D-06.01 Get & Make Sentences with CAN/CAN’T

Parts One & Two of Chapter 3 (“Help”) of WorkLife English Life Skills Workbook 1. Pages 35-41

7 pages

Who It’s For: (Teachers & Helpers of) Novice to Beginning Language Learners      

Why It’s Useful: About the same time as sentences with Imperative Verbs (“Look [at this].” “Listen [to me].” “Stop!”) are used in English classes, teachers and learners start to hear and talk about ability or permission to do things.” In statements, questions, and answers with the modal verb can + its negative form cannot or can’t (before base verbs),  they’ll be able to ask for attention or help; describe their English skills; make requests; and get or give directions or instructions. Here’s a basic lesson to help achieve those outcomes. 

What You’ll Do: 

[1] With participants, pantomime and read aloud the page 35 Part One: Statements with Can / Can’t Strip Story “She can take an English class.” On pages 36-38, with the Grammar-Pattern Box, identify the features of Affirmative & Negative Modal Sentences: Subject + Verb Phrase (CAN/CAN’T before a Verb) + Object. Match sentences; choose and write elements of them; finish statements.

[2] Act out and read aloud the page 39 Part Two: Questions & Answers with Can / Can’t Strip Story “Can you please tell me the time?” Follow instructions for the “grammatical pedagogy” and exercises that follow on pages 39-41.

[3] Go “Beyond the Text” with spontaneous, practical conversations that make use of the targeted grammar patterns.