Educational Project Plan: PAST OF THE VERB TO BE
Academic Grade: 1st Grade (Primary)
Main Issue: Introducing the past tense of the verb to be; helping students distinguish it from the present tense using familiar vocabulary.
Scenario: Classroom
Methodology: Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Articulating Axis: Inclusion


Table 1: PBL Phases and Activities

PhaseTimeActivitiesObjectives & AdaptationsNotes
1. Present10 minTeacher poses a reflection question:<br>“Have you ever told someone what you did yesterday?”<br>Show pictures of children doing activities today versus yesterday.Stimulate curiosity about past and present actions. Use simple language and visual aids for inclusion.Use diverse images representing children from different backgrounds.
2. Collect (Prior Knowledge)10 minGroup discussion:<br>“What words do we use to talk about now? What about yesterday?”<br>Students share familiar words like am, is, are.Elicit students' understanding of to be in present tense. Connect to their daily language.Use sentence strips with familiar vocabulary, visual cues, and gestures for inclusivity.
3. Formulate (Define the Problem)10 minScenario presentation:<br>“Imagine you have a time machine. You can go back to yesterday. How would you tell someone what you were doing?”<br>Question: “How do we talk about what we were doing?”Introduce the problem: How to talk about past actions using was and were.Present in simple language, with examples tailored to students’ experiences.
4. Organize (Teams & Strategies)10 minDivide students into small, diverse teams.<br>Assign roles: speaker, writer, artist.<br>Provide materials: pictures, flashcards, words.Foster collaboration, inclusion, and peer learning.Ensure all students participate and are supported. Use visual and tactile materials.
5. Build (Execute Strategies)20 minActivity 1: Story Creation<br>Students create short stories about their yesterday, using pictures and words.<br>Activity 2: Verb Matching Game<br>Match pictures of past actions with was/were sentences.Practice using was/were in context, connecting to vocabulary they know.Use visual aids and sentence starters for support. Adapt for students with diverse needs.
6. Verify and Analyze10 minClassroom discussion:<br>“Can you find the was and were in your stories?”<br>Peer review: Students read their stories aloud, classmates give feedback.Reinforce correct usage, check understanding, provide corrective feedback.Encourage peer support, respect, and patience. Use positive reinforcement.
7. Share (Socialize & Assess)10 minShowcase:<br>Students share their stories with the class.<br>Reflective questions: “What did you learn about talking about yesterday?”Assess comprehension, promote confidence, and celebrate learning.Use inclusive language, ensure all students are heard, and adapt sharing methods.


Educational Principles & Adaptations:

  • Inclusion: Activities are designed to be multisensory—visuals, gestures, and oral language—to accommodate diverse learners, including those with special needs.

  • Language Support: Use simplified language, visual aids, and peer support to ensure understanding.

  • Active Engagement: Hands-on activities and teamwork foster motivation and participation.

  • Assessment: Continuous formative assessment through peer feedback and teacher observation.

  • Summary of Key Activities:

    ActivityPurposeMaterialsAdaptation for Inclusion
    Reflection questionStimulate curiosityPictures, questionsVisual prompts, gestures
    Vocabulary sharingBuild prior knowledgeSentence strips, flashcardsVisual aids, peer support
    Story creationPractice past tensePhotos, story templatesPartner or group work, scaffolding
    Matching gameReinforce formPicture cards, sentence stripsMultiple modes of response
    Sharing storiesSocial learningStudent stories, drawingsSupportive environment, adaptations as needed


    This comprehensive PBL-based project encourages active participation, peer collaboration, and inclusive practices, making the introduction of the past tense of to be engaging and accessible for all 1st-grade students.