Houses Of Parliament Lesson Plan

Exploring the Houses of Parliament: A Lesson Plan for English Language Learners

The Houses of Parliament, an iconic symbol of British democracy and history, offer a wealth of opportunities for English language learners to enhance their linguistic and cultural knowledge. This lesson plan provides an engaging and comprehensive exploration of this fascinating institution, incorporating language acquisition, cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

Describe the history and significance of the Houses of Parliament.
Identify the key features and functions of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Understand the parliamentary process and how laws are made.
Analyze the role of the Houses of Parliament in British society and politics.

Materials

* Whiteboard or projector * Markers or pens * Handouts with information about the Houses of Parliament * Vocabulary and expression lists * Videos or documentaries about the Houses of Parliament

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

* Begin by asking students what they know about the Houses of Parliament. * Show them a picture of the Houses of Parliament and ask them to describe what they see. * Distribute handouts with background information about the history and significance of the institution.

2. Key Features and Functions (20 minutes)

* Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific part of the Houses of Parliament (e.g., House of Commons, House of Lords, Westminster Hall). * Provide each group with vocabulary and expression lists related to their assigned part. * Have the groups research and present their findings to the class, focusing on the key features, functions, and history of their assigned part.

3. The Parliamentary Process (15 minutes)

* Explain the parliamentary process and how laws are made. * Use a whiteboard or projector to create a flowchart or diagram that shows the different stages of a bill becoming a law. * Discuss the roles of the different actors involved in the parliamentary process (e.g., MPs, Prime Minister, Monarch).

4. Critical Analysis (20 minutes)

* Show students a video or documentary about the Houses of Parliament that explores the role it plays in British society and politics. * Lead a class discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of the parliamentary system. * Encourage students to share their perspectives on the importance of the Houses of Parliament in maintaining British democracy.

5. Vocabulary and Expression Practice (10 minutes)

* Review the vocabulary and expressions that students have learned throughout the lesson. * Play games or conduct activities to reinforce their understanding (e.g., matching, charades, sentence completion).

6. Assessment (5 minutes)

* Assign students a short written assignment or quiz to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts covered in the lesson. * Collect the assignments and provide feedback to students.