OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on multitasking offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for intermediate B1-B2 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss examples of multitasking in daily life and share their personal experiences.
• Expand vocabulary related to attention, distractions, and workplace or study routines.
• Watch a video on the myths of multitasking and answer comprehension questions.
• Practice using verb/phrase + noun combinations to give advice and manage distractions.
• Complete an interactive activity to plan ways to reduce distractions and improve focus.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students begin by looking at images of people multitasking in various settings, such as a parent cooking while holding a child, a woman driving while putting on makeup, or a student studying while watching TV. They describe how each person is dividing their attention and discuss whether they multitask in similar ways. Students also consider the possible negative effects of multitasking and reflect on how technology and smartphones influence their ability to focus.

To reinforce vocabulary and comprehension, they define “multitasking” using words like juggle, simultaneously, attention, divided, switching, busy, and focused.

They move on to some discussion topics in which they can debate ideas like whether multitasking is a useful skill or a myth.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

Students watch a short news report explaining the surprising truth about multitasking: our brains are not designed to perform multiple tasks at once, and constant task switching can increase errors and mental stress. The video includes insights from Linda Stone on “continuous partial attention” and practical strategies to reclaim focus, such as walking, dancing, or being fully present.

During viewing, students complete true/false questions and correct any false statements. Afterward, they discuss short-answer questions about the video, including how smartphones affect attention and posture, how movement or mindful activities reduce stress, and how busy parents manage multitasking in their daily routines.

VIEWING FOLLOW-UP

Students discuss which parts of the video stood out to them and reflect on the most important ideas about attention and multitasking.

They then practice applying vocabulary and target language by giving advice to Patrik, a financial analyst with divided attention and focus issues. Students combine verbs/phrases such as tidy up, prioritize, put away, block out, switch up, block off, switch off, get through, clear, and step away from with nouns like interruptions, devices, time, tasks, work, notifications, schedule, mind, workspace/environment, and routine to suggest practical strategies.

Finally, students complete a sentence-replacement activity where they identify the correct verb/phrase + noun combinations to manage distractions in different scenarios.

DEFEAT THE DISTRACTIONS & FIND YOUR FOCUS

Students start by identifying specific distractions and factors that affect their productivity, well-being, and focus. Using a mindmap, they organize ideas into categories: Digital (apps, notifications), Environmental (noise, clutter), Social (colleagues, messages), Internal/Cognitive (anxiety, overwhelm), Personal (family needs, errands), and Other (fatigue, unexpected issues, snacking). Students then work in pairs or with the teacher to share details about their distractions, discuss strategies to manage them, and create a plan for working more effectively.

Optionally, they explore specific talking points, such as blocking out interruptions, clearing their mind, prioritizing tasks, switching up the workspace, putting devices away, switching off notifications, setting aside time to get through tasks, and tracking progress.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS ESL LESSON PLAN ON MULTITASKING

• Teachers can encourage students to discuss real-life multitasking experiences and improve speaking fluency.
• The lesson introduces vocabulary and expressions related to focus and distractions.
• Watching and analyzing the video develops listening comprehension and critical thinking.
• Students practice target language by giving advice and applying strategies in realistic contexts.
• Finally, the activation helps students plan actionable steps to reduce distractions, reinforcing problem-solving and communication skills.