Lesson start ideas	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	College
What topic	Present simple tense
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Lesson Starter for Present Simple Tense

Title: The Time Traveler’s Journal

Introduction:

As we embark on our journey into the Present Simple tense, let's imagine a scenario that invites us to reflect on our daily lives, habits, and routines. By using this thematic approach, we can create a relatable and engaging foundation for understanding the concept.

Activity Overview:

Objective: To introduce and explore the Present Simple tense through personal reflection and creative expression.

Materials Needed:

• A journal or diary template (printed or digital)
• Pens or pencils
• Whiteboard and markers

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Setting the Scene:

   • Begin the lesson by dimming the lights slightly and playing soft background music that evokes a feeling of nostalgia or adventure.
   • Announce to the class: "Imagine you are a time traveler who visits different eras at various points in your life. Today, you will record a day in the life of your future self in the Present Simple tense."

2. Journal Prompt:

   • Hand out the journal templates. Each page should have sections labeled:
     • Date
     • Location (where are you?)
     • Daily Activities (What do you do?)
     • Notable People (Who do you meet?)
   • Encourage students to describe their present in detail. For example:
     • "I wake up early in the morning."
     • "I meet my best friend for coffee."
     • "I work on my latest project."

3. Guided Writing:

   • Give students 10 minutes to fill out their journals, using the Present Simple tense.
   • As they write, circulate around the room to provide assistance and inspire creativity.

4. Sharing and Discussion:

   • Invite a few students to share excerpts from their time traveler journal entries. Record their sentences on the whiteboard.
   • Highlight the use of the Present Simple tense in each example, and encourage the class to discuss why this tense is effective for describing routines and habits.

5. Transition to Lesson:

   • Conclude by stating, "Now that we have captured a moment in our 'Present Simple' realities, let’s dive deeper into the rules and structure of this tense to enhance our expression in English!"

Conclusion:

This engaging opener not only sets a creative tone for the lesson but also encourages students to connect personally with the grammatical topic. By using imaginative storytelling, students become actively involved and more receptive to learning about the Present Simple tense.