Stevie Wonder - Superstition
topic, vocab: superstitions
* activities tried out in a multicultural (Turkish, Iranian, Lybian, Syrian) pre-intermediate group with quite a success: the song itself is great to introduce the topic of superstitions though it's not that easy to understand the lyrics
lesson plan: (~ 45 mins +)
1. warmer
2. listening (2x)
3. vocabulary and culture
4. small project - creating and presenting a poster
1. Introduction
What does the word "superstition" mean? (At this level, it's quite likely that you'll have to explain the word to your students.)
What superstitions have you heard about?
Do you carry a lucky charm with you?
Are you superstitious?
2. 1st Listening
Which "universal" superstitions are mentioned in the song?
3. 2nd listening - gapfill
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
Very superstitious, writings on the wall, Very superstitious, (1)___________ bout' to fall, (2)______________ month old baby, broke the lookin' glass, (3)___________ years of bad luck, the good things in your past.
Chorus: When you believe in things that you don't understand, Then we suffer, Superstition ain't the way.
Very superstitious, wash your (4)__________________, Rid me of the problems, do all that you can, Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' (5)____________, You don't want to save me, sad is my song.
Chorus 1x
Very superstitious, nothin' more to say, Very superstitious, the (6)_____________'s on his way, Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass, Seven years of bad luck, good things in your past.
Chorus 1x
5. Vocabulary and cultural notes
a. Do these things bring good luck or bad luck? Write them into the right column. - SEE WORKSHEET (+ find the solutions attached)
b. What happens if…? Here you can read some crazy superstitions from around the world. Match the superstition with the meaning. SEE WORKSHEET (+ find the solutions in the attached document)
6. PROJECT –
In groups, create a poster on the superstitions of your country and present it to your classmates.
WORKSHEET
KEY
