Lesson & Activities - What Is April Fools' Day?
- Learn English with NETOL
- Mar 30
- 9 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
LESSON & ACTIVITIES
CLB 3-6
CEFR A2-B1
April Fools' Day
Speaking Activity - Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the following conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See the answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. What is April Fools’ Day?
April Fools’ Day is a day for playing jokes and pranks.
2. What kind of pranks do you think are best?
3. Have you ever been fooled on April Fools’ Day?
Writing Activity - Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word.
Important Words - April Fools' Day
pranks
humour
deception
tricks
laugh
Gregorian calendar
mischief
antics
camaraderie
creative
light-hearted
consequences
Reading Activity - St. Patrick's Day
Instructions:
Read the following passage about April Fools' Day.
Thereafter, listen to the April Fools' Day audio.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
What is April Fools' Day?
April Fools’ Day is a fun and playful day celebrated every year on the first of April. It is a special day for pranks, little jokes, or tricks that are meant to make people laugh. A prank is a clever trick or a playful deception that surprises someone in a funny way. While April Fools’ Day is not an official public holiday, many people around the world join in the fun by playing harmless tricks on their friends, family members, and even colleagues.
When is April Fools' Day Celebrated?
April Fools’ Day is celebrated annually on April 1st, April Fools' Day is not a formal public holiday but rather a lighthearted tradition that allows people to express their creativity and sense of humour in everyday life.
Who celebrates April Fools' Day?
April Fools' Day is recognized in many countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and several others. People of all ages participate in the celebrations, making it a day when school children, adults, and even celebrities have a chance to prank people and laugh together.
The Origin of April Fools' Day
There are several stories about the history of April Fools’ Day. One popular tale is that it began in the 16th century when many European countries switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year during the old season were mocked as fools. Other historians suggest that the tradition might have started from ancient festivals of renewal and mischief celebrated in various cultures. Regardless of its beginnings, The spirit of the day continues today and it encourages playful antics where everyone can enjoy some fun at one another's expense.
April Fools' Day Pranks & Practical Jokes
On April Fools’ Day, people participate in a variety of pranks and practical jokes where people trick one another. The pranks range from harmless office humour to elaborate schemes planned by friends, family, students or teachers at school, coworkers or managers in the workplace, or even CEOs of big companies, all meant to create a sense of camaraderie and fun.
Hilarious and Memorable April Fools' Day Pranks!
Here are some of the biggest April Fools’ Day pranks that have been famous around the world:
The Great Google Nose: Google introduced a fake service claiming to let users search for scents online. The absurdity had everyone chuckling!
Taco Bell Buys Liberty Bell: Taco Bell announced that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the "Taco Liberty Bell." The public's reaction was priceless!
BBC's Spaghetti Tree Hoax: BBC aired a segment showing people harvesting spaghetti from trees in Switzerland. Many viewers were convinced that spaghetti really grew on trees!
BBC's Flying Penguins: Years later, BBC tricked people again by aired a segment about penguins that could fly, complete with footage. Viewers were left both amazed and bewildered!
Netflix's Switcheroo: Netflix revealed a new feature that allowed users to watch their favourite shows in a new genre. Imagine horror movies as romantic comedies!
Burger King Left-Handed Burger: Burger King published an advertisement for a new “Left-Handed Whopper” designed especially for left-handed people. The prank was so clever that many customers requested the special burger.
These pranks not only brought laughter but also showcased the creativity and humour of their creators. What will you come up with this April Fools' Day?
Warning: Being Careful with Pranks
Pranks can be fun, but they may lead to unexpected consequences. Not everyone finds pranks funny. Some people can feel hurt or even get physically hurt because of a bad prank. It's important to consider the possible risks and effects on others before doing a prank. Remember these important points:
Safety First: Ensure that the prank does not pose any physical danger to anyone involved.
Respect Boundaries: Know your audience and avoid pranks that could be offensive or hurtful.
Legal Implications: Be aware that some pranks can lead to legal issues, including charges of harassment or property damage.
Emotional Impact: Consider how the prank may affect the feelings and mental well-being of others.
Timing and Place: Select an appropriate time and location to prevent interference with important events.
Always think twice before doing a prank, and consider the well-being and safety of yourself and others.
Final Thoughts on April Fool's Day
Overall, April Fools’ Day is a day for safe and friendly fun. It reminds us that laughter and creativity can bring people together, even when the tricks are mischievous. While it’s important to make sure that pranks are kind and harmless, a little laughter can go a long way toward brightening someone’s day. So this April Fools’ Day, remember to be creative, kind, and most of all, have fun!
Listening Activity -April Fools' Day
Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the 2 audio files in order.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio files.
April Fools' Day - Audio
Part 1:
Part 2:
Creative and Fun April Fool's Day Prank Ideas
April Fool's Day is a great time to play fun pranks! Here are some creative and entertaining prank ideas to help you bring laughter and surprise to your friends and family:
Sticky Note Surprise: Cover a friend's car or desk with sticky notes. Choose a variety of colours for a more vibrant effect. Spend some time decorating the space with the sticky notes, and be ready to capture their reaction when they discover the colourful surprise!
