Note: This page is for other teachers of English as a foreign language.

Lesson Title: Welcome Back! Catching Up & Looking Ahead

Lesson Overview:

• Target Audience: CEFR A2/B1 Japanese Adults (Middle-aged/Older), Mixed group (8 returning, 1 new, potentially others). Attendance variable (likely around 9).
• Time: 90 minutes
• Topic: Reconnecting after a break, sharing simple past experiences, and looking forward to the near future.
• Main Goal: To ease students back into English conversation, facilitate comfortable interaction between new and returning members, and create a welcoming atmosphere for the first class.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Ask and answer simple questions about recent past events (e.g., during the break).
• Express simple hopes or plans for the near future (e.g., spring, this year).
• Interact comfortably in pairs and small groups with both familiar and new classmates.

Target Language:

• Review: Simple Past (e.g., “I went…”, “Did you enjoy…?”, “It was…”)
• Phrases:
  • “It’s nice to see you again.”
  • “Welcome! It’s nice to meet you.”
  • “How was your break/spring vacation?” (Adjust if timing is different)
  • “What did you do?”
  • “I’m looking forward to…” (+ noun / -ing verb)
  • “I hope to…” (+ verb)
  • “Maybe I will…” (+ verb)

Materials:

• Whiteboard & Markers
• Projector & Computer
• Google Slides (see outline below)
• Handout: “Conversation Starters” (simple questions for activities)
• Small pieces of paper & pens for Exit Tickets

Lesson Procedure:

1. Getting Started (Welcome & Simple Mingling) (15 mins)

• Purpose: To gently re-establish the classroom environment, acknowledge everyone’s presence (new and returning), and start low-pressure interaction.
• Activity: Welcome & Casual Chat + “Find Someone Who…” (Light Version)
  • 1. Instructor Welcome: Greet the class warmly. Briefly mention it’s the first class back and you’re happy to see everyone. Acknowledge there’s a new member and say “Welcome!” to her and “Welcome back!” to the others, treating everyone as part of the group now. (Avoid singling her out further at this stage).
  • 2. Pair Check-in: Ask students to turn to a neighbour (mix returning/new if possible, but don’t force it awkwardly) and say “Hello, it’s nice to see you (again).” / “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” (Put these phrases on the board/slide). Let them chat freely for 1-2 minutes (just simple greetings).
  • 3. Simple Mingle Prompt: Put ONE simple prompt on the board: “Find someone who… relaxed during the break.” OR “Find someone who… is happy spring is here.” (Choose one simple, universally relatable prompt).
  • 4. Students stand up, walk around, and ask classmates, “Did you relax during the break?” or “Are you happy spring is here?”. They should try to talk to 2-3 different people.
  • 5. Briefly ask the whole class: “Raise your hand if you found someone who relaxed?” / “Who found someone happy about spring?” (No detailed reporting needed, just a quick check-in).
• CCQs:
  • “Are you talking to one person or many people?” (Many people)
  • “What question are you asking?” (Repeat the target question)
  • “Do you need to write anything?” (No)

2. Introducing the Topic & Activity Structure (10 mins)

• Purpose: To set the theme for the lesson (catching up/looking ahead) and introduce the key phrases and upcoming pair work activity.
• Activity: Setting the Scene & Phrase Introduction
  • 1. Transition: “Okay everyone, great! It’s nice to be back together. Today, let’s talk a little about our recent experiences and also think about the future.”
  • 2. Introduce Target Language: Display the key phrases (from “Target Language” section) on a slide. Model pronunciation clearly. Explain briefly when to use them (e.g., “How was your break?” for past; “I’m looking forward to…” for future).
  • 3. Explain Activity Flow: “We will do two main activities today. First, we’ll talk about the past (like the break). Second, we’ll talk about the future (like this spring or summer).”
  • 4. Distribute Handout: Give out the “Conversation Starters” handout (see below). Explain: “This handout has questions to help you talk in pairs.”
• CCQs:
  • “How many main activities today?” (Two)
  • “What is the first activity about? Past or Future?” (Past)
  • “Will you work alone or with a partner?” (With a partner)
  • “Do you have questions on the handout?” (Yes)

