Skip to content

Culture and Traditions

Culture is not just something people study—it’s something they live, share, and carry with them every day

Culture and traditions is a powerful and meaningful topic to explore in the classroom. It gives learners the language to talk about who they are, where they come from, and what matters most to them. And just as importantly, it prepares them to understand and connect with others in a diverse and global world.

In real life, students often find themselves in situations where culture becomes part of the conversation. They might be invited to a celebration and want to ask about the customs, or they may need to explain their own holiday traditions to coworkers or classmates. Whether they’re describing special clothing, talking about a favorite dish, or explaining how their family celebrates a new year, they need the vocabulary and confidence to do it in English.

This topic also plays a vital role in helping students navigate differences. Learning to talk about values, behaviors, and traditions opens the door to deeper intercultural understanding. It helps students know what to expect in different situations—what’s considered polite, how to interact with people from different backgrounds, and how to show respect in unfamiliar settings.

Culture and traditions also invite creativity and connection. Lessons on music, art, and dance get students talking, sharing, and even performing. These conversations go beyond grammar—they build identity, empathy, and classroom community.

And in workplaces, schools, and communities that are increasingly multicultural, being able to talk about one’s culture—and learn about others’—is a valuable social skill. Whether students are applying for jobs, joining new teams, or making friends in new places, the ability to talk about culture helps them build trust, bridge gaps, and celebrate diversity.

When you bring culture and traditions into your classroom, you’re not just building vocabulary—you’re building bridges.

Add this set of paragraphs to your teaching library today and give your students the tools to express their identity, respect others, and speak with confidence across cultures.

More Text Packs

Urban Areas

City Life, Real Talk: Teaching the English of Urban Living

Money and Finance

Cents and Sensibility: Teaching English for Smart Spending and Financial Confidence

Time and Dates

Tick Tock, Talk: Teaching the Language of Time, Plans, and Life’s Little Moments

Work and Professions

Work is more than just a place students go—it’s a part of their identity, their routine, and often, their reason for learning English

PackParagraphContent
142Cultural holidays and festivalsPeople celebrate holidays in different ways. Some have big parades with music and dancing, while others have quiet family dinners. These celebrations show what is special and important in each culture.
142Traditional clothing and attireIn some cultures, people wear special clothes for important events. These clothes are often very colorful and beautiful. They show the history and traditions of the culture.
142Cultural norms and valuesEach culture has its own rules for how to behave. These rules help people know what is polite and what is not. Values like respect and honesty are important in every culture.
142Arts, music, and dance in different culturesArt, music, and dance are important in every culture. People make art, play music, and dance to show their feelings and share their culture. These activities help people express themselves and connect with others.
142Intercultural communication and exchangeWhen people from different cultures talk and share, they learn new things about each other. This helps them understand and respect different ways of life. It's important to listen carefully and be open to learning about others.

More Text Packs

Urban Areas

City Life, Real Talk: Teaching the English of Urban Living

Money and Finance

Cents and Sensibility: Teaching English for Smart Spending and Financial Confidence

Time and Dates

Tick Tock, Talk: Teaching the Language of Time, Plans, and Life’s Little Moments

Work and Professions

Work is more than just a place students go—it’s a part of their identity, their routine, and often, their reason for learning English