, they can develop confidence in using English for real-world communication. The Shark Tank ESL Lesson Plan is not only relevant for language development but also offers valuable insights into the business world, making it an exciting and beneficial topic for ESL learning.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Entrepreneur |
A person who organizes and operates a business, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. |
Pitch |
To present or promote a product, idea, or project to potential investors or buyers. |
Investor |
A person or organization that provides capital to start-up ventures or supports small companies for financial gain. |
Prototype |
A first, typical, or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied. |
Revenue |
The total income generated by a business before expenses are deducted. |
Contextual Usage
1. The entrepreneur presented an innovative business idea during the pitch.
2. The investor was impressed with the prototype and decided to provide funding.
3. The revenue from the new product exceeded expectations.
4. The entrepreneur sought investors to help expand the business.
5. The company’s success attracted attention from potential investors.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To kick off the Shark Tank ESL Lesson Plan, start with an engaging warm-up activity. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a simple product or idea (e.g., a new type of pen, a unique phone app concept). Instruct the groups to come up with a brief pitch to “sell” their product or idea to the rest of the class. Encourage them to use vocabulary related to entrepreneurship, such as “investment,” “innovation,” and “market potential.” This activity sets the tone for the lesson by getting students excited about presenting their ideas and using relevant language in a fun, interactive way.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Business Buzzword Bingo
To reinforce vocabulary, create bingo cards with business-related terms used in Shark Tank (e.g., “investment,” “pitch,” “prototype”). Have students mark off the terms as they hear them during a segment of the show. This activity encourages active listening and provides an opportunity for group discussions about the meanings of the words.
Roleplay: Pitching Practice
Divide the class into pairs, with one student playing the role of an entrepreneur and the other as an investor. Each pair will take turns pitching a business idea using vocabulary from the lesson. This hands-on exercise allows students to practice using relevant language in a realistic scenario.
Reading and Writing: Business Plan Creation
Provide students with a template for creating a simple business plan. In groups, have them develop a basic plan for a new product or service, incorporating vocabulary from the lesson. This activity promotes collaborative work and reinforces both reading and writing skills.
Listening: Analyzing Pitches
Select clips from Shark Tank or similar shows for students to watch. Afterward, facilitate a discussion about the pitches, encouraging students to analyze the language used and evaluate the effectiveness of each presentation. This activity enhances listening comprehension and critical thinking skills.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students are tasked with researching a successful entrepreneur or business and preparing a short presentation highlighting key aspects of the individual’s journey. They should incorporate vocabulary and concepts learned in the Shark Tank ESL Lesson Plan. This assignment reinforces the lesson content by encouraging independent exploration and application of the language skills acquired in class.
Conclusion
Summary
The Shark Tank ESL Lesson Plan introduced students to the world of entrepreneurship, business pitching, and relevant vocabulary. Through engaging activities such as roleplay, business plan creation, and analyzing pitches, students had the opportunity to apply and reinforce their language skills in a practical context.
Reflection
As students reflect on this lesson, they can recognize how the language and concepts learned can be applied beyond the classroom. Understanding business terminology and practicing presentation skills not only enhances their English proficiency but also prepares them for real-world communication in professional settings. This lesson encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop confidence in using English for practical purposes.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
The Shark Tank ESL Lesson Plan offers a great topic for ESL learning as it provides real-world relevance to language acquisition. By immersing students in the context of business pitches and entrepreneurship, the lesson plan allows them to engage with practical, industry-specific language and scenarios. This not only enhances their language skills but also prepares them for potential professional interactions in an English-speaking business environment. The topic’s practical application can greatly benefit ESL learners by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life communication.