3. Let’s Talk! (Main Activities) (50 mins)

• Purpose: To maximize STT in pairs/small groups, practicing the target language in a structured but comfortable way. Integrates the new student naturally.
• Activity 1: Catching Up (Pair Work) (25 mins)
  • 1. Instructions: “Okay, let’s talk about the recent past. Please find a partner. Try to sit with someone different from the first chat.” (Guide pairing gently to mix if needed, but prioritize student comfort. If odd number, make one group of 3).
  • 2. “Look at Part 1 of your handout: ‘Catching Up’. Ask your partner 2 or 3 questions about their break or recent weeks. Use the simple past. Remember to ask follow-up questions like ‘Oh, really? Was it fun?'” (Model a brief example exchange with a student or imaginary partner).
  • 3. “You have about 10 minutes to talk with this partner.”
  • 4. Monitor: Walk around, listen in, provide support, note errors for delayed correction. Ensure pairs are switching roles (asking/answering).
  • 5. Switch Partners: After ~10 mins, ask students to find a new partner. “Okay, please find a new partner! Ask them 2-3 different questions from Part 1.” (This ensures more interaction and repetition). Allow another ~10 mins.
  • 6. Brief Feedback (Optional): Ask 1-2 pairs for one interesting thing they heard (optional, keep it brief).
• CCQs (Before starting pairs):
  • “Are you talking about the past or future?” (Past)
  • “How many questions should you ask each partner?” (2 or 3)
  • “Will you talk to one partner or two partners?” (Two, one after the other)
• Activity 2: Looking Ahead (Pair/Small Group Work) (25 mins)
  • 1. Instructions: “Great conversations! Now let’s think about the future. Please stay with your current partner, or you can make a new pair/group of 3.” (Allow flexibility).
  • 2. “Look at Part 2 of your handout: ‘Looking Ahead’. Ask your partner 2 or 3 questions about their hopes or plans for spring, summer, or this year. Use phrases like ‘I’m looking forward to…’ or ‘I hope to…’.” (Model a brief example).
  • 3. “Talk together for about 10-12 minutes.”
  • 4. Monitor: Continue circulating, listening, supporting, noting errors. Encourage use of the target future phrases.
  • 5. Group Change (Optional): If time permits and energy is good, quickly form new pairs/groups of 3 for a final 5-7 minute chat using the ‘Looking Ahead’ prompts.
  • 6. Brief Sharing: Ask 2-3 students to share one thing they (or their partner) are looking forward to. “Mika-san, what are you looking forward to?” / “Kenji-san, what did your partner say they hope to do?”
• CCQs (Before starting):
  • “Now, are we talking about the past or the future?” (Future)
  • “Which part of the handout are you using?” (Part 2 / Looking Ahead)
  • “What phrases can you use? Give me one example.” (I’m looking forward to…, I hope to…, Maybe I will…)

4. Wrapping Up (Review & Feedback) (15 mins)

• Purpose: Consolidate learning, address common errors gently, gather feedback, and end on a positive note.
• Activities:
  • 1. Quick Recap: Briefly summarize: “Today we talked about the past and the future. We practiced asking questions and sharing our experiences and hopes.”
  • 2. Error Correction Slot: Write 3-4 common errors observed on the board (anonymously). Focus on errors related to simple past or future phrases. Briefly elicit corrections from the group. (e.g., “❌ I was go shopping.” -> “✅ I went shopping.” / “❌ I looking forward to holiday.” -> “✅ I’m looking forward to the holiday / holidays.”) Keep this brief and positive.
  • 3. Final Q&A: “Does anyone have any questions about today’s English or phrases?”
  • 4. Exit Ticket: Distribute small slips of paper. “Please write your answers to these questions.” (Display Exit Ticket questions on a slide). Collect slips as students leave. This gives the new student an equal voice without speaking publicly if she prefers.

Instructor Guidance & Notes:

• Error Correction Strategy: Use the delayed error correction slot as planned. Focus on common, relevant errors. Avoid singling anyone out.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Foster a welcoming, supportive (wa) atmosphere. Encourage active listening. Pair/group work minimizes pressure. The structure allows the new student to participate just like everyone else.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust timings based on student interaction. If fewer than 6 students attend, small group work might be better than pairs. If more than 9, ensure enough space for mingling/pair work. The partner switching helps manage slightly uneven numbers.
• Quality over Quantity: Focus on making the interactions comfortable and meaningful, rather than rushing through too many things.
• Technology Note: Keep tech simple – slides for prompts and phrases.

