 Re: request for advice, new teacher.
If they are pre-intermediate, I would limit myself to actions happening now. In Japan, at any rate, students often have a tendency to understand how to use the present continuous, just not when to use it correctly. As such, I would:
1. Begin with 20 verbs, a mixture of which will be new words.
2. Cover grammar, and use the verbs in context of asking and answering questions.
3. Reinforce with charades, a set of pictures, etc., or any other controlled activity.
4. Move on to working the grammar and vocab into a dialogue, a role-play, or even a story. At any rate, something semi-controlled which gives the students enough freedom to play with the language.
When you start teaching too many aspects of the language, then it becomes too teacher-centered. You don't want to lecture, but instead want the students to understand the target language, and have plenty of time to practice using it. |