Police Officer ESL Lesson Plan

OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

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

• Discuss and describe the typical duties of a police officer.
• Expand their vocabulary related to police work and law enforcement.
• Watch a video featuring a police officer discussing various aspects of the job
• Practice listening and comprehension skills while watching a police officer video.
• Participate in discussions about job benefits, challenges, and required skills for becoming a police officer.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

In the preview section of this ESL lesson about police officers, students begin by discussing the role of a police officer. They describe what they think a police officer does on a typical day, using vocabulary related to police work such as "community," "crimes," "accidents," and "missing persons." To help guide their thinking, they will be shown images of police officers engaged in various activities like assisting at accidents or working with young people. The students will then be tasked with describing police officer duties by combining verbs like "to solve," "to handle," and "to enforce" with nouns such as "crimes," "public safety," and "arrests." They will finish the preview by completing sentences based on a quote from a police officer about the job, prompting a discussion on the requirements and skills needed to become a police officer.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

The viewing activity begins with students watching a video about Jo, a police officer who shares insights into the diversity of roles in police work, from handling emergencies to engaging with the community. Students will watch as Jo discusses her experiences and the skills required for the job. Afterward, students will answer multiple-choice questions, such as identifying one surprising aspect of the job and the role of the "PCYC." They will also be tasked with discussing what types of calls Jo might receive on the radio and how one can enter the police force, along with the training required. Finally, students will reflect on Jo's tips for becoming a police officer and discuss the video in small groups or pairs.

DISCUSSION & PHRASES

In this section, students will first discuss whether they would ever want to work as a police officer and why. They will then consider the kind of work they would like to do within the police force (e.g., detective work, working with a dog unit, or coaching at a youth club). Following this, they will read statements about the police officer role and answer questions based on the information, focusing on job benefits, challenges, duties, and skills. The activity helps students reinforce their understanding of the police officer's responsibilities and the path to becoming one, providing them with useful vocabulary and phrases related to job duties and challenges.

BEHIND THE JOB: EXPLORING DUTIES, SKILLS, AND MORE!

For the activation stage, students will choose a job and fill out a table about the benefits, challenges, skills needed, and requirements for the role. Afterward, they will share their findings with a classmate or teacher, asking and answering questions about different job aspects using phrases like "It's mandatory that..." and "One rewarding aspect of this job is...". Alternatively, students can engage in a discussion about various aspects of police work, such as types of crimes police officers solve, the challenges of enforcing laws, or their experiences interacting with the police. This stage promotes active use of the language and vocabulary learned throughout the lesson.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS POLICE OFFICER ESL LESSON

This police officer ESL lesson offers numerous benefits for teachers. It engages students with a real-world scenario, helping them practice both speaking and listening skills. The lesson incorporates a variety of activities that allow students to build vocabulary related to law enforcement and public safety. The viewing activity provides an interactive way to engage with the material, enhancing listening comprehension through practical examples from a police officer's life. Additionally, the activation activities encourage students to use the language in meaningful discussions about careers, responsibilities, and community service. Finally, the lesson offers clear, structured tasks that promote collaborative learning, making it an excellent resource for engaging B1-B2 level students.