aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English as second
What age group	Doesn't matter
What topic	Verb tense
Quantity	1
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Engaging English Lesson Starter: Exploring Verb Tenses

Objective

To introduce students to verb tenses in an engaging manner, sparking interest and promoting active participation.

Lesson Start: Time Travel Stories

Step 1: The Hook - "Time Travel Machines"

Begin the lesson by presenting the concept of time travel. Use a captivating image of a futuristic time machine or play a brief sound clip of a sci-fi movie that features time travel.

Example Image/Audio Use:

• Show an image of a classic movie time machine like the DeLorean from "Back to the Future."
• Use a 10-second sound clip featuring iconic time travel sounds or excerpts from a movie.

Step 2: Interactive Brainstorming

Engage the class in a quick brainstorming session. Ask the students the following questions:

• "If you could go back in time, which historical event would you visit? Why?"
• "If you could travel to the future, what do you hope to see?"

Step 3: Introduce the Key Concept

Transition to verb tenses by explaining that time travel relates closely to verb tenses because verbs help us place actions at specific points in time. Use the whiteboard to visually represent three time points:

• Past (What has already happened)
• Present (What is currently happening)
• Future (What will happen)

Step 4: Create a Collaborative Timeline

Hand out sticky notes and ask students to write down one sentence for each time period (past, present, and future) focusing on a common verb, such as "to travel."

Examples:

• Past: "I traveled to Mexico last summer."
• Present: "I am traveling to Mexico right now."
• Future: "I will travel to Mexico next year."

Step 5: Group Discussion

Once everyone has written their sentences, have students stick their notes on a chalkboard or whiteboard and discuss their choices. Highlight the different forms of the verb "to travel" and how they change with tense.

Conclusion

Wrap up the introduction by emphasizing the importance of understanding verb tenses in English communication. Explain that throughout the lesson, they will explore these tenses in more depth through activities and games, keeping the time travel theme alive throughout.

This engaging start not only piques interest but also sets a collaborative tone for the lesson.