talking about SUPERSTITIONS

As a highly anticipated Friday the 13th is just around the corner, I've decided to introduce a grammar lesson which also explores the subject of SUPERSTITIONS, crazy customs and urban legends. It works great with FIRST CONDITIONAL practice. Having done this lesson many times, I've learnt quite a lot of bizarre superstitions I had no idea existed. at the same time the students have lots of fun sharing them with me. Enjoy and beware of the black cats tomorrow!

WARM UP

• Do you believe in superstitions?
• Do you know anyone superstitious?
• Do you carry a lucky charm?

GRAMMAR

Look at the examples of superstitions below.

If you break a mirror, you will have 7 years of bad luck.

If you walk under a ladder, something bad will happen to you.

The grammar structure used in these sentences is FIRST CONDITIONAL situations or events that might happen in the future. The structure of the sentence is as follows:

IF + PRESENT SIMPLE, WILL + INFINITIVE

e.g.    If it rains, I won't go to the park.                      

          If she doesn't leave soon , she'll miss the bus.

GRAMMAR PRACTICE

What do you think those superstitions mean? Finish the sentences.

1.        If you open an umbrella in the house ______________________________________________

2.        If you put new shoes on the table _________________________________________________

3.        If you plan to do important things on Friday the 13^th _________________________________

4.        If you blow out all the candles on your birthday cake in one go _________________________

Make a list of superstitions that you know.

GOOD LUCK

(1) …………………………………………………………………………………………

(2) …………………………………………………………………………………………

(3) …………………………………………………………………………………………

BAD LUCK

(4) …………………………………………………………………………………………

(5) …………………………………………………………………………………………

(6) …………………………………………………………………………………………

READING

Give each student a part of the reading on superstitions in different countries. They should read it and then describe it to their classmates and transform it into a FIRST CONDITIONAL sentence. 

1. Stay forever young by carrying an acorn

Forget anti-ageing creams - in Ancient Britain, women carried acorns in their pockets to stay looking young. The oak tree was a symbol of longevity and health.

2. Don't chew gum at night

Do you like freshening up before a night out? Better use mouthwash. Some people believe that if you're chewing gum at night, you're actually chewing “the flesh of the dead".

3. Eat grapes at midnight for good luck

On New Year's Eve in Spain, not everyone kisses as the clock strikes twelve. The superstitious Spanish people eat twelve grapes at midnight for 12 months of good luck.

4. Tuck your thumbs in if you pass a graveyard

In Japan, if you walk by a graveyard, you must tuck your thumbs in to protect your parents. This is because the Japanese word for thumb literally translates as "parent-finger" and so when you hide it you are protecting your parents from death.

5. If a bird poos on your house, you'll be rich

In Russia, if a bird poos on you, your car or your property it's good luck, and may bring you riches. The more birds do it, the richer you'll be!

DISCUSSION POINTS

• Have you ever met anyone who has seen a ghost? Where did they see it? 
• Do you have a lucky number? What number? Why is this your lucky number?
• What lucky things have happened to you recently?
• What unlucky things have happened to you recently?
• What do you do if you want to have good luck?
• How do you feel about superstitions?
• Why do you think people continue to believe in superstitions?
• Do you usually have good luck or bad luck?
• Do you believe in seeing the future?