Relative Clauses

7th Grade English Lesson Plan: Relatives Clauses

• Grade: 7
• Subject: English
• Topic: Relatives Clauses
• Duration: 30 minutes
• CAPS Reference: English Home Language 7

Objectives

1. Learning Objectives:

   • Understand the concept of relatives clauses and how they are used in English.
   • Identify and apply relatives clauses in sentences and texts.

2. Assessment Standards:

   • Use relatives clauses correctly in writing and speaking.
   • Demonstrate the ability to identify and analyse relatives clauses in texts.

Introduction (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Review of Prior Knowledge:

   • Start by quickly reviewing what clauses and sentences are, ensuring students have a solid understanding of these concepts.
   • Remind students of the different types of sentences in English, focusing on complex sentences.

2. Introduction to the Topic:

   • Present the idea that relatives clauses are a specific type of complex sentence that adds information about a noun in the main clause.
   • Give examples of simple sentences and then transform them into complex sentences using relatives clauses to illustrate the concept.

3. Problem-Solving Scenarios:

   • Pose the question: "How can we make a sentence more informative without changing the original meaning?" and, "How can we connect two related ideas in a single sentence?".
   • Explain that relatives clauses are the answer to these questions, as they allow us to add information and connect ideas more efficiently.

4. Contextualisation:

   • Explain that using relatives clauses is crucial for fluency and comprehension in English, as they are commonly used in both spoken and written English.
   • Mention that understanding and using relatives clauses correctly can enhance students' writing and speaking skills, making their English more sophisticated and natural.

Development (15 - 20 minutes)

1. Theory: What are Relatives Clauses? (5 - 7 minutes)

   • Give a definition of relatives clauses: a relatives clause is a type of dependent clause that begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) and gives more information about a noun in the main clause.
   • Provide examples of relatives clauses, highlighting the relative pronouns and the nouns they refer to.
   • Explain the difference between defining and non-defining relatives clauses, giving examples of each.

2. Practice: Identifying Relatives Clauses (5 - 7 minutes)

   • Provide students with a series of sentences and ask them to identify the relatives clauses.
   • Discuss the answers as a class, clarifying any doubts and correcting any misconceptions.

3. Theory: How to Use Relatives Clauses? (5 - 7 minutes)

   • Explain that relatives clauses can be used to give more information about a person, thing, place, or idea.
   • Provide examples of simple sentences and demonstrate how to transform them into complex sentences using relatives clauses.
   • Discuss the difference between defining and non-defining relatives clauses, explaining that non-defining relatives clauses are used to add extra information, while defining relatives clauses are used to identify or define the noun they refer to.

4. Practice: Using Relatives Clauses (5 - 7 minutes)

   • Provide students with a series of simple sentences and ask them to transform them into complex sentences using relatives clauses.
   • Discuss the answers as a class, correcting any errors and reinforcing the correct usage of relatives clauses.

5. Application: Writing with Relatives Clauses (5 - 7 minutes)

   • Ask students to write a short paragraph using relatives clauses.
   • Encourage them to use both defining and non-defining relatives clauses to make their writing more informative and interesting.
   • Ask a few students to share their paragraphs with the class, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Feedback (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Review and Reflection (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Ask students to reflect on what they have learned in the lesson.
   • Encourage them to think about how they can apply the knowledge gained about relatives clauses in their own writing and speaking.

2. Group Discussion (3 - 4 minutes)

   • Facilitate a group discussion, asking students to share their reflections and any questions they may still have.
   • Encourage students to help each other by answering questions and providing constructive feedback.

3. Teacher's Feedback (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Provide feedback to students on their performance during the lesson, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
   • Reinforce the importance of using relatives clauses correctly and effectively in English and encourage students to continue practising this skill.

4. Closure (1 minute)

   • End the lesson by thanking students for their participation and encouraging them to continue studying and practising the use of relatives clauses.
   • Remind students of the importance of reviewing the lesson content regularly to ensure understanding and retention of the material.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summary of Key Points (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Recap the main ideas of the lesson, reinforcing the concept of relatives clauses and their importance in English.
   • Summarise the difference between defining and non-defining relatives clauses, highlighting the ability of the former to identify or define a noun, while the latter adds extra information.

2. Connecting Theory to Practice (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Explain how the lesson connected the theory of relatives clauses with practice, through identifying and transforming sentences into complex sentences with relatives clauses.
   • Reinforce that the ability to identify and use relatives clauses is essential for fluency and comprehension in English, as they are commonly used in both spoken and written English.

3. Extension Materials (1 minute)

   • Suggest additional resources for students to further their understanding of relatives clauses, such as websites, videos, and online exercises.
   • Encourage students to explore these resources on their own time to reinforce what they have learned in class.

4. Relevance to Everyday Life (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Explain that the ability to use relatives clauses effectively can enhance students' writing and speaking skills, making their English more sophisticated and natural.
   • Emphasise that understanding and using relatives clauses correctly can help students to express themselves more clearly and accurately in English, which is a valuable skill in many aspects of life, including school, work, and personal relationships.

Assessment (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Assessing Understanding (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Ask students to write down three sentences using relatives clauses.
   • Walk around the room, checking their sentences and offering feedback.
   • Encourage students to ask questions if they are unsure of anything.

2. Reviewing Key Concepts (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Ask students to summarise what they have learned about relatives clauses in one sentence.
   • Encourage them to think about how they can apply this knowledge in their own writing and speaking.

3. Reflecting on the Lesson (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Ask students to think about the lesson and reflect on what they found most challenging and what they found most useful.
   • Encourage them to share their reflections with the class, promoting a culture of feedback and continuous improvement.

4. Teacher's Feedback (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Provide overall feedback on the lesson, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
   • Reinforce the importance of using relatives clauses correctly and effectively in English and encourage students to continue practising this skill.

Inclusivity (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Adapting the Content (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Modify the lesson content to meet the diverse needs and abilities of the students.
   • Offer additional support to students who may be struggling with the lesson material, such as one-on-one assistance, extra practice exercises, or alternative explanations.

2. Encouraging Participation (2 - 3 minutes)

   • Create an environment where all students feel comfortable participating and sharing their ideas and questions.
   • Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss and complete activities, fostering collaboration and mutual support.

3. Recognising Diversity (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Acknowledge and value the diversity of the classroom, recognising that each student has unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles.
   • Tailor the lesson to accommodate this diversity, using a variety of teaching strategies and resources to engage and support all learners.

4. Fostering an Inclusive Environment (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Promote an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued, respected, and included.
   • Encourage students to celebrate each other's differences and work together to create a positive and supportive learning community.