Example of developing a unit plan

The first step is to use the following questions to help you brainstorm a unit plan.

What topic would best suit my learner?

The theme we will use is Food.

What do the learners need to know related to this topic?

• names of foods
• where to buy
• quantities
• meals
• like/dislikes
• meal planning
• location of items in store
• food labels
• recipes
• food allergies
• asking for help
• safe food handling
• cooking food
• working with food (cut, slice, mix)
• nutrition
• going to a restaurant
• food equipment and utensils
• food quality (fresh)
• shopping for food

What vocabulary will learners need to acquire?

• names of food
• names of meals
• action words for working with food: slice, chop, peel
• words for social interaction: please, thank you, excuse me

What language functions will they need to be able to use?

• asking for help or assistance
• expressing likes and dislikes
• inquiring about price
• indicating a price difference
• expressing want or desire
• getting someone’s attention
• making a polite request
• asking for repetition
• asking for explanation of something not understood
• asking for the bill
• indicating a mistake
• asking about ingredients or what something is made of
• expressing gratitude
• inviting someone to go for coffee or a meal
• expressing satisfaction or appreciation
• giving a compliment
• complaining about the quality or taste of something
• asking directions or the location of an item
• refusing something