In my previous entry I wrote about my approach of teaching grammar with speech patterns at elementary level. Now I'd like to show how this kind of work can effectively be done at middle schools, particularly in junior classes of middle schools. The teacher shouldn't give any explanation of this kind which is written in any grammar book:"The Present Perfect Tense shows an action which is already accomplished but somehow is connected with the present time in its result." The learners of junior classes don't need such explanations. They would rather listen, repeat, see and read. That's why we should use some speech patterns for the consolidation of the Present Perfect Tense. For example, the aim of my lesson is to enable my learners to communicate by making up sentences with the Present Perfect Tense and using such attending adverbs as "already" and "yet". At first I tell my learners what I have done today."I have written some sentences on the board. I have spoken to the headmaster. I have corrected Ann's mistakes. I have drunk a cup of coffee." Then I tell the learners to order me to do the same things. One of them says:"Write some sentences on the board." My answer: "I have already written some sentences on the board". The next learner:"Speak to the headmaster." My answer:"I have already spoken to the headmaster". Then I ask the learners to give orders to each other and answer them. "Open the door! - But I have already opened the door." "Sweep the floor! - But I have already swept the floor". The learners like to give funny orders to each other which makes the lesson more lively. Then I use "yet" at the end of a question, and the learners use "already" in their answer. "Have you made coffee yet? - Yes, I have already made coffee." "Have you swept the floor yet? - Yes, I have already swept the floor." The learners usually form questions with the same ideas which they expressed in their orders as if making sure whether the other learners have really fulfilled them. At the end of the lesson all the learners in class are sure to be able to make up sentences and communicate with each other using the Present Perfect tense in a lively and cheerful atmosphere. I have achieved my aim.
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Comments
Submitted on 26 February, 2013 - 01:53
Submitted on 26 February, 2013 - 12:52
Submitted on 1 March, 2013 - 00:54
Submitted on 1 March, 2013 - 06:48
Submitted on 3 March, 2013 - 14:21
Thanks a lot for your interesting ideas. I will surely consider them next time I introduce this grammar item to my students. I see you achieved your goal and aim set at the beginning of the lesson through speech patterns.