Using the present simple

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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 simple tense. By the end of the session, students will have a deeper understanding of how to use the present simple in a variety of contexts.

The lesson plan structure includes a suggested boardwork example that shows one way to teach the lesson's target language. In addition, there are several low-resource ESL classroom activities that will engage students in different grammar and collaborative writing tasks. The lesson also includes an idea for a game, which will allow students to practice in a fun and interactive way.

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Classroom activities

Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Use of the board

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

Students at this level should have an understanding of the grammar, so try to focus this lesson on its functional applications and elicit simple examples that demonstrate each.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Simple definitions

The students have to use the target language to make definitions.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Q & A practice

For this two-part activity, the students first create questions from a list of prompts on the board, before using them to interview a partner.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Buddy ol' Pal

A writing activity where the students use the present simple to write a paragraph about their best friend.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Low-resource ESL activity

Give me more

For this writing activity, the students will use some basic linking constructions to compare and contrast the seasons.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

Hot seat: Present simple

Students will have to describe sentences that contain the target language to the player in the hot seat.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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More elementary ESL lesson plans

Be sure to check out our entire elementary-level and upper-elementary collections, as well as our complete library of ESL lesson plans.

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Access the entire TEFLHandbook library

Significantly reduce your planning time and improve the way you present and teach English grammar.

A library of ESL lesson plans for teachers.