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Superstitions: Fact or Fiction? – ESL Lesson Plan

ESL lesson on superstitions exploring lucky numbers black cats knocking on wood folklore and traditional beliefs

Why do we knock on wood? What makes thirteen unlucky? And why do so many of us secretly believe in things we know aren’t scientific?

This engaging 90-minute lesson dives into the fascinating world of superstitions – their strange origins, their cultural differences, and the psychology behind why we still follow them. Inspired by the popular TED-Ed video “Where do superstitions come from?” by Stuart Vyse, the lesson blends lively discussion with focused grammar practice, giving students a chance to talk about their own beliefs while mastering the passive voice.

Students will:

  • Develop vocabulary related to beliefs, folklore, and tradition, such as disciple, invoke, spirit, remnants, backdrop, stagehand, and absentminded
  • Practise listening comprehension with an authentic TED-Ed video
  • Learn and apply the passive voice in both controlled and freer speaking tasks, using constructions such as It is said that…, It is believed that…, …is thought to…, …is considered to be…, and …can be avoided by…
  • Improve fluency through personalised discussion and cultural exchange

Engaging, practical, and built around an authentic TED-Ed video – this lesson does the hard work for you. Your students will leave the classroom talking about black cats, lucky numbers, and why we knock on wood.

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Teach English through superstitions, strange beliefs, and the psychology behind our luckiest – and unluckiest – traditions.

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Students discussing superstitions cultural beliefs lucky and unlucky signs and traditions in English class

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