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Definite and indefinite articles

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Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Elementary/A2
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Grammar
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
45-60 min
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Low-Resource
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Overview

In this lesson, we look at the differences between definite and indefinite articles in English. By the end of the session, students will be able to understand the grammar and functional differences between these two types of articles.

The lesson plan includes a suggested boardwork example that shows one way to present the lesson's target language. We then move on to low-resource ESL classroom activities where the students will work on grammar, writing and a pairwork speaking exercise. These activities will help the students practice using articles in context and reinforce their understanding of the grammar rules. Finally, the lesson plan will wrap up with a fun idea for a classroom game.

Lesson Outline
Activities
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Boardwork
1Article gap-fill
2A Full English
3The perfect recipe
Games
1Charades
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Classroom activities

Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Use of the board

The students review the grammar and functional differences of the two article types in english.

If applicable to the L1, add a list of definite and indefinite articles to the top right-hand side of the board along with translations. After that, explain how we use different articles depending on whether or not we are introducing a subject. Highlight this using the example of Mark and his car.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Article gap-fill

The students complete sentences by adding the missing articles.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL activity

A Full English

Students learn vocabulary related to an English breakfast in preparation for the next activity.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.
Low-resource ESL activity

The perfect recipe

For this follow-on writing activity, the students will work in pairs to create their recipes for an English breakfast.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.

Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

Charades: What am I cooking?

Players pretend to be a TV chef while their teammates try to guess what they are cooking.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.