Super Bowl Ads: Fun Activities for Learning English

Ready for some fun and engaging short-video activities? This week we’re featuring the annual Super Bowl ads—a beloved American tradition! The Super Bowl is not only the biggest sporting event in the US, but it’s also known for its eye-popping commercials. Each one costs up to $8 million for just 30 seconds! 🏈💰

30-Second vs. 60-Second Commercials

We’ve curated two sets of commercials—30-second ads and 60-second ads—featuring the most talked-about spots of 2025. Each ad comes with:

1. Four Key Vocab Words

2. A Short Summary

   
   

Perfect for quick, snackable activities, these short videos will get your students talking and learning at the same time.

How to Use Them in Class

1. Watch & Retell:

• Have students watch the ad.

• Reveal the four new vocab words.

• Ask them to retell the commercial’s story in their own words.

  
  

2. Discuss the Ad’s Impact:

• Did the commercial feel persuasive or entertaining?

• What worked well? Where could it improve?

• Ask students to rate or rank each ad from funniest to most persuasive.

  
  

3. Vocabulary in Context:

• Focus on each ad’s theme (e.g., travel, food, tech).

• Practice the four words in sentences or short dialogues.

  
  

4. Extended Homework:

• Assign students a commercial to watch at home.

• Have them write a summary and share in the next class.

• Encourage them to create mini “ad pitches” using the same four words.

  
  

Practical Tips for Using Super Bowl Ads

Engaging students with Super Bowl ads is more than just fun. Here are some practical tips to maximize the impact of these lessons:

• Choose Ads Wisely: Pick commercials that appeal to your students' interests. This will keep them engaged.

• Provide Context: Before watching, give a brief introduction to the ad, including the brand and the overall theme.

• Use Discussion Questions: Prepare questions beforehand to guide discussions and encourage deeper thinking.

• Incorporate Technology: Use platforms that allow students to collaborate online, enhancing the learning experience.

  
  

Why It Works

• Short & Engaging: Commercials are brief, so students don’t feel overwhelmed.

• Real-World Context: Super Bowl ads often feature celebrities, humor, and trending topics, making them relatable conversation starters.

• Flexible Activities: Use in-person or online—group discussions, pairs, or individual work.

• High Motivation: Who doesn’t love a good commercial? Students stay curious and engaged while improving listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills.

  
  

Conclusion

Take advantage of these creative, high-energy ads to spark conversation, build vocab, and bring real-world English into your classroom. Your students will love the chance to critique, rate, and laugh while picking up new expressions!

Enjoy the show—and happy teaching! 🏆✨

Additional Learning Resources

If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate commercials into your lessons, consider exploring additional resources like Cool English's commercials section. This will offer a wider variety of materials for your classroom!

Utilize these tips and resources to make your English lessons exciting and effective. Your students are sure to appreciate the innovative approach to learning!