The Ellen show — best videos for your classes

Television, the Internet and video platforms have immensely impacted on education bringing new ways, tools and resources to make learning more engaging. Each of them plays a unique role in teaching a foreign language if used properly. Previously we have introduced Game shows that can be applied in the ESL classroom and 10 great games from TV shows. And in this article, we will be presenting the best topics of the Ellen show for your classes.

For Pre-Intermediate learners

Impressive kid cellist Cameron Renshaw

At this show, Ellen welcomes 9-year-old Cameron Renshaw, who is a popular cellist having played Carnegie Hall five times. Here he tells Ellen how he took up playing the cello and how he sees colours when he plays music. In the end, he takes the stage and performs an amazing piece with his mother. The video may, of course, turn out to be useful for students who are keen on music. But apart from that, you can use it as a filler in your classes. It will take some 10-15 minutes.

Questions for discussion:

Before watching

— What kind of music do you like?

— Can you play a musical instrument? If so, what do you play?

— Do you know any famous young musician? If so, how old is he/she?

After watching

1. When did Cameron suppose to be at the show? Why was it cancelled?
2. How old is he and when did he start playing the cello?
3. What happens when Cameron plays the cello? How does he explain it?
4. What is his favourite song? What colour does he see when he listens to this song?
5. Who is his favourite composer? What story did he tell about it?
6.  What did Ellen give him at the end of the show? Why?

Ellen Meets а Teen Who Builds Desks for Students in Need

Ellen has a video call with Colby Samide, a 17-year-old boy from Virginia, who has been building desks for students who study at home because of the pandemic. He has made over 120 desks and donated them to kids in his community. Ellen talks with this teen about his dedication to helping those in need, and then makes a surprise for him and gives some gifts — a check for 10,000 dollars for his college education and a 10,000 dollar gift card to cover all his supplies.

Questions for discussion:

1. How did the idea of building desks come to his mind?
2. How many desks has he built so far? And what is his goal?
3. What influence does he have on other people?
4. What can you find on his Facebook* group “Desks for distance outreach”?
5. What does Colby want to do after he graduates?
6. What surprise did Ellen make for Colby?

3-Year-Old Globe Expert Noah Ascano Impresses Ellen

Ellen meets a cute 3-year-old boy — Noah Ascano, who is a master of Geography. He shows his impressive knowledge of countries, states, capitals and national landmarks. The video will especially interest those students who are keen on Geography and will help them to learn the names of the countries and cities in English.

Questions for discussion:

1. What are Noah’s favourite countries? Why?
2. What did he do in Hawaii?
3. How and what questions does Ellen ask him to check how good he is at Geography?
4. What gift does Ellen give to the boy?
5. Do you think it is good that a 3-year-old child knows so much about countries, cities and national landmarks? Will he remember all these things when he grows up?

For Intermediate learners

Kim on How the Paris Incident Changed Her Life

Ellen welcomes Kim Kardashian who tells her about her experience in Paris and shares how it has changed her life. She says that she used to be materialistic before Paris robbery, but now her values are totally different. Kim confesses that she is happy that she can raise her children in the way she thinks is right.

Questions for discussion:

1. Do you agree that “Things happen in your life to teach you things”? Why (not)?
2. How has her life changed after Paris robbery?
3. When and how did the robbery take place?
4. Did she have a security guard outside her door?
5. How did the robbers break into her room?
6. What did Kim do at the very moment she saw the robbers with the guns?

An Incredible Teen Hero Saves Her Family’s Lives

This show is about a teen who heroically saved her father’s life. She was able to lift a huge truck in the garage and get her family to a safe place while their house was in flames.

Questions for discussion:

1. When and where did the accident happen?
2. How did she lift the truck?
3. What gift was she given?
4. Do you think that people under stress can do incredible things?
5. Have you been in the midst of danger before?
6. If your life was in danger, who would you call and why?
7. Can you explain the ‘fight or flight’ complex?

Macey Meets President Obama
A little girl named Macey has a wish to meet the US president. And her dream comes true at the Ellen show. There she has a unique opportunity to ask the president numerous important questions.

Questions for discussion:

1. Describe Macey. What kind of person is she?
2. What questions did she ask the President?
3. What present does Mr Obama give to Macey?
4. If you had an opportunity to meet any President, who would it be? Why?
5. What would you ask him?

To sum up, it is important to bear in mind students’ interests and the lesson objective. As for me, I use these videos to hone learners’ listening and speaking skills, so that they get used to fast speech on TV. Certainly, there are lots of other videos from the Ellen show that can be applied in the ESL classroom. These were just some of them.