Modal Auxiliaries – Primary 5 English Grammar Lesson
Lesson Plan: English Grammar – Primary 5 First Term
General Information
- Subject: English Grammar
- Class: Primary 5
- Term: First Term
- Week: 2
- Age: 9 years
- Topic: Structure: Making Sentences with Modal Auxiliaries
- Sub-topic: Explanation and Usage of Modal Auxiliaries
- Duration: 60 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain and provide examples of modal auxiliaries (must, ought to, will, have to, shall, can, must, etc.).
- Use modal auxiliaries correctly in sentences.
- Infer the functions of modal auxiliaries in sentences (such as futurity, possibility, certainty, willingness, unwillingness, obligation, permission, request).
- Compare the use of modal auxiliaries for making polite requests with casual requests.
Keywords
- Modal auxiliary
- Obligation
- Possibility
- Permission
- Politeness
Set Induction (Introduction)
The teacher writes the following sentences on the board:
- You must do your homework.
- Can I go outside?
- She will travel tomorrow.
The teacher then asks pupils:
- What do you think “must,” “can,” and “will” do in these sentences?
- Do they change the meaning of the sentence?
The teacher explains that these words are modal auxiliaries and introduces the lesson.
Entry Behavior
Pupils have learned about verbs in previous lessons.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Flashcards with modal auxiliaries
- Sentence strips with different modals
- Picture charts showing different actions
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds pupils that verbs describe actions and that modal auxiliaries help to express the mood or intention behind an action.
Embedded Core Skills
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading and Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Sentence Construction
Learning Materials
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- New Oxford Primary English Book 5
Instructional Materials
- Modal auxiliary flashcards
- Whiteboard and markers
- Charts showing modal auxiliaries and examples
Lesson Content
1. Definition of Modal Auxiliaries
Modal auxiliaries are special verbs that help to express ability, obligation, possibility, permission, and requests.
2. Examples of Modal Auxiliaries
Some common modal auxiliaries are:
- Can – ability, permission (e.g., She can swim.)
- Could – polite request, past ability (e.g., Could you help me?)
- May – permission, possibility (e.g., May I go out?)
- Might – possibility (e.g., It might rain today.)
- Must – obligation, necessity (e.g., You must study.)
- Shall – future intention (e.g., I shall visit you.)
- Should – advice, expectation (e.g., You should eat healthy food.)
- Will – future certainty (e.g., She will come tomorrow.)
- Would – polite request, past habits (e.g., Would you like some tea?)
- Ought to – moral obligation (e.g., We ought to help the poor.)
3. Functions of Modal Auxiliaries
Modal auxiliaries are used to express:
| Function | Modal Auxiliaries | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Futurity | Shall, Will | I shall see you tomorrow. |
| Possibility | Can, Could, May, Might | It might rain today. |
| Certainty | Must, Will | He must be at home now. |
| Willingness | Will, Shall | She will help you. |
| Unwillingness | Would not (Wouldn’t) | He wouldn’t go to school. |
| Obligation | Must, Ought to, Have to | You must obey your parents. |
| Permission | Can, May | Can I use your pen? |
| Request | Could, Would | Could you help me, please? |
4. Using Modal Auxiliaries in Polite and Casual Requests
- Polite Request: “Would you like some tea?”
- Casual Request: “Can you give me your book?”
- Polite Request: “Could I borrow your pen, please?”
- Casual Request: “Can I borrow your pen?”
Evaluation (Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Modal Auxiliary)
Choose the correct modal auxiliary to complete each sentence.
- _____ I go to the restroom, please?
a) Must
b) May
c) Shall - You _____ finish your homework before playing.
a) Should
b) May
c) Can - We _____ travel to Abuja next week.
a) Will
b) Might
c) Must - She _____ speak three languages fluently.
a) Can
b) Should
c) Shall - He _____ arrive late due to traffic.
a) Might
b) Must
c) Will
Class Activity (Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs)
- What is a modal auxiliary?
- A modal auxiliary is a special verb that expresses ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.
- Give three examples of modal auxiliaries.
- Can, must, shall.
- What is the function of “must” in a sentence?
- “Must” shows obligation or necessity.
- How do we use “can” and “may” differently?
- “Can” is used for ability, while “may” is used for permission.
- Write a sentence using “should.”
-
- What is the polite way to ask for help?
- “Could you please help me?”
- Change this sentence into a polite request: “Give me your book.”
- Could you please give me your book?
Presentation Steps
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explains modal auxiliaries with examples.
- Writes different sentences on the board for pupils to analyze.
- Guides pupils in using modals correctly in different situations.
Learners’ Activities:
- Identify modal auxiliaries in given sentences.
- Construct sentences using modal auxiliaries.
- Role-play polite and casual requests using modals.
Assessment
- Define modal auxiliaries.
- Identify the modal auxiliary in this sentence: “She must complete her work.”
- Write a sentence using “may” for permission.
- Convert this sentence into a polite request: “Lend me your pen.”
- List five modal auxiliaries and their functions.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, asks pupils to give more examples, and corrects any errors in their exercises.