Simple Conversation, Present Tense and Address Writing for Primary 4

Class: Primary 4
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Language Studies
Curriculum Theme: English Language Studies
Previous Lesson: Family Description, Picture Reading, Past Tense and Sentence Writing.
Topic: Polite Requests, Present Tense, and Writing Personal Addresses
Subject Matter: Speech: Practicing polite requests using “may”. Grammatical Accuracy: Present tense usage. Writing: Writing personal addresses.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Define polite requests and identify when to use “may”.
• Explain the concept of the present tense and its basic rules.
• Identify the key components of a personal address.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of using polite language in daily interactions.
• Show willingness to practice correct present tense usage in their speech and writing.
• Develop an interest in writing their personal details accurately.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Formulate grammatically correct polite requests using “may”.
• Construct simple sentences accurately in the present tense.
• Write their personal addresses correctly and legibly.

Social Domain:

• Interact politely with their peers and teacher using “may” in requests.
• Participate actively in class discussions about grammar rules and writing.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Primary 4 English Language)
• State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary 4 English Language
• Macmillan Primary English Course for Primary 4
• https://www.education.gov.ng/curriculum-development/
• https://www.nerdc.gov.ng/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts showing polite requests with “may”
• Flash cards with present tense verbs and examples
• A chart demonstrating the format of a personal address
• Pupils’ notebooks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils communicate respectfully and clearly in everyday situations. Understanding polite requests enables them to interact better with others, while mastering the present tense improves their basic grammar. Learning to write their personal addresses is a practical life skill for safety and communication.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of forming simple sentences and identifying different types of verbs. They can also recognize their names and house numbers.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Polite Requests, Present Tense, and Writing Personal Addresses

Polite Requests using ‘May’

A polite request is a way of asking for something or permission in a respectful manner. Using “may” makes a request sound more polite and less demanding.

Examples of polite requests using ‘may’:

• May I come in?
• May I borrow your pen?
• May I go to the toilet?
• May I ask a question?

Present Tense Usage

The present tense is used to describe actions that are happening now, actions that happen regularly, or general truths.

Key points about present tense:

• For regular actions: “I eat breakfast every morning.”
• For facts: “The sun rises in the east.”
• For actions happening now (often with ‘is/am/are’ and ‘-ing’): “She is reading a book.”

Examples of sentences in the present tense:

• Dogs bark.
• She plays football.
• We learn English.
• The baby cries loudly.

Writing Personal Addresses

A personal address tells people where you live. It is important to know how to write your address correctly.

The following are the components of a personal address:

• Your Name
• House Number and Street Name
• Town/City
• State

Example of a personal address:

John Okoro
No. 15, Palm Street
Ikeja
Lagos State.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews what they learned in the previous lesson. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking pupils how they would politely ask for something from a friend or teacher.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Polite Requests using ‘May’

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what polite requests are and demonstrates how to use “may” in various sentences. The teacher uses the chart to show examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the chart, and repeat the example sentences after the teacher. They practice making simple polite requests.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to use “may” to make polite requests.

Step 3: Present Tense Usage

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the present tense, giving examples of actions that happen now, regularly, or are general truths. The teacher uses flashcards with verbs and helps pupils form sentences.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, identify present tense verbs, and contribute simple sentences in the present tense.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concept and basic rules of the present tense.

Step 4: Practice on Present Tense

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes incomplete sentences on the board and asks pupils to complete them using appropriate present tense verbs. For example: “Birds ____ (sing).”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils complete the sentences orally and individually in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of present tense by applying the rules.

Step 5: Writing Personal Addresses

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of knowing one’s address and lists the components of a personal address. The teacher then writes a sample address on the board, explaining each part.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification about the address format.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the structure and components of a personal address.

Step 6: Address Writing Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Independent Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to write their own personal addresses in their notebooks, guiding them as needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to write their personal addresses, asking for help if they are unsure of any detail.
Learning Point: Pupils practice writing their own addresses accurately.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Mention two polite requests using “may”.
2. Define present tense.
3. Give two examples of sentences in the present tense.
4. List three components of a personal address.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of polite communication, correct grammar, and knowing one’s address. The teacher assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy their homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further practice.

Home Task: Write four correct English sentences that demonstrate the main language skill in Polite Requests, Present Tense, and Writing Personal Addresses.

Lesson Keywords

• May – used to ask for permission or make a polite request.
• Request – an act of asking for something.
• Polite – showing good manners or respect.
• Present Tense – a verb tense that describes an action happening now, regularly, or a general truth.
• Address – the details of where a person lives or works.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to form more complex sentences or write a short paragraph using polite requests and present tense. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide additional one-on-one guidance, simpler examples, and allow them to copy from the board more frequently.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to provide ample opportunities for pupils to practice speaking polite requests and forming present tense sentences orally before writing. Encourage them to use these skills in their daily interactions within the classroom. When teaching addresses, ensure pupils do not share sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary for the lesson.