Suggested Supporting Materials Content:

• Handout: Conversation Starters
  • (Handout Title): Conversation Starters: Welcome Back!
  • Part 1: Catching Up (Past)
    • How was your break / spring vacation?
    • What did you do during the break?
    • Did you go anywhere interesting?
    • Did you relax at home?
    • Did you try anything new recently?
    • What was the best thing about your break?
    • (Remember to ask follow-up questions! e.g., Really? Why? Was it fun?)
  • Part 2: Looking Ahead (Future)
    • What are you looking forward to this spring/summer?
    • Do you have any plans for Golden Week / the next holiday?
    • Is there anything special you hope to do this year?
    • Are you planning to travel anywhere?
    • What are you looking forward to in this English class?
    • (Useful Phrases: I’m looking forward to… / I hope to… / Maybe I will…)
• Potential Online Resource Search Terms:
  • (Not essential for this lesson, but if you wanted supplementary listening):
    • “ESL listening practice A2 daily routines past simple”
    • “Easy English conversation about weekend plans”
    • “Learning English future plans short dialogue”

Google Slides Outline:

• Slide 1: Welcome Back! – Lesson Title & Date (April 17, 2025)
• Slide 2: Warm-up: Hello!
  • Turn to a neighbor:
    • “Hello, it’s nice to see you again.”
    • “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”
  • Mingle Time: Ask 2-3 people…
    • “Did you relax during the break?” OR “Are you happy spring is here?” (Choose one)
• Slide 3: Today’s Plan & Phrases
  • 1. Talk about the PAST (break, recent weeks)
  • 2. Talk about the FUTURE (spring, summer, this year)
  • Useful Phrases:
    • “How was your…?” / “What did you do?” (Past)
    • “I went…” / “It was…” (Past)
    • “I’m looking forward to…” (Future + noun/-ing)
    • “I hope to…” (Future + verb)
    • “Maybe I will…” (Future + verb)
• Slide 4: Activity 1: Catching Up (Pairs)
  • Find a partner.
  • Use Handout Part 1. Ask 2-3 questions about the past.
  • Remember follow-up questions!
  • Talk for ~10 minutes.
• Slide 5: Activity 1: New Partner!
  • Find a new partner.
  • Ask 2-3 different questions from Part 1.
  • Talk for ~10 minutes.
• Slide 6: Activity 2: Looking Ahead (Pairs/Groups)
  • Stay with your partner or make a new pair/group.
  • Use Handout Part 2. Ask 2-3 questions about the future.
  • Use future phrases: “I’m looking forward to…”, “I hope to…”, “Maybe I will…”
  • Talk for ~12-15 minutes.
• Slide 7: Wrap Up: Quick Review
  • Today: Talked about Past & Future.
  • Practiced: Asking questions, sharing ideas.
• Slide 8: Let’s Check: Common Mistakes
  • (Leave space to write 3-4 anonymous errors and corrections)
• Slide 9: Exit Ticket Questions
  • (List the 3 questions clearly)
  • “Please write your answers and give me the paper before you leave. Thank you!”
• Slide 10: See you next week! (Include next lesson date/time if known)

Exit Ticket Questions (For Paper Handout):

1. What part of today’s lesson did you enjoy the most?
2. Was today’s lesson: (Circle one) Too Difficult / Just Right / Too Easy ?
3. Any other comments or suggestions for future lessons? (Optional: Write in English or Japanese)

Optional At-Home Activities:

• Suggestion 1: “Think about one more thing you did recently, or one more thing you are looking forward to. Try writing 1-2 sentences about it in English.”
• Suggestion 2: “Review the phrases from today’s handout. Can you use one in a sentence about yourself?”

---

Lesson Plan for Students (Blog Post Version):

• Lesson Topic: Welcome Back! Catching Up & Looking Ahead
• What we will do: It’s our first class! We will say hello again after the break. We’ll chat in pairs about what we did recently. We will also talk about our plans or hopes for the spring and summer. It’s a relaxed way to start talking in English again and meet everyone.
• Key Phrases:
  • How was your break?
  • What did you do?
  • I’m looking forward to…
  • I hope to…
  • Maybe I will…
• Handouts: We will use a “Conversation Starters” handout with questions to help our chats.
• See you in class!

---

Featured Image Prompt for Blog Post:

• “Warm, inviting illustration of a small group of diverse Japanese adults (middle-aged/older) smiling and chatting comfortably in a bright classroom setting. Soft, friendly style. Include subtle hints of spring (like a window view or simple flower decoration). Convey feelings of connection, gentle energy, and restarting learning.”

---

Blog Post Excerpt:

• “Welcome back to English class! Join us this Friday, April 17th, as we reconnect after the break. We’ll share simple stories about our recent experiences and look forward to what’s coming up this season. A perfect, relaxed start to our new term together!”