Download the Lessonotes Mobile Liberia app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: English
Semester: 2
Period: 4
Week: 19
School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 6
Date: Week 19
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 19, Period 4
Topic: Introduction to Verb Tenses
Sub-topic: Present, Past, and Future Tenses
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Define verb tense and explain its function in expressing time
Identify and correctly use present, past, and future simple tenses in sentences
Convert sentences from one tense to another
Previous Knowledge
Students already know basic sentence structure, subject–verb agreement, and simple writing skills
Instructional Materials
English Language textbook for Grade 6, whiteboard, markers, verb tense chart
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Ask learners to describe what they did yesterday, what they are doing today, and what they will do tomorrow. Discuss differences in verb forms
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
👩🏽🏫 Teacher Explanation & Demonstration (10–12 minutes)
🔍 What Is Tense?
- Tense is the form a verb takes to show when an action happens — in the past, present, or future.
- Tense helps us understand the time frame of what someone is talking about.
📌 Three Basic Simple Tenses
|
Tense |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Present Simple |
Action happening regularly or now |
I play football every day. |
|
Past Simple |
Action happened in the past |
I played football yesterday. |
|
Future Simple |
Action will happen in the future |
I will play football tomorrow. |
🔠 Verb Tense Chart (Base, Past, Past Participle Forms)
Explain that verbs have different forms, especially in past tenses.
|
Verb |
Base Form (Present) |
Past Simple |
Past Participle |
|
play |
play |
played |
played |
|
go |
go |
went |
gone |
|
eat |
eat |
ate |
eaten |
- Regular verbs form the past by adding -ed: play → played
- Irregular verbs have different forms: go → went, eat → ate
📝 Examples of Sentences Using Different Tenses
- Present: She walks to school every day.
- Past: She walked to school yesterday.
- Future: She will walk to school tomorrow.
💡 Rules for Forming Tenses
- Present simple: Use the base verb (add -s or -es for third-person singular)
- He runs fast.
- Past simple: For regular verbs, add -ed; for irregular, use special forms
- They walked home. / He went home.
- Future simple: Use “will” + base verb
- I will call you later.
👩🏾🎓 Learners’ Activities (Expanded – 13–15 minutes)
- Sentence Conversion Practice (Group Work, 6–7 minutes)
- Give learners a list of simple present tense sentences, e.g.:
- I eat lunch at noon.
- They watch movies on weekends.
- In groups, convert these into past and future tense, e.g.:
- I ate lunch at noon. / I will eat lunch at noon.
- Discuss with the class why each tense fits certain contexts (e.g., talking about yesterday vs tomorrow)
- Verb Tense Chart Completion (Individual Task, 5 minutes)
- Provide a chart with base verbs and empty spaces for past and past participle
- Learners fill in the forms using a provided verb list (including some irregular verbs)
- Examples: play, go, write, see, talk, run
- Class Discussion and Explanation (Whole Class, 2–3 minutes)
- Invite learners to explain why they chose particular tenses for their sentences
- Encourage them to talk about the time references (now, past, future)
✅ Assessment Checks
|
Skill/Criteria |
How to Assess |
|
Correct identification of present, past, and future tenses |
Listen to learners’ explanations and sentence conversions |
|
Accurate sentence conversion between tenses |
Review group work and individual worksheets |
|
Proper use of regular and irregular verb forms |
Check completed verb tense charts |
|
Appropriate use of verb tense in oral/written responses |
Monitor participation in class discussions |
🗒️ Notes (Expanded & Detailed)
🔹 Why Tense Matters
- Tenses help the listener or reader know exactly when an action happens
- Using the wrong tense can confuse the meaning
- Mastering tense use is critical for clear communication
🔹 Regular vs Irregular Verbs
- Regular verbs are easier because they follow simple rules (add -ed)
- Irregular verbs need to be memorized since their past forms don’t follow a pattern
- Examples of common irregular verbs:
- go – went – gone
- write – wrote – written
- see – saw – seen
🔹 Common Errors to Watch For
|
Error |
Correction/Explanation |
|
Using base verb with past time words |
Incorrect: I play yesterday. → Correct: I played yesterday. |
|
Forgetting “will” for future tense |
Incorrect: I go tomorrow. → Correct: I will go tomorrow. |
|
Misusing irregular past tense forms |
Incorrect: He goed to school. → Correct: He went to school. |
🔹 Tips for Learners
- Listen to and practice using verbs in different tenses in everyday conversation
- Use visual timelines to connect tenses to time frames
- Regularly review irregular verbs with flashcards or charts
Optional: Additional Practice Ideas
- Create a daily journal entry using past tense verbs
- Write a paragraph describing plans for the weekend (future tense)
- Tell a story about a typical day (present tense)
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Learners can define verb tense, identify present, past, and future forms, and apply them in sentences
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Convert three sentences from present to past and future tense
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback
Assignment (Expanded):
Write five original sentences in present tense and convert them to past and future tense
Follow-up Activity:
Peer review of sentences and class discussion of common errors
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Provide sentence prompts, allow group support, and visual verb charts for learners needing extra guidance
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low