Voice Activated Appliance: Put a sign on a common appliance like a toaster, fridge or microwave that says “Voice Activated.” Watch as people try to command it to work!
The Classic Fake Bug: Place a realistic-looking fake insect in a location where your target is likely to stumble upon it. Watch their reaction as they jump in surprise!
Switched Sugar and Salt: Swap the sugar with salt in the sugar bowl. The reaction when someone takes a sip of their coffee or tea will be priceless!
Change the Language: If you have access to someone’s phone or computer, change the language settings to something they don’t understand. The confusion will be amusing!
Balloon Avalanche: Tape a garbage bag filled with balloons to the top of a door. When the door opens, they’ll be greeted with a colourful surprise!
Swap Keyboard Keys: If someone has a removable keyboard, switch around a few keys to confuse them while they type.
Soap That Won't Lather: Paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish and leave it in the bathroom. It won't lather, leaving users feeling confused.
Fake Parking Ticket: Create a realistic-looking parking ticket and place it on a friend's car. Watch their reaction when they think they’ve been ticketed!
Remote Control Confusion: Cover the remote control sensor with tape, making it seem like the remote is broken. Enjoy the baffled expressions as they try to figure it out!
Wrong Time Clocks: Change the time on digital clocks or watches around the house or classroom to create a temporary, funny time mix-up. Just be sure to change them back after the prank.
Frozen Cereal and Milk: Prepare a bowl of cereal with milk the night before April Fool's Day. Place the bowl in the freezer overnight. In the morning, serve the frozen cereal to your unsuspecting friend or family member. Watch their confusion as they try to dig into a solid block of breakfast!
Do you have a more creative April Fools' Day prank idea?
If so, please share your best April Fools' Day prank with us in the comments bellow.
Remember to keep your pranks light-hearted and ensure that everyone involved can enjoy the fun. Happy pranking!
April Fool's Day Prank Caught on Video
Check out this amusing video of an April Fools' Day prank where parents froze their children's cereal and asked them to have it for breakfast. The best part? Their kids had no idea about the prank, making it a huge success!
Writing Activity - April Fools Day Pranks & Their Descriptions
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 12.
Read the April Fools' Day prank descriptions from below.
Decide which description matches each prank by writing the prank next to each number.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each description.
Match the April Fools' Day Pranks with Their Descriptions
Prank Description 1:
Find two similar containers. Carefully empty out the sugar and salt and then switch them. Make sure you tell everyone that it is just a joke when they use them.
Prank: Switched Sugar and Salt
Prank Description 2:
Set your relative's clock ahead or a little behind. Do it when no one is looking. Later, let your relative know it was just for fun.
Prank Description 3:
While the car is empty, stick many colourful sticky notes on the car. Take care not to damage the car.
Prank Description 4:
Make a friendly fake parking ticket with funny words. Stick it on the car that belongs to the person that you want to prank. After the person sees the ticket, make sure to tell the owner that the ticket is not real.
Prank Description 5:
Go to your relative's phone and change the language to one that is simple. Help them change it back after the prank is done.
Prank Description 6:
This is a great prank for kids. The night before the prank, mix the cereal and milk in a bowl place the bowl in the freezer overnight. When the person that you want to prank eats it in the morning, they will discover that their breakfast is frozen.
Prank Description 7:
Cut out a small shape of a bug from black paper. Place it inside a clear lamp shade so it is easy to see. Some people are very scared of bugs, so be aware not to scare someone too much.
Prank Description 8:
Swap Keyboard Keys: Gently remove a few keys from a computer keyboard and place them in a different order. Be gentle with the keys. Help return them to normal after the joke is over.
Prank Description 9:
Cover a bar of soap with a thin layer of clear nail polish. When your friend uses it, the soap will not lather. Let them know it is just a prank and offer them real soap later.
Prank Description 10:
Pretend that your microwave starts with your voice. Before your friend comes, make a note that says Voice Activated and stick it on your microwave. Then let them try to activate your microwave by talking to it..
Prank Description 11:
Tape a large plastic bag over the inside of a closet door and fill the space above with balloons. When the door opens, the balloons fall out gently.
Prank Description 12:
Cover the remote control sensor with tape. Watch as your relative tries to use it and it doesn't work. Make sure to let your relative know what you did and don't forget to remove the tape from the remote control.
Poll Activity
Instructions:
Read the poll question.
Read all the possible answers. Click on the See All Options button to see all of the answer choices.
Select ONE answer by clicking on it.
Take Our Poll - April Fools' Day Pranks
Which prank do you think is the best?
Sticky Notes On A Car
Frozen Cereal
Voice Activated Appliance
Balloon Avalanche
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to see how you did on the quiz.
Reading without the accompanying activities
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