Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Prepositions of Time

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students acquire a solid and practical understanding of the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in'. This is essential not only for proficiency in the English language but also for the application of these skills in real contexts, such as the job market, where precision in language use can be crucial. The emphasis is on developing practical skills that allow students to communicate effectively and confidently in situations that require the appropriate use of these prepositions.

Main Objectives

1. Understand and correctly use the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in' in practical contexts.

2. Develop the ability to identify and apply time prepositions in everyday situations and in the workplace.

Side Objectives

1. Expand vocabulary related to dates and times.
2. Foster confidence in communication in English through practical and interactive activities.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students acquire a solid and practical understanding of the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in'. This is essential not only for proficiency in the English language but also for the application of these skills in real contexts, such as the job market, where precision in language use can be crucial. The emphasis is on developing practical skills that allow students to communicate effectively and confidently in situations that require the appropriate use of these prepositions.

Contextualization

The time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in' are fundamental for precise communication in English. They are used to indicate specific moments, dates, and periods of the day, facilitating clarity in the transmission of information. For example, knowing how to correctly use 'at 7 o'clock', 'on Monday', and 'in the morning' can prevent misunderstandings in contexts such as scheduling, meetings, and events.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosity: The preposition 'at' is used for specific times, such as 'at 6 PM', while 'on' is used for specific days and dates, such as 'on Tuesday' or 'on January 1st'. 'In' is used for months, years, and periods of the day, such as 'in July', 'in 2023', or 'in the afternoon'. In the job market, especially in international environments, precision in the use of these prepositions can be crucial. For example, customer service professionals and administrative assistants often need to schedule appointments and meetings, where the correct use of these prepositions is essential to avoid confusion and ensure efficiency.

Initial Activity

To engage students from the start, show a short 2-minute video that presents an everyday situation where the correct use of time prepositions is essential, such as scheduling a meeting or marking an event on a calendar. After the video, ask the students: 'Why is it important to use time prepositions correctly in situations like these?'

Development

Duration: (45 - 50 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students understand and correctly use the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in' in practical contexts. Through interactive and challenging activities, students are encouraged to apply the knowledge gained, reflect on its importance, and solidify learning through fixation exercises.

Covered Topics

1. Use of the preposition 'at' for specific times.
2. Use of the preposition 'on' for specific days and dates.
3. Use of the preposition 'in' for months, years, and periods of the day.

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how precision in the use of time prepositions can impact communication in different contexts, especially in the workplace. Ask: 'How could the incorrect use of these prepositions affect a meeting scheduling or an important appointment?' Facilitate a discussion about the importance of being clear and precise when communicating times and dates.

Mini Challenge

Event Scheduling

Students will simulate the creation of an event calendar for a small business. Each group receives a set of events that need to be scheduled correctly using the prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in'.

Instructions

1. Divide the class into groups of 4 to 5 students.
2. Provide each group with a list of events with vague descriptions, such as 'Team meeting', 'Project delivery', and 'Company party'.
3. Each group must discuss and decide the specific details (time, day, and month) for each event, correctly using the time prepositions.
4. The groups must then create a visual calendar (either on poster board or digitally) where the events are correctly scheduled.
5. After creating the calendar, each group presents their work to the class, explaining how they decided on the times and dates and how they used the prepositions.

Objective: Apply the use of the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in' in practical scheduling contexts, promoting collaboration and effective communication.

Duration: (30 - 40 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Distribute a sheet of exercises with incomplete sentences for students to fill in using 'at', 'on', or 'in'. Examples of sentences: 'The meeting is ___ Monday.', 'We will start the project ___ the morning.', 'The deadline is ___ 5 PM.'
2. Ask students to form pairs and review each other's answers, discussing any discrepancies.
3. After the pair review, correct the answers together with the class, explaining each specific case.

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to consolidate learning, allowing students to review and reflect on what has been taught, discuss their experiences and perceptions, and understand the practical application of the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in'. This ensures that the acquired knowledge is internalized and can be applied confidently in different contexts.

Discussion

Facilitate a discussion on the topic covered, encouraging students to reflect on what they learned, the challenges faced during the practical activities, and how they applied the knowledge gained in the exercises. Ask: 'How did you perceive the importance of time prepositions in day-to-day communication? How did the event scheduling simulation help you better understand the use of 'at', 'on', and 'in'?' Encourage students to share their experiences and insights.

Summary

Recap the main contents presented during the lesson, highlighting the use of the time prepositions 'at', 'on', and 'in'. Remind students of the practical examples discussed and how each preposition is used for specific times, days and dates, and larger periods like months and years. Highlight the importance of using these prepositions correctly to avoid misunderstandings, especially in professional contexts.

Closing

Explain how the class connected theory with practice through interactive activities and the mini event scheduling challenge. Emphasize the relevance of the content to the job market, where precision and clarity in communication are crucial. Conclude by reinforcing that mastering time prepositions not only improves proficiency in English but also contributes to more effective communication in everyday and professional situations.