Reflections: China-specific ESL Grammar Lesson Plan,
“Present Perfect”
_______________________________________________________
LESSON PLAN: GRAMMAR POINT
PRESENT PERFECT
_______________________________________________________
Student name:
Ying and friends. (She lives in Nanjing but exercises can be adapted to any city!)
Date:
October, 2019
_______________________________________________________
CLASS PROFILE:
Student information:
– L1 Chinese, Full-time students
– Learning English for a better future after graduation
– Wants to improve the ability to speak with foreigners when traveling
– Primarily wants to improve speaking and listening skills, but also have better IELTS/TOEFL results
– Weaknesses: Listening, reluctance to try newly learned language, stubborn “Chinglish” habits
NOTE: SS stands for “student/students”.
_______________________________________________________
POTENTIAL CHINESE-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OR LEARNING ISSUES:
1. Concerning word order in questions as some “wh-“ question words come at the END in Mandarin:
2. Concerning the lack of conjugation of verbs in Mandarin, and the non-existence of auxiliaries:
And in this regard, and specifically, regarding the present perfect, the difference between the use of 1) 過 / 过 (guò), and 2) 了 (le) for completed and not completed actions in the past.
Ex.
You saw the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” yesterday,
昨天我看卧虎藏龙了｡
Zuótiān wǒ kàn wò hǔ cáng lóng le.
vs.
Have already seen the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
我已经看过卧虎藏龙｡
Wǒ yǐjīng kàn guò wò hǔ cáng long.
3. Concerning intonation: Syllable-centred intonation instead of stress-focused intonation as in English and its use of thought groups and elements such as the schwa /Ə/. For example, wrong stress such as placing the stress on the auxiliary and not using, or not BEING ABLE TO HEAR contractions (“I have been there” vs. “I´ve BEEN there” vs. “I´d been there”). Learning grammar is very important, but using this grammar for COMMUNICATION even more so.
Concerning pronunciation of past participles using the /θ/ sound in verbs such as “think” and “thought”. Solution: show how to pronounce as we did together for number three and the “paper test” in a previous class. Also, the pronunciation of multiple final consonants (clusters). Example: past participle of “judge”, “judged”; “ask”, “asked”.
4. Coming from a “gaokao-centred” tradition of tests and perfection, helping the SS understand that learning a language is a very different process, especially as regards the speaking and listening skills. Helping the SS understand that making mistakes is part of the process and that perfect pronunciation is not our goal; though improvement in intonation is REALLY important. Learning relaxing and enjoying are of great importance in learning a language. Of course, passing exams such as IELTS and TOEFL are necessary steps, but there is no point in passing the test only to not be able to communicate once one goes to live abroad, for instance in Canada.
5. Consider the issue of “saving face” and understanding that one should be proud of taking risks in learning a language even if they do not always work! Tell your own stories of learning diverse languages. Communication is the goal. Focus on the idea that learning a language is changing yourself, your identity. It requires courage and it is admirable.
6. A broader understanding of education in terms of critical thinking and problem solving given the many complex realities China faces today in terms of the environment and many others. Idea defended in ewery single interview presented to work in China. The 2020 situation makes this even more indispensable.
_______________________________________________________
TOTAL CLASS TIME 120 min
OBJECTIVE:
Present the “Present Perfect” by focusing on speaking and listening skills. Will be presented not by looking at ALL the complex forms of “Present perfect”, but focusing initially on its use for actions regarding an indefinite past (use of “ever” and “before”, to be introduced). This reduction of options so as not to overwhelm the SS. Use of “for” and “since”, for actions that start in the past and continue in the present, to be introduced later. Use of “already” and “yet” and “just” will also be delayed. Use of “Present Perfect Progressive” to be introduced later.
MATERIALS
Materials include:
1. MacBook Pro Laptop with multiple videos and exercises already uploaded. iPhone 7 plus with recorder and apps related to language (pronunciation, etc.). To be used as part of virtual log conversation, encouraging a more blended form of education. Virtual logs and one-to-one online encounters can be done via the excellent ZOOM platform, or equivalent in China. (see below).
2. Portable whiteboard with dry markers of different colours.
3. Set of photocopies for the topic Present Perfect inclined homework which will SS do on his or her own time and grammar charts which won’t be done in the class. Also, will send video for the pronunciation of past particles. This is what I call the “SS´s Package”.
4. Mini projector in case there is the possibility of using it.
5. 50-50 text from Pearson plus exercises from many other textbooks and websites.
As I have previously taught in these types of settings it is normal for me to have all these materials at my disposal.
