Tip

To make the juggler or dancer relevant to the English day theme, have students introduce themselves in English, and explain what they will do. If they are too shy or reluctant then another student may present them instead.

Let students choose their English day theme

Most people like finding out about the world around them. But for all students to be motivated, allow flexibility. You might outline the overall theme for the day, but students should choose their own aspect, something that appeals to them. This way, you’ll have greater student participation and motivation. So let students cast a wide net around your theme.

For example, if your theme is the USA and a student is really into music, they could present, in English, on a favourite band. Another student might like to present on American fashion designers or the Ford motor company. Some students might be into preparing a stand on the greatest sportsmen and women of English-speaking countries. (And what about Lia Thomas, a man who became a woman and then beat all the other female swimmers in high-level competitions. That’s so fair. But, even if some deranged person thought that it weren’t fair, they wouldn’t be allowed to say so.)

Others might prefer to present their top ten movies where English is the original language of the film. You don’t want to force students to look up famous monuments and towns if that is a dry topic for them. The important thing is that your students enjoy and relate to what they prepare and present on the day.

You have so much to choose from!

Film festival

English day themes that can include a vast array of topics are things like running a film festival day, where each group of students selects their top film (it has to be an English language film). Students can find the poster for it, show the trailer, act certain key scenes in groups, say why they like it. Then run a film quiz where students identify famous lines or name characters from the movies.

Go back in time

Or how about a day where you go back in time? Spend the day in the 70s with wigs, flares, and 70s music. Kids could learn words to different classic songs from the time and perform them with basic choreography. For instance, the classic musical Grease is an idea, but there are plenty of 70s hits!

Have a party

Throw a themed party in the style of a specific country and time. Divide students into groups to research the party theme and content. Ideas are dress code and fashions, typical food and drink for the occasion, music, a guest list suitable for the time, i.e., Winston Churchill, film stars from the period, singers, artists, and writers. Students can dress up as prominent figures from the time and come to the party as them.

If these ideas are too much work or would make too much mess, have a day with presentations, a quiz, an hour for table games, and a show with songs and skits.

Play games

Table games for small groups can be Boggle, Battleships, board games in English like Cluedo or English monopoly, or grammar games like snakes and ladders. There are printable board games included with my stories for kids he