Teaching English as a second language can prove to be a fun and interesting job, especially when you think "outside the book." Students always appreciate the use of authentic materials in class. When using materials such as music, video and articles, you can create a lesson that teaches a specific grammar point which supplements the given curriculum. These plans use materials you already have and can be adapted for many lessons.

Blank Fill
Use songs to teach vocabulary, idioms or grammar structures. Before listening to a song, write the title of the song on the board, and and have the class try to predict what the song will be about. Print out copies of the song with some of the words erased. Have your students listen to the song, and fill in the missing words. Avoid popular songs that your students are likely to know already. Songs with a story are good choices, as you can discuss them after the exercise. Country music is a good choice, because the songs often have narratives and the singers usually have clear pronunciation.

Article Match-up
Let your students practice their reading and speaking in the same exercise. Find a short article or story at your students' reading level. Break the story into three or four parts, depending on how large of a group you have. Prepare a number of questions related to the article. Put students into groups. Give each group the same list of questions but have the answers be in the different parts of the article. The groups will need to read their part and then go around to the other groups and read their articles to find the answers. Chose an article about something quirky or interesting. Darwin Awards, weird or funny news stories, or urban legends are good choices.

Video Guessing Game
Use video to help your students hone their listening skills. This exercise also utilizes writing. Find a short clip from a movie, television show or short film. Keep the length to around 10 minutes. Show the clip on mute. Have your students take notes during the clip, writing what they think is happening and something about the characters. At the end of the clip, ask your students to write a short paragraph about what they think happened, who the characters are, their relationships and what they said to each other. Discuss the theories in class, and then re-play the clip to see who was right.