Using Pop Culture to Teach English as a Second Language

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 In today's world, it's impossible to ignore the impact that pop culture has on our everyday lives. Whether it's through music, movies, books, or television shows, pop culture touches many aspects of our society. As ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers, we have a unique opportunity to use this powerful tool to engage our students and make the learning experience more enjoyable. In this blog post, we will explore how we can use popular culture to teach English as a second language and provide some ESL teaching tips and resources to help you get started.


Netflix and its Series:

One of the most popular streaming platforms in the world, Netflix offers a wide variety of TV shows and movies from different countries. For ESL students, watching shows or movies in English with subtitles can be an effective way to improve their language skills. For instance, series like 'Stranger Things' or 'The Crown' provide a great opportunity to learn about American and British culture, while also honing their listening skills. As ESL teachers, we can also use these shows as a conversation starter, asking our students to share their thoughts and opinions about the plot, characters, and cultural references.

International Events:

International events such as the Academy Awards and the Eurovision Song Contest are not only exciting for pop culture enthusiasts but also a great opportunity for ESL teachers to incorporate real-world learning into their lessons. The Academy Awards, which celebrates the best in cinema, can be used to discuss vocabulary related to movies and acting, while the Eurovision Song Contest, known for its diverse music and performances, offers a chance to explore different music styles and lyrics in English.

Popular Books and Movies:

Books and movies have always been a part of pop culture, and they can be used effectively in ESL classrooms. The 'Harry Potter' series, for example, is not only a worldwide phenomenon but a fantastic resource for ESL students to improve their language skills. From the magical spells to the complex plot, the series offers a plethora of vocabulary and grammar to learn. Similarly, the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series can be a perfect resource for younger learners to practice their reading and writing skills. Using these books and movies in your ESL lessons can make the learning experience more enjoyable and relatable to your students.

Current Trends:

Keeping up with current trends can be a great way to connect with your ESL students and make the learning experience more relevant for them. K-Pop and Japanese Manga and Anime, for example, have gained popularity worldwide and can be used to engage students from these regions. You can use these trends to introduce vocabulary and slang words, as well as encourage your students to share their preferences and opinions in English.


Using pop culture in ESL lessons requires some planning and creativity. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started:

1. Use media sources like YouTube, Netflix, or Hulu to find entertainment options that match your students' interests and language proficiency level.

2. Incorporate interactive activities like role-plays, debates, or group discussions to make the learning experience more engaging.

3. Encourage your students to use subtitles and pause the video to discuss new vocabulary or expressions.

4. Make sure to choose age-appropriate and culturally sensitive content for your students.

5. Use ESL teaching resources such as ESL websites, podcasts, or blog posts that focus specifically on using pop culture in language learning.

In conclusion, incorporating pop culture into ESL lessons can make the learning experience more enjoyable and effective for our students. By using resources like Netflix, international events, popular books and movies, and current trends, we can help our students improve their language skills while also learning about different cultures. So why not use the power of pop culture in your ESL classroom today? Happy teaching!


To know more about me and my ESL Teaching Rresource,click here, to visit my TPT Store ESL with Alan





Location: New Jersey, Stati Uniti

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