Present and past tense
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can vary the tense of a simple sentence.
Key learning points
- A simple sentence can be written in the past or present tense.
- The tense of a simple sentence changes the time frame of the action.
Keywords
Simple sentence - a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense
Present tense - tells the reader the action is happening now
Past tense - tells the reader the action happened before now
Verb - a doing or being word
Common misconception
Pupils may find it hard to change the verb into the correct form to fit the rest of the sentence.
Provide plenty of opportunities to practise saying and reading present and past tense sentences.
Teacher tip
Use regular verbs in example sentences and tasks so that pupils become familiar with the past and present tense.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify the two common nouns:
Q2.Match the following keywords with the correct example:
happy cat
The happy cat purred.
Q3.Identify the verb in this sentence: We listen to music.
Q4.How many ideas are there in a simple sentence?
Q5.Match the word and the definition:
a doing or being word
tells the reader when something happens
a word that describes a verb
Q6.A simple sentence must...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following:
is happening now
happened before now
Q2.Match the verbs to their tense:
worked
work
Q3.Tick the correct past tense form of the verb 'play':
Q4.Fill in the gap: The __________ carries the tense of a sentence.
Q5.Change the verb so that this sentence is in the present tense: I walked to the shops.
Q6.Change the verb so that this sentence is in the past tense: Sam counts the apples.
To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Present and past tense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Present and past tense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 English lessons from the Simple sentences unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.