Chain Game: Simple Present Tense
Level: High beginning to intermediate
Age: kindergarten through adult
This makes a good Day 1 or Week 1 activity. It gives students lots of chances to practice the third person singular “-s” ending. Even intermediate students often leave off that final “s,” so it is good practice for them, too. Intermediate students can challenge themselves by using more complicated vocabulary for the activities.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to use the correct ending on a verb in the simple present tense (grammar)
Prep
Pictures of activities.
| ESA | Time | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engage | 5 | Warm-up | Mention some fun past-times. Show several pictures saying, “This person likes to read. This person likes to play tennis.” |
| Study | 5 | Structure | Put some sentences on the board, using “I,” “you,” “he” and “she” as subjects. I like to read. You like to watch movies. He likeS to go shopping. She likeS to play basketball. Make sure you point out the “s” at the end of the third person singular forms. |
| Activate | 10-15 | Structure | Memory Chain Say, “I like to go shopping.” (Choose whatever activity you prefer.) Have the first student say, “You like to go shopping. I like to play tennis.” The second student says, “You like to go shopping. He (or “she”) likes to play tennis. I like to play video games.” Go around the room, each student repeating what everyone before them has said. Pity the last student in the class! (Focus your corrections on the “-s” ending.) |