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Using since and for with the present perfect

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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

This elementary-level lesson focuses on the use of since and for with the present perfect tense. The aim of the lesson is to help students understand how these words can be used to indicate the duration or starting point of an action in the present perfect. It is important for students to master the usage of these common prepositions as it allows them to more accurately describe events and experiences over time.

The lesson plan includes a simple boardwork suggestion that introduces the target language. After that, students will participate in several collaborative writing and grammar exercises. The session will end with a classroom game that provides a fun and interactive way for students to consolidate their learning and end the lesson on a high note.

Lesson Outline
Activities
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Boardwork
1For vs since
2Perfect sentences
3Interview time
Games
1Call my bluff
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Classroom activities

Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Use of the board

The students review how the use of since and for with the present perfect tense to give more detail about events.

Explain to the class that we use for to express duration and since to highlight when a particular event or activity began. Next, write the sample 'How long' question on the board and elicit example responses using both for and since. Finally, you can use the timeline to expand the concept in terms of the common time expressions that apply to each.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

For vs since

Students have to complete time expressions with the target grammar for the lesson.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Perfect sentences

Students have to make present perfect sentences from a list of prompts on the board.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Interview time

For this writing and speaking activity, the students have to prepare questions and then use them to interview a partner.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

Call my bluff: Since, for, just, already and yet

Players have to trick the opposing side using a present perfect statement about themselves.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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