Lesson Plan | Socioemotional Learning | Verbs: Present Perfect Continuous

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the Socioemotional Lesson Plan is to provide a clear and detailed understanding of what students will learn and develop during the lesson. Specifically, this stage helps to set clear expectations, as well as contextualize the importance of the present perfect continuous in learning English. This way, students can prepare emotionally and cognitively for the subsequent activities, establishing a solid foundation for the development of linguistic and socioemotional skills.

Main Goals

1. Describe the use of the present perfect continuous in English, distinguishing it from other verb tenses.

2. Identify and correctly write verbs in the present perfect continuous.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Emotional Warm-up Activity

Focus on the Present

Guided Meditation

1. Ask students to sit comfortably in their chairs, with their feet firmly planted on the ground and their hands resting on their thighs.

2. Instruct students to close their eyes and begin to focus on their breathing, inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth.

3. Guide students to notice how the air enters and leaves their lungs, keeping attention on the sensation of breathing.

4. After a few deep breaths, ask students to visualize a calm and safe place where they feel relaxed and happy.

5. Maintain the meditation for 5 to 7 minutes, reminding students to return their attention to their breath whenever their mind starts to wander.

6. To conclude, ask students to slowly open their eyes and return their attention to the classroom, bringing with them the feeling of calm and focus.

Content Contextualization

The present perfect continuous is a powerful tool in the English language, allowing the description of actions that started in the past and continue in the present. Just like emotions, the actions we describe with this verb tense have a continuous and lasting impact. For example, when we say 'I have been studying,' we are communicating that this activity has been a significant part of our life recently.

By learning to use the present perfect continuous, students can also reflect on the emotions and ongoing situations in their own lives. Understanding and expressing these feelings appropriately is essential for socioemotional development and effective communication.

Development

Duration: 60 to 70 minutes

Theoretical Framework

Duration: 20 to 25 minutes

1. Definition of Present Perfect Continuous: The present perfect continuous is a verb tense used to express actions that started in the past and continue until the present or have recently been completed, with emphasis on the continuity of the action.

2. Structure: The structure of the present perfect continuous is formed by the subject + auxiliary verb 'have/has' + past participle of the verb 'to be' (been) + main verb in gerund (-ing). Example: 'I have been studying.'

3. Usage: This verb tense is used for actions that are still ongoing or have just been completed, but which have relevance in the present. Example: 'She has been working here for five years.'

4. Difference between Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect Simple: The present perfect simple (have/has + past participle) emphasizes the result or conclusion of the action, while the present perfect continuous (have/has been + gerund) emphasizes the duration or continuity of the action. Example: 'I have read the book' (present perfect simple) vs. 'I have been reading the book' (present perfect continuous).

5. Additional Examples: 'They have been playing soccer since morning.' 'We have been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.' 'He has been learning English for two years.'

6. Analogies: Compare the present perfect continuous to a marathon, where the emphasis is on the continuous run over time rather than just reaching the finish line.

Socioemotional Feedback Activity

Duration: 30 to 35 minutes

Ongoing Stories

Students will create small narratives using the present perfect continuous to describe actions that started in the past and continue in the present. The activity will stimulate creativity and practical application of the studied verb tense, as well as allow reflection on emotions and ongoing situations in their lives.

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3 to 4 students.

2. Ask each group to create a short story using at least five sentences in the present perfect continuous.

3. Encourage students to include emotional elements in their stories, such as feelings of satisfaction, frustration, or joy.

4. Each group should present their story to the class.

5. After the presentation, other groups should identify the sentences in the present perfect continuous and discuss the emotions expressed in the stories.

Group Discussion

After the presentations of the stories, guide a group discussion using the RULER method. Recognize the emotions present in the students' stories, asking them to identify and name different feelings expressed. Understand the causes and consequences of these emotions, discussing how the situations described in the stories influence the characters' feelings. Label the emotions correctly, encouraging students to use richer and more precise emotional vocabulary. Express emotions appropriately, discussing how the characters could communicate their feelings effectively. Finally, help students to regulate their emotions by suggesting strategies for dealing with difficult feelings and maintaining emotional balance in ongoing and challenging situations. This approach not only reinforces knowledge of the present perfect continuous but also promotes emotional intelligence and self-awareness among students.

Conclusion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Emotional Reflection and Regulation

Suggest to students that they engage in a written reflection or discussion format about the challenges faced during the lesson and how they managed their emotions. Ask them to write or verbally share one or two paragraphs about: (1) What were the main challenges in understanding and using the present perfect continuous? (2) How did they feel working in groups and presenting the stories? (3) What strategies did they use to deal with any feelings of frustration, anxiety, or enthusiasm? Encourage them to reflect on what they learned about themselves and their emotional skills.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to encourage self-assessment and emotional regulation, helping students identify effective strategies for dealing with challenging situations. By reflecting on their experiences and emotions during the lesson, students can develop greater self-awareness and learn to manage their emotions more effectively, promoting a healthier and more productive learning environment.

Closure and A Look Into The Future

Explain to the students the importance of setting personal and academic goals related to the lesson content. Ask each student to write one personal goal and one academic goal they wish to achieve in the near future. The personal goal may be related to developing socioemotional skills, such as improving communication or time management. The academic goal should relate to the use of the present perfect continuous, such as practicing writing sentences or using the verb tense in everyday conversations.

Possible Goal Ideas:

1. Practice writing sentences in the present perfect continuous at least three times a week.

2. Identify and correct sentences in the present perfect continuous in reading texts.

3. Improve emotional communication with peers and family members by expressing feelings clearly and appropriately.

4. Manage study time more efficiently by creating a weekly schedule. Objective: The objective of this subsection is to strengthen students' autonomy and the practical application of learning, aiming for continuity in academic and personal development. By setting clear and achievable goals, students can monitor their progress and stay motivated, promoting continuous growth in both linguistic and socioemotional skills.