Counting Stars: Dreams Beyond Dollars
ESL Lesson PlansCounting Stars: Dreams Beyond Dollars

Counting Stars: Dreams Beyond Dollars

This interactive 30-minute ESL lesson for adults (B1–B2) uses the song Counting Stars by OneRepublic to develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and speaking fluency. Students listen to song, match expressions from the lyrics to their meanings, and discuss the song’s main idea. Through guided questions and group discussion, learners share opinions on what really matters in life — such as money, happiness, and purpose — encouraging reflection and meaningful conversation in English.

Skills

  • Can understand simple poems and song lyrics written in straightforward language and style.
  • Can enter unprepared into conversation of familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
Online Interactive
Based on CEFR
Fully Customizable
1

What do you think this saying means?

"No more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars."
2

The following are expressions from the lyrics to a song. Can you match them with their explanations?

3

Watch the music video for the song 'Counting Stars'. Think about the meaning of the song and fill in the gaps in the summary.

4

Read these opinions on the lyric "No more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars." Which one do you agree with the most and why? Share your opinion with the rest of the group.

5

Discuss in pairs.