Understanding Modal Auxiliaries: Must, Can, and Will Structure English Grammar Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2
Lesson Plan: English Grammar – Primary 5 First Term
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 auxiliaries, Must, Can, Will, Shall, Futurity, Possibility, Obligation, Politeness, Requests
Set Induction:
The teacher will begin by asking the pupils to give examples of sentences where they have asked for permission, made requests, or talked about future events. The teacher will highlight any modal auxiliaries used in their sentences.
Entry Behaviour:
Pupils are familiar with basic sentence structure and have a general understanding of verbs.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Flashcards with modal auxiliaries.
- Sentences using different modal auxiliaries.
- A worksheet with activities for comparing polite and casual requests.
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
The teacher will ask the pupils to recall verbs from the previous lessons and discuss how verbs can express actions or states.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Communication and interpersonal skills through making requests.
- Critical thinking in identifying the functions of modal auxiliaries.
Learning Materials:
- Flashcards
- Worksheets
- Sentence strips
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Primary English Textbook
Instructional Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Flashcards with modal auxiliary examples
- Worksheets with sentence exercises
Content
- Definition of Modal Auxiliaries:
- Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs used to express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations.
- Examples of Modal Auxiliaries:
- Must: Expresses obligation (e.g., “You must finish your homework”).
- Ought to: Suggests a recommendation (e.g., “You ought to see a doctor”).
- Will: Indicates futurity (e.g., “She will go to school tomorrow”).
- Have to: Implies necessity (e.g., “We have to leave now”).
- Shall: Used for suggestions or offers (e.g., “Shall* we dance?”).
- Can: Indicates ability or permission (e.g., “He can swim”).
- May: Used for permission (e.g., “May* I leave the room?”).
- Functions of Modal Auxiliaries:
- Futurity: “Will you be attending the meeting?”
- Possibility: “She might come to the party.”
- Certainty: “They will succeed.”
- Willingness: “I will help you.”
- Unwillingness: “He won’t do it.”
- Obligation: “You must follow the rules.”
- Permission: “You may go out now.”
- Request: “Could* you pass the salt?”
- Polite vs. Casual Requests Using Modal Auxiliaries:
- Casual Request: “Can* you help me?”
- Polite Request: “Could* you please help me?”
Evaluation
- You __ (a. can, b. must, c. should) finish your homework before playing.
- She __ (a. will, b. shall, c. may) visit us tomorrow.
- They __ (a. must, b. can, c. might) wear their uniforms to school.
- __ (a. May, b. Shall, c. Could) I go out to play now?
- We __ (a. can, b. will, c. should) follow the rules at all times.
- He __ (a. ought to, b. can, c. must) see a doctor for his cough.
- __ (a. Shall, b. Will, c. Can) we start the meeting now?
- You __ (a. have to, b. should, c. must) complete this assignment.
- She __ (a. can, b. must, c. may) speak three languages fluently.
- __ (a. Could, b. Can, c. Will) you lend me your pencil, please?
- They __ (a. will, b. might, c. shall) go to the park later.
- You __ (a. must, b. should, c. can) not speak during the exam.
- We __ (a. may, b. can, c. ought to) leave now.
- __ (a. Can, b. May, c. Must) I have some water?
- You __ (a. will, b. should, c. can) bring your books tomorrow.
Class Activity Discussion
- Q: What are modal auxiliaries?
A: Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs used to express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations. - Q: Give an example of a sentence using “must.”
A: “You must finish your homework.” - Q: What does the modal auxiliary “will” indicate?
A: “Will” indicates futurity or something that will happen in the future. - Q: How can “can” be used in a sentence?
A: “Can” can be used to express ability, as in “He can swim.” - Q: What is the function of “may”?
A: “May” is used to ask for or give permission, e.g., “May I leave the room?” - Q: Which modal auxiliary expresses obligation?
A: “Must” expresses obligation. - Q: How do we use “ought to” in a sentence?
A: “Ought to” is used for giving recommendations, e.g., “You ought to eat more vegetables.” - Q: What is a polite way to make a request?
A: Using “Could you please…” is a polite way to make a request, e.g., “Could you please help me?” - Q: What is the difference between “can” and “could”?
A: “Can” is often used for ability or casual requests, while “could” is used for polite requests or past abilities. - Q: How do we use “shall” in a sentence?
A: “Shall” is used for making suggestions or offers, e.g., “Shall we dance?” - Q: Give an example of “will” showing certainty.
A: “They will succeed in their exams.” - Q: What does “might” express in a sentence?
A: “Might” expresses a possibility, e.g., “She might come to the party.” - Q: Which modal auxiliary would you use to show unwillingness?
A: “Won’t” is used to show unwillingness, e.g., “He won’t do it.” - Q: How do we ask for permission using “may”?
A: “May I leave the room?” is a way to ask for permission using “may.” - Q: Compare the use of “can” and “could” in requests.
A: “Can” is for casual requests, e.g., “Can you help me?” while “Could” is more polite, e.g., “Could you help me, please?”
Presentation
Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Review of Tenses.” The teacher asks the pupils to recall the different tenses and provide examples.
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic as follows: “Today, we will learn about modal auxiliaries. Modal auxiliaries are special helping verbs that help us express abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations in sentences.”
Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions by asking them to form sentences using different modal auxiliaries. The teacher corrects the pupils when and where necessary.
Teacher’s Activities
- Display the flashcards with different modal auxiliaries.
- Explain the meaning and use of each modal auxiliary.
- Provide examples of sentences using modal auxiliaries.
- Guide pupils in distinguishing between polite and casual requests using modal auxiliaries.
Learners’ Activities
- Observe the flashcards and listen to the teacher’s explanations.
- Participate in forming sentences using modal auxiliaries.
- Identify the functions of modal auxiliaries in given sentences.
- Practice making polite and casual requests using modal auxiliaries.
Evaluation Questions (10 Short Answer Questions)
- What are modal auxiliaries?
- Give two examples of modal auxiliaries.
- What does “must” express in a sentence?
- How can “can” be used in a sentence?
- Which modal auxiliary would you use to ask for permission?
- Give an example of a sentence using “shall.”
- What is the difference between “will” and “might”?
- Use “ought to” in a sentence.
- How would you politely ask someone to help you?
- Which modal auxiliary expresses obligation?
Conclusion:
The teacher goes around the classroom, marking the pupils’ work and providing necessary corrections. The lesson is summarized by revisiting the main points about modal auxiliaries and their functions.