Sometimes, I need a no-prep, engaging lesson that sparks conversation and helps students build their vocabulary naturally. With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner (or just to add some color-themed fun), I want to share one of my favorite quick lesson plans that focuses on idioms with the word “green”.
This lesson works for all proficiency levels and can be done with minimal materials—just a whiteboard and your students!
Lesson Plan: idioms with “green”
Objective:
Students will learn and practice common idioms using the word “green” in meaningful contexts.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
- Handout (optional, printable idiom list)
Step 1: Introduce the Concept (5 min)
Ask students:
🍀What comes to mind when you think of the word “green”?
(Examples: color, nature, money, growth, inexperience, jealousy)
🟢 Do you know any English expressions with “green”?
(If they don’t, tell them they’ll learn some fun ones today!)
Step 2: Teach the Idioms (10 min)
Write each idiom on the board with a simple definition and example sentence:
- Green with envy – Very jealous
Example: When I saw my friend’s new phone, I was green with envy! - The grass is always greener on the other side – People think others have it better
Example: She quit her job, but now she thinks the grass was greener on the other side. - To have a green thumb – To be good at gardening
Example: My grandmother has a green thumb—her flowers are always beautiful! - To give someone the green light – To approve something
Example: The principal gave us the green light to start a new club at school. - To be green – To be inexperienced or new at something
Example: The new employee is still green, so he makes a lot of mistakes.
(💡 If time allows, ask students what they think each idiom means before giving them the definition!)
Step 3: Quick & Fun Practice (10 min)
💭 Activity 1: Turn & Talk – Students pair up and use each idiom in a sentence.
🎭 Activity 2: Act it Out – One student acts out an idiom while others guess.
📝 Activity 3: Fill in the Blank – Give sentences with missing idioms for students to complete.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT IDIOMS UNIT TO TEACH? CLICK HERE
Step 4: Idioms Wrap-Up (5 min)
🍀Review: Ask students which idiom they liked best and why.
✅ Exit Ticket: Have each student write a short sentence using one of the idioms.
Why This Lesson Works
🍀 No Prep Needed – Just a whiteboard and your students!
✅ High Engagement – Conversation, movement, and real-life application.
🍀Boosts Fluency – Idioms make language sound more natural.
Try it in your classroom and watch your students go green… with excitement! 🍀💚
Your partner in ESL!
Lori,
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