What is this lesson about?
This childhood memories ESL lesson plan helps B1–B2 learners share personal stories, reflect on the past, and build emotional fluency in English. Students explore nostalgic experiences, talk about school days and family traditions, and practise natural vocabulary to describe feelings of freedom, imagination, and laughter from their younger years.
 
What language will students learn?
Learners develop natural language for describing memories, emotions, and experiences through seven key vocabulary items: nostalgia, carefree, imaginative play, freedom, make-believe, innocence, laughter, adventure
These words encourage emotional expression, storytelling, and reflection on what shaped who we are today.
 
How do students practise?
The lesson follows a conversation-first sequence designed for warmth, connection, and fluency:
Warm-up discussion with nostalgic quotes about childhood.
Vocabulary-in-context task with real, relatable extracts.
Video reflection using authentic, heartwarming childhood memories.
Speaking activities about school days, laughter, and growing up.
Story-sharing and reflection tasks to connect language with real emotion.
 
Why is this lesson useful?
By the end of the lesson, learners can:
Describe childhood experiences and emotions naturally.
Use vocabulary like nostalgia and carefree in meaningful sentences.
Share personal stories that build empathy and confidence.
Reflect on how childhood shapes identity and wellbeing.
 
Who is it for?
Designed for intermediate adult learners (B1–B2), this childhood memories ESL lesson plan is perfect for teachers who want to build connection, trust, and authentic communication in class. It’s ideal for one-to-one lessons, conversation clubs, or wellbeing-themed ESL courses, online or in person.