Major muscles of the human body — video-based ESL lesson

This ESL lesson plan is designed for intermediate to advanced learners to explore the major muscles of the human body while enhancing their English language skills. By integrating vocabulary acquisition with listening, reading, speaking, and writing activities, students will deepen their understanding of anatomical terms and their functions.

The lesson begins with an engaging warm-up to activate prior knowledge, followed by targeted vocabulary introduction, a listening activity based on a transcript, and interactive speaking and writing tasks.

Using a mix of individual, pair, and group activities, students will practice using new terms in context, such as “flex,” “stabilize,” and “gluteus maximus,” while discussing the role of muscles in daily life. Optional materials, like a muscle diagram and extension vocabulary for advanced learners, ensure flexibility and differentiation.

This lesson not only builds language proficiency but also fosters curiosity about the human body, making it both educational and engaging.

ESL lesson plan: Major muscles of the human body (video-based)

Level: Intermediate to Advanced (B1-B2)
Duration: 60 minutes
Objective:

• Students will learn vocabulary related to the major muscles of the human body.
• Students will practice listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills using the provided transcript.
• Students will expand their understanding of anatomical terms and their functions.

Materials:

• Transcript of the video (click description and scroll down to “transcript” and copy and paste into Microsoft Word or some other program)
• Handout with vocabulary and comprehension questions
• Whiteboard or projector
• Optional: Diagram of the human body with labeled muscles (List of skeletal muscles of the human body)

Lesson Plan

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and introduce the topic.

1. Discussion (5 minutes)
   • Ask students: “What do you know about muscles? Why are muscles important for the body?”
   • Write key words (e.g., move, strength, body) on the board.
   • Briefly explain that muscles help us move, support our body, and perform daily activities.
2. Brainstorming activity (5 minutes)
   • Show a simple diagram of the human body (or draw one on the board).
   • Ask students to name any muscles they know (e.g., bicep, heart). Write their answers on the board.
   • Transition to the lesson: “Today, we’ll learn about the major muscles in the human body and what they do.”

Vocabulary Introduction (10 minutes)

Objective: Introduce key vocabulary from the transcript.

1. Key vocabulary
   • Write the following words on the board and provide simple definitions or examples:
     1. Muscle – A part of the body that helps you move.
     2. Flex – To bend a joint (e.g., bending your elbow).
     3. Extend – To straighten a joint (e.g., straightening your arm).
     4. Abduction – Moving a body part away from the center of the body.
     5. Rotation – Turning or twisting a body part.
     6. Stabilize – To keep something steady or balanced.
     7. Pectoralis major – A muscle in the chest.
     8. Quadriceps – Muscles on the front of the thigh.
     9. Hamstring – Muscles on the back of the thigh.
     10. Gluteus maximus – A large muscle in the buttocks.
2. Pronunciation practice
   • Read each word aloud and have students repeat after you.
   • Highlight tricky words like “pectoralis” or “gastrocnemius.”
3. Quick matching activity
   • Provide a handout with the 10 words and their definitions scrambled. Students match the word to its definition (e.g., “Flex” matches with “To bend a joint”).
   • Check answers as a class.

Listening and comprehension (15 minutes)

Objective: Practice listening and understanding specific information.

1. Pre-listening (2 minutes)
   • Tell students they will listen to a short video transcript about the major muscles of the human body.
   • Ask: “What do you think the video will tell us about muscles?” (Elicit ideas like names, functions, or locations.)
2. Listening activity (8 minutes)
   • Read the transcript aloud (or play the video if available).
   • Provide a handout with comprehension questions:
     1. How many muscles are there in the human body? (Over 600)
     2. What is the longest muscle in the body? (Sartorius)
     3. What does the gluteus maximus help you do? (Stand up, run, go up steps)
     4. Which muscle helps you flex your forearm when using a hammer? (Brachial radialis)
     5. What is the function of the latissimus dorsi? (Extension, abduction, and rotation of the shoulder)
3. Post-listening (5 minutes)
   • Discuss answers as a class.
   • Ask follow-up questions: “Which muscle surprised you? Why?”

Speaking activity (15 minutes)

Objective: Practice using new vocabulary in spoken English.

1. Pair work: Describe the muscle (8 minutes)
   • Divide students into pairs.
   • Assign each pair 1-2 muscles from the transcript (e.g., bicep, trapezius).
   • Each pair prepares a short description (2-3 sentences) about their muscle, including its location and function. Example: “The bicep is a muscle in the upper arm. It helps you flex and twist your forearm.”
   • Pairs present their descriptions to the class.
2. Class discussion (7 minutes)
   • Ask students: “Which muscles do you use when you exercise? How do you take care of your muscles?”
   • Encourage students to use new vocabulary (e.g., flex, stabilize) in their answers.

Writing activity (10 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce vocabulary and comprehension through writing.

1. Short paragraph
   • Ask students to write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) about the importance of muscles in daily life. They must use at least 5 vocabulary words from the lesson.
   • Example prompt: “Write about how muscles help you in your daily activities, such as walking, lifting, or sports.”
   • Collect paragraphs for feedback or have volunteers share their work.

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Objective: Review and consolidate learning.

1. Quick quiz
   • Ask 3-5 quick questions based on the transcript (e.g., “What muscle helps you cross your legs?” – Sartorius).
   • Reward correct answers with praise or small prizes (optional).
2. Homework
   • Assign students to research one muscle not covered in the transcript (e.g., rectus femoris) and write 3 sentences about its location and function.
   • Encourage them to use a dictionary or a reliable online source.

Extension

1. Tendon – A tough band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
2. Ligament – A tissue that connects bones to other bones.
3. Contract – To shorten or tighten a muscle.
4. Atrophy – When a muscle shrinks due to lack of use.
5. Hypertrophy – When a muscle grows larger due to exercise.
6. Spasm – A sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.
7. Cramps – Painful, involuntary muscle contractions.
8. Fascia – A layer of tissue that surrounds muscles.
9. Myalgia – Muscle pain.
10. Torso – The main part of the body, excluding the head, arms, and legs.

Activity for vocabulary extension

• Create a crossword puzzle or word search with these 10 words.
• Alternatively, ask students to write a sentence for each word to demonstrate understanding.

Assessment

• Listening: Accuracy of answers to comprehension questions.
• Speaking: Fluency and correct use of vocabulary during pair work and discussion.
• Writing: Use of at least 5 vocabulary words in the paragraph and clarity of ideas.
• Participation: Engagement in discussions and activities.