Quand j'étais petit : the imperfect tense with regular verbs ('used to')
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what I and others used to do when we were younger using the imperfect tense of regular verbs.
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- The imperfect tense is used to describe what you 'used to' do when you were younger/in the past.
- For imperfect of regular verbs remove -ons from 'nous' present tense and add:-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
- Most final consonants are silent, and this is important in imperfect verb endings e.g. -ais, -ait
Keywords
Imperfect tense - tense used to describe how things were or used to be in the past, or to say what was happening
Common misconception
The imperfect tense is only translated by 'was doing' in English e.g. I was listening to the radio.
The imperfect tense has more than one translation in English according to its use in French. Students need to be aware of the different meanings that might be conveyed when they encounter the imperfect tense e.g. I listened, I used to listen.
Teacher tip
Reading task B2b has two versions. Option 1 has comprehension questions in French. Option 2 has comprehension questions in English. Option 1 is included in the video. Teachers might wish to encourage students to look up new vocabulary to personalise their answers to task B3.
Equipment
Mini whiteboards and pens are useful if available.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the imperfect tense ending to the subject pronoun.
-ais
-ait
-ions
-iez
-aient
Q2.Which words in French have a silent final consonant?
Q3.Put the words in order to make a French sentence.
Q4.Select the subject pronouns whose imperfect verb endings sound alike.
Q5.Using the 'nous' pronoun, what is the translation of 'we used to eat'?
Q6.Match the vocabulary together.
I agree with
owner
support
to define, defining
he knows
donation, gift, talent
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Choose the correct translations of 'nous parlions'.
Q2.What is the imperfect ending for 'ils, elles'?
Q3.What is the name given to the phonics feature common to -ais and -ait?
Q4.Translate: when I was small, I used to dance each weekend.
Q5.Match the vocabulary.
to inform, informing
cooperation
able, capable
piece, room, play
the best
explanation
To help you plan your 10 French lesson on: Quand j'étais petit : the imperfect tense with regular verbs ('used to'), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 French lesson on: Quand j'étais petit : the imperfect tense with regular verbs ('used to'), 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 4 French lessons from the My personal world: Mes amis unit, dive into the full secondary French curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.