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Using the present continuous

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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, the focus is on reviewing the functional uses of the present continuous tense. By the end of the session, students will have deepened their understanding of this tense and be better equipped to use it in a variety of contexts.

The lesson plan contains a suggested boardwork example that shows one way to present the target language of the lesson. In addition, there are several low-resource ESL classroom activities where the students will participate in different collaborative, grammar, writing and speaking exercises. To wrap things up, there is an idea for a group game that will allow students to practice what they have learned in a fun and interactive way.

Lesson Outline
Activities
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Boardwork
1Gap-fill
2Wish you were here
3Where am I?
Games
1Charades
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Classroom activities

Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Use of the board

The students review the functional uses of the present continuous tense.

Step through each functional use of this tense as a group and elicit examples to confirm that the students understand the grammar. Pay particular attention to state verbs and highlight a few common mistakes.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Present continuous: Gap-fill

A grammar activity where students complete statements using the target language for the lesson.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Wish you were here

For this writing activity, the students will use the present simple and continuous to write a short postcard that depicts the trip to a friend.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Where am I?

For this task, one student will imagine that they are in a particular place while their classmates attempt to guess where they are.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

Charades: Present continuous

Players have to mime a list of activities for their teammates.

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.