_______________________________________________________
REVIEW (15 minutes)
Remind SS that, as in all classes, we will focus on production. We do not care that pronunciation is perfect, and we focus a lot on intonation so as to come close to the actual rhythm of English. Will correct those mistakes that ruin communication or make it impossible. Remind SS that we have a short period of time, so to make the most of it we focus on production. Remind SS that it is crucial to relax and take risks.
All written-focused exercises included the “SS Package” to be done by the SS in their own time. They will be checked either by sending them to my email or the next class. And remind SS of the virtual log which can be done written or on the phone. SSs Package is to be added to her PORTFOLIO consisting of all exercises done during our time together.
If time allows, check SSs portfolio and homework from previous class. Check if SS has any questions. To make class time PRODUCTIVE, these issues can be dealt with via email.
_______________________________________________________
WARM-UP (10 minutes)
Ask the SS everyday questions using the simple past to elicit completed activities in the past using auxiliary “did”:
“Did you take the subway today? What time did you get there? Did you buy anything special this week? Did you already have breakfast? …….
PRESENT PERFECT:
Now ask some questions for activities in an unspecified general past using the present perfect without explaining its use, just test to see if SS can answer some of them simply by eliciting previously learned language in other classes. The SS will most likely be able to understand some.
“Ying, Have you been to Shanghai (or any other Chinese city)?”
If SS says “yes”, check if they use the short-abbreviated answer “Yes, I have”. Say “Really? Wow!” Then ask questions in simple past for specific information or general information about Shanghai.
If SS says no. Ask some questions regarding Shanghai and then choose another city.
Continue the process with similar questions:
“Have you ever been to Canada?”
“Have you ever eaten something very expensive?”
“Have you ever met a famous person?”
“Have you ever won a medal for something?”
“Have you ever found money on the street?”
Note whether the SS can use the structure or whether it is completely unknown to her. It is RARELY completely unknown.
_______________________________________________________
PRESENTATION 15 minutes
1. Dialogue
The presentation will be done by using the excellent Pearson text “Fifty-Fifty” which is a speaking and listening-focused text.
Have SS listen to the conversation without looking at the page. Use computer as audio source. If need be, use a more powerful speaker. Remind the SS of our addiction to written English in books. We need to open our listening and in English looking at the paper makes it more difficult!
Ask some general questions: “What are they talking about? What question did you hear?” See if SS can recognize the use of the present perfect. Most likely they have seen it before somewhere. If they can, write the examples on the whiteboard.
Now, have SS listen to the conversation while following looking at the page itself.
Now do the conversation together taking turns for each role. Ask SS to do the conversation together without looking at the paper itself so as to move away from our “addiction to paper”. Remind SS that, when in an actual conversation, we do not have any papers to look at!
Do ex 3 by changing the topic referred to.
2. Basic Grammar Presentation.
Briefly Remind SS of the use of the present perfect auxiliary “have” and the intonation. Also, the use of past participles. Remind them that in English auxiliaries generally are not accented when affirmative and normally contract, so that they are not easy to use and even more difficult to hear. Write and show some of the examples from the dialogue above.
PRESENT PERFECT = HAVE/HAS + PAST PARTICIPLE
Now, remind SS that one of the keys to using the Present Perfect is to really know well the past participles. Give SS the sheet of paper containing the most familiar Past participles and show SS how they are divided into regular and irregular. Point out the regular simply means that the past form and the form of the past participle are identical. Remind SS that although this makes it easy in one sense, still they have to remember the pronunciation of the regular past that were practiced when the Simple Past was introduced a few weeks/months ago.
- Variable Time Pronunciation Exercise.
Depending on time and number of classes dedicated to this topic: Have a few SS read the regular past particles and check for pronunciation. Tell SS that tomorrow you will dedicate more time to a review of the pronunciation so ask them to review. The next day work on the three groups four pronunciation /t/ /d/ and especially/id/ group, patting special attention to the need for some languages to actually adds syllable in the pronunciation of all regulars, so that the three groups are magically reduced to the /id/ group! (e.g., Spanish)
Now, have SS look at the sheet within has the irregular Past Participles. Tell them not to panic. Given them photocopy that tries to group these participles into groups so that it will be easier for them to recall. Tell SS you will work on the pronunciation of all irregular past participles and pasts quite a lot so that they are clear about how to differentiate both in speaking (begin, began, begun … teach taught, taught, run ran run, ….) . Remind SS what you have told them throughout the course, pronunciation involves not so much meant activity but physical activity! Go ahead and pronounce the verbs and have SS repeat. Since SSs are high intermediate they will know many, nut check for pronunciation. Teel them you will call them over the phone to their offices and have a specific quiz regarding this grammar point. It will consist of three points (see below)
Return to the examples of the presentation and tell SS that some time expression are used with the Present Perfect when it speaks of actions that started in the past and continue in the present. See if SS can get them. If not, tell them that using “since” and “for” is very common for this expression,
Write down on the whiteboard.
