Nostalgia
This conversational ESL lesson explores the theme of nostalgia. Students will discuss items from the past that bring positive memories and learn related vocabulary. Theyβll watch a 90s-themed video, talk about childhood memories, and engage in speaking activities, including asking classmates about nostalgic foods, fashion, and pop culture. Fun, relatable, and engaging, this lesson is perfect for adult learners at the B1-B2 ESL level.
Type | Level | Vocabulary | Video length | Lesson time |
Regular Lesson | B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 8 words | 3:24 min | 60 min |



Vocabulary
- Nostalgia
- Bittersweet
- Longing
- Emotional distress
- Comforting
- Cherish
- Sentimental
- Trigger
Contents
- Lead-in
- Reading
- Vocabulary
- Vocabulary practice
- Video
- Discussion
- Questions
- Speaking
- Agree or disagree
Lead-in
This conversational ESL lesson about nostalgia begins with a lead-in activity where students are shown four pictures of various items from the past. They will name these items and discuss several related questions to explore the topic further.
Reading
Next, there is a reading section where students are introduced to the concept of nostalgia. They will read a short paragraph containing highlighted words, which will later be discussed in the vocabulary section. Students will learn about the history and meaning of these words and share their thoughts on the topic.
Vocabulary, Vocabulary practice
Following the reading, there is a vocabulary activity where students match definitions to the highlighted words by scanning the text again. To reinforce their understanding, they will complete a fill-in-the-blank exercise with eight sentences, using the new vocabulary words correctly.
Video, Discussion, Questions
The next section features a video titled 10 Things I Miss About the 90s. In this silent video, students will observe and take notes on what makes the author feel nostalgic. After watching, they will identify and name the items shown in the video, such as a video recorder, rotary phone, tone break game, and more. Students will then discuss whether any of these items remind them of their own childhood. If not, they can share which ones they find interesting or relatable. This activity will conclude with follow-up questions about their own childhood memories and the things that make them feel nostalgic.
Speaking
The next part is a speaking task where students will discuss their childhood memories and use vocabulary from the previous section to ask classmates questions while paying attention to grammar. There is also a speaking activity about three topics that evoke nostalgia: favorite childhood meals, fashion trends from the past, and nostalgic pop culture.
Agree or Disagree
The final task is an agree-or-disagree exercise where students will read several statements about nostalgia and share their opinions with the class.