What is this lesson about?

This humour idioms ESL lesson plan introduces intermediate learners (B1–B2) to six lively idioms used when joking, laughing, and telling funny stories. Students explore real-world expressions such as pull someone’s leg, be in stitches, keep a straight face, laugh something off, a barrel of laughs, and tongue-in-cheek through interactive activities, games, and personal storytelling. The lesson focuses on natural, fun communication, helping learners feel confident using idioms in relaxed, everyday English.

How do students learn the new language?

Learners build fluency and confidence through a dynamic, conversation-first sequence:

• Warm-up questions about humour and laughter.

• “This or That” discussion to explore comedy preferences.

• Interactive idiom presentation with examples and context.

• Matching mini-dialogues to reinforce natural use.

• “Finish the Joke” and storytelling games for creative practice.

• Visual “Picture Talk” and quick-fire quiz to review meaning.

• Reflection on laughter, wellbeing, and language learning.
  

Why is this lesson useful?

By the end of the lesson, students can:

• Understand and use six humour-related idioms naturally.

• Practise expressing amusement, irony, and playfulness.

• Share funny stories and connect through laughter in English.

• Build confidence and fluency in light-hearted conversation.
  

Who is it for?

This lesson is designed for B1–B2 adult learners and perfect for teachers who want to bring energy, humour, and natural communication into their classes. It works equally well online or in person, helping students learn idioms through laughter, not memorisation.