_______________________________________________________
PRACTICE AND PRODUCTION (80 minutes9
1) Semi-controlled exercise.
Do excellent exercise 1 (pg. 69) form the “Fifty-fifty series”. An excellent exercise because it involves and information GAP. SS must ask in order to get the information she does not have. This is what generally happens in a conversation, a negotiation of meaning. Provide one example and show how we are using the Present perfect as an initial conversation starter as it relates to indefinite actions in the past, but that when we add details we usually switch to the simple past.
2) Free-exercise.
Have SS imagine asking a foreigner about the places they HAVE VISITED in Nanjing so as to practice for an everyday conversation. Have the SS ask about these place in Nanjing:
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty
“Have you been to the Confucius temple?” If friend says yes,, Continue by asking more specific question in the past. (places close by, directions, subway station, cost, review…)
If friend says no. Continue conversation by telling friend what is special about this place.
“You should go. It ….l”
“Have you been to the City Wall?”
“Have you eaten something special in that neighbourhood? “
“Have you gone to Quinhuai River?”
“Have you walked all the way to Purple Mountain?”
4) LISTENING EXERCISES.
There are two options for this exercise. Whichever you choose, the general guidelines are: 1) listen to the complete conversation by using your computer as audio source and the SS trying to understand the general gist of the conversation. 2) Ask some general information questions and take note of how difficult it was. Focus on the use of Present Perfect. 3) repeat the listening exercise and see if SS can answer the questions they could not in their first try. Ask more detailed questions now. 4) Finally, and if time allows have SSs listen while actually looking at the transcript. Tell SS they will have both the audio and the transcript to practice at home. 5) As homework have SS record themselves on their phone trying to follow the English Intonation patterns with special focus on the Present Perfect.
OPTION ONE
Transcript:
Audio will be sent to SS’s email.
Now look at the following video. Do you have many accidents in China? Why? Create a similar conversation about the accident you see in the first few seconds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcoOis7mL4o
OPTION TWO
See audio and transcript provided to SS.
What do you think is the number 1 dream in China? What is your secret dream?
_______________________________________________________
PRODUCTION HOMEWORK
1) Interview an English-speaking friend or co-worker by asking general questions about your city. Prepare the questions at home, but once you are with your friend try to focus as much as possible on good intonation. It must be done as naturally as possible. If friend is a bit lost use the skills learned to continue the conversation going (repeat, change topic …..)
_______________________________________________________
PHONE QUIZ or VIRTUAL LOG or ZOOM encounter encouraging Blended Education
Tell SS you will call SS over the phone to their offices or at home and SS will have a specific quiz regarding this grammar point. It will consist of three points (see below). 1) Will pronounce certain verbs and SS must write the present, past and past participle just BY LISTENING to the verb in any of its forms. 2) Will ask 8 yes no and information questions related to the present perfect and the student may not write them but answer as best SS can. 3) Have a general conversation such as the Nanking example to further check how naturally the SS can use the Present Perfect.
_______________________________________________________
HOMEWORK
1) Speaking exercise mentioned above.
2) Complete exercises as written homework. Then do many of them orally. Focus on pronunciation.
3) Redo the listening exercise as done in class with the aim of understanding how ENGLISH intonation is SO different form CHINESE intonation.
4) To emphasize the nature of learning a language as critical thinking. Think of one specific environmental problem facing Nanjing city. Ask 5 realistic and polite questions using the present perfect to the director of environmental issues in Nanjing. Think of some practical answers to your own questions. You will present these questions and solutions either in class or via an online encounter.
_______________________________________________________
SS PACKAGE
See the folder attached with corresponding pdfs. Have included only initial page below.
- Grammar charts and written grammar exercises. SS will have all grammar explanations available for review, SO AS TO FREE CLASS TIME TO SPEAK AND LISTEN.
- List of past participles and pronunciation exercises for regular past participles. Also, send a song with actual pronunciation. Remind SS about a pronunciation quiz next class regarding the three pronunciation forms for regular past participles. See package.
- Interesting read entitled “I’ve learned” which will have SS think about the present perfect as it relates to her own learning experience. Have SS understand that learning a language is part of becoming a more complete person, a person with a new identity that should empower them and make them feel proud of themselves.
Now watch the following video which shows William Kamkwamba’s dream.
https://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_how_i_harnessed_the_wind?language=en
Rarefactions: by Andrés Melo Cousineau 
Leave a Reply