Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Verbs: Modal Verbs

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is crucial to guide both students and the teacher about the focus of the lesson. Clearly establishing what is expected to be achieved facilitates the preparation and execution of subsequent activities. In this case, the objectives aim to ensure that students can not only recognize the modal verbs but also use them appropriately, reinforcing prior learning and deepening knowledge in class.

Main Objectives:

1. Identify and differentiate the most common modal verbs in English, including can, could, may, must, and should.

2. Understand the usage and grammatical rules associated with each modal verb, applying them correctly in various contexts.

Side Objectives:

1. Develop analytical and critical reasoning skills by comparing and contrasting the use of different modal verbs.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The Introduction serves to engage students and activate prior knowledge through problem situations that make them think about the application of modal verbs in real and hypothetical contexts. Furthermore, by contextualizing the importance of modal verbs with practical examples, students can see the relevance of what they have learned in daily situations, facilitating retention and understanding of the content.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine you are in a foreign country and want to politely ask for something but do not know which modal verb to use. How would you decide between 'could', 'may', and 'should'?

2. Think of a situation where you need to express obligation or necessity. Which modal verbs would you use and why? Exemplify with 'must' and 'should'.

Contextualization

Modal verbs are fundamental in English, not only to communicate actions but also to express attitudes, permissions, abilities, and obligations. For example, 'can' can mean 'to be able to', 'may' is often used to ask for or express permission, and 'must' is used to talk about obligations. Knowing how to correctly use these modal verbs can make a big difference in real situations, such as in a job interview or when traveling to an English-speaking country.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage in the lesson plan is designed to enable students to practically and interactively apply prior knowledge about modal verbs. The proposed activities aim to consolidate understanding of modal verbs in diverse contexts, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. This phase is crucial for deepening students' understanding and ensuring they can use modal verbs effectively and confidently in real situations.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Modal Verbs Detectives

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Practice the use of modal verbs in practical and diverse situations, developing the ability to apply grammatical knowledge in various contexts.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to 5 people, where each group will receive a 'case' to solve using modal verbs correctly to deduce information and solve the mystery. Each case will include distinct scenarios, such as requests for favors, obligations, possibility, and permission.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of no more than 5 students.

• Distribute a sealed envelope to each group containing a mystery scenario.

• Students should read the scenario and discuss which modal verb fits best in each presented situation.

• Groups must present their conclusions, justifying the use of each modal verb.

• Hold a class discussion to clarify doubts and correct possible mistakes.

Activity 2 - The Great Modal Verbs Debate

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop argumentation and oral expression skills, using modal verbs to reinforce points of view and persuade the audience.

- Description: Students will participate in a structured debate, where they will defend points of view using modal verbs to express possibility, permission, and advice. The debate topic will be 'Should young people have more responsibilities at home?'.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into two large groups, each representing a side of the debate.

• Allow time for each group to prepare their arguments using appropriate modal verbs.

• Start the debate, allowing each side to present their arguments and respond to their opponent's using modal verbs.

• Conclude with a vote to decide which group presented more convincing arguments.

• Conduct a review of the modal verbs used during the debate.

Activity 3 - Creation of a Survival Guide with Modal Verbs

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Encourage creativity and practical understanding of modal verbs in real situations, as well as improving conversational skills in English.

- Description: Students, in groups, will create a 'Survival Guide' for foreigners visiting an English-speaking country, using modal verbs to express advice, permissions, and possibilities in everyday situations, such as ordering food, asking for directions, or seeking help.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5 people.

• Distribute cards with different everyday situations in an English-speaking country.

• Students should write dialogues using appropriate modal verbs for each situation.

• Each group will present their guide to the class, simulating the described situations.

• Promote a discussion about the choices of modal verbs in each presented situation.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This stage of the lesson plan aims to consolidate students' learning through reflection and sharing of experiences. The group discussion allows students to verbalize their learnings, hearing different perspectives and solutions from their peers. This not only reinforces the understanding of concepts but also promotes communication and argumentation skills in English. Moreover, the opportunity to discuss difficulties and solutions helps identify areas that may need review or reinforcement, guiding the teacher in future pedagogical approaches.

Group Discussion

After the activities are concluded, gather all students for a group discussion. Start the discussion with a brief introduction: 'Let's now share our experiences and learnings with modal verbs. Each group will have the opportunity to discuss what they found most challenging and what they learned that was most interesting. Remember that this is an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other, so feel free to ask questions and share comments.'

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges in using modal verbs in different contexts?

2. Was there any situation where the choice of a modal verb was not clear? How did you resolve that?

3. How can the use of modal verbs influence the interpretation of a sentence or request?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Conclusion stage is essential for consolidating learning, allowing students to revisit and reinforce the knowledge acquired. Additionally, it serves to reflect on the lesson and highlight the relevance of the material learned to practice and real life. This recap helps students see the applicability of modal verbs and the importance of mastering them for effective communication.

Summary

To conclude, the teacher should summarize the main points addressed about modal verbs, emphasizing the uses of 'can', 'could', 'may', 'must', and 'should'. It is important to recap the situations in which each is most appropriate, such as in requests, permissions, obligations, deductions, and advice.

Theory Connection

During today's lesson, the connection between theory and practice was established through interactive activities that allowed students to apply theoretical concepts in practical and simulated situations. This practical approach reinforces learning, helping students to visualize and better understand how modal verbs are used in everyday communication.

Closing

Finally, the teacher should highlight the importance of modal verbs in everyday English, stressing how a clear understanding of these verbs can significantly improve communication in various situations, from international travel to the professional environment.