What is this lesson about?
This pets ESL lesson plan is designed for intermediate (B1–B2) learners to explore the many ways pets improve our lives, while building strong English skills. Through discussions, vocabulary practice, a video activity, and idiomatic expressions, students learn how to talk confidently about pets, responsibility, and the mental health benefits of animal companionship.
 
What language will students learn?
The lesson introduces:
8 key vocabulary words (e.g. companionship, domesticated, neurotransmitters, instinctual).
A variety of collocations linked to motivation, mindfulness, and routines.
4 idioms about pets and effort (e.g. let the cat out of the bag, work like a dog, curiosity killed the cat, raining cats and dogs).
 
How do students practise?
Learners engage with the new language through:
Warm-up discussions about pets they own or would like to have.
Agree/disagree statements on the impact of pets on wellbeing.
Vocabulary matching and gap-fills to reinforce meaning and usage.
Video comprehension activities highlighting the 7 ways pets can benefit mental health.
Idiom practice with matching, gap-fills, and personalised speaking tasks.
Final reflection connecting pets, routines, and wellbeing to students’ own lives.

Why is this lesson useful?
By the end, learners can:
Use practical and idiomatic language to talk about pets.
Explain the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Reflect on how pets can reduce loneliness, improve routines, and boost mental health.
Build confidence in everyday English through meaningful, real-world conversations.

What makes this pets ESL lesson plan different?
It blends language learning with wellbeing insights. Rather than rote memorisation, students connect emotionally to the topic, sharing personal experiences and opinions while using authentic vocabulary and idioms. The video activity adds extra depth, making the lesson interactive, memorable, and engaging.

Who is it for?
This lesson is perfect for adult learners at B1–B2 level. It’s especially suited to classes where teachers want to combine language practice with topics that matter, such as self-care, wellbeing, and our relationship with animals.