English lesson plan for 1st Grade Primary: Introducing the Present of the Verb "To Be"
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A clear path to bring “Introducing the Present of the Verb "To Be"” into your classroom and adapt it to your students’ needs.
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This ready-to-use lesson plan for 1st grade students is built around the topic “Introducing the Present of the Verb "To Be"”. It is organized so you can read it quickly, adapt it to your group and download it for the classroom.
The sequence follows problem-based learning (pbl). Students need to learn and correctly use the verb "to be" in the present tense Focused practice of the target language through guided, student-centered activities.
Assessment is formative: observe participation and oral production, review written work and use quick checks for understanding. The Word version is editable so you can adjust activities, timing and materials.
Lesson plan overview
Start with the key elements of the plan. The full sequence follows below.
General details and purpose
1st Grade · Primary.
Purpose: Students need to learn and correctly use the verb "to be" in the present tense
Methodology: Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Focus and structure
Focused practice of the target language through guided, student-centered activities.
Learning outcomes
Students use the target language to speak, listen, read and write about the topic with growing independence.
Articulating axes and standards
Reading, writing, listening and speaking in context.
Final product
A short group presentation or written product that shows the new language in use.
Formative assessment
View criteria and evidence
Observe participation and oral production, review written work and use quick checks for understanding.
Materials
View full list
Classroom board, student notebooks, flashcards, printed worksheets and everyday classroom objects.
Adaptations for your class
Inclusion Strategies: Activities are designed to be multisensory, visual, and kinesthetic to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. Assessment: Continuous formative assessment through observation, participation, and simple checklists.
Full lesson plan
The complete sequence with activities, timing, resources and evidence of learning.
Educational Project Plan: Introducing the Present of the Verb "To Be"
Project Overview
Project Name | Introducing the Present of the Verb "To Be" |
|---|---|
Grade Level | 1st Grade (Primary) |
Main Issue | Students need to learn and correctly use the verb "to be" in the present tense |
Scenario | Classroom |
Methodology | Problem-Based Learning (PBL) |
Focus on Inclusion | All activities are adapted to ensure participation of diverse learners and promote inclusive learning |
PBL Methodology Structure
Stage | Time | Activity Description | Adaptation for Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
Present | 10 min | Initial Reflection: Show pictures of children, animals, objects with labels (e.g., "I am happy", "It is red"). Ask: "What are these?" | Use visual aids and simple language; non-verbal responses encouraged; picture cards for diverse learners |
Collect | 10 min | Prior Knowledge: Students share what they know about the words "am", "is", "are" through gestures, drawings, or words | Multiple response modes (verbal, gestures, drawings); peer support for language learners |
Formulate | 15 min | Problem Definition: Present a story or scenario where characters are missing words "am", "is", "are" (e.g., "I _ happy", "He _ a boy"). Students identify missing words | Use storytelling and role-playing; scaffolded sentence strips; visual cues to aid understanding |
Organize | 10 min | Team Formation & Strategy Planning: Divide into small groups; assign roles (reader, builder, presenter). Provide sentence puzzles | Ensure mixed-ability groups; provide sentence strips and pictures; use flexible grouping strategies |
Build | 20 min | Strategy Execution: Students create sentences with "I am", "You are", "He/She is", "We are", "They are". Use flashcards, drawing, or acting | Include multisensory activities; support for students with language difficulties; use of gestures and facial expressions |
Verify and Analyze | 10 min | Evaluation: Present sentences; classmates and teacher give feedback; check correct use of "to be" | Use visual checklists; peer feedback; encourage self-correction; provide positive reinforcement |
Share | 10 min | Presentation & Reflection: Each group shares their sentences or mini-plays; class discusses what they learned | Use peer sharing, visual displays, and simple summaries; promote inclusive participation |
Additional Notes:
- Inclusion Strategies: Activities are designed to be multisensory, visual, and kinesthetic to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Assessment: Continuous formative assessment through observation, participation, and simple checklists.
- Materials Needed: Pictures, sentence strips, flashcards, drawing materials, role-play props.
Summary of Key Activities
Activity | Learning Objective | Methodological Moment | Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|
Show pictures and ask: "What are they?" | Recognize objects and persons using "am", "is", "are" | Present | Visual aids, non-verbal responses |
Fill-in-the-blank story | Identify correct form of "to be" | Collect & Formulate | Visual supports, sentence strips |
Create sentences in small groups | Use "I am", "You are", "He is" in context | Build | Multi-sensory, peer support |
Class presentations of sentences or plays | Share understanding | Share | Multiple modes of participation |
This educational project fosters active, inclusive, and meaningful learning through problem-solving, collaboration, and reflective sharing, tailored specifically to 1st-grade learners' developmental level.
Before you download
Overview, purpose and focus
- Students need to learn and correctly use the verb "to be" in the present tense
- Focused practice of the target language through guided, student-centered activities.
Activities, product and assessment
- Classroom board, student notebooks, flashcards, printed worksheets and everyday classroom objects.
- A short group presentation or written product that shows the new language in use.
Your material is ready to download
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Frequently asked questions about this lesson plan
Which grade is this lesson plan designed for?
It is designed for 1st Grade (Primary). You can adjust the language level and timing to fit your group.
What methodology does the plan use?
It uses problem-based learning (pbl), with clear activities, evidence of learning and formative checks.
Can I edit and print the plan?
Yes. The Word version is editable and the PDF is ready to print. Adapt activities, materials and timing to your students.
Does it include materials and assessment?
Yes. The plan lists suggested materials, formative checks and a final product so you can plan the whole lesson.