English as a Second Language Lesson Plan
Teacher:
Jessica Harper
Day/Date: Wednesday 4-4-11
Grade Level & Subject: 4-English/Language Arts
Lesson and/or Unit Title: Linking Verbs-Parts of Speech
Amount of Time: 60 minutes
Common Core Standard(s):
 0401.1.1 Know and use appropriately the meaning, forms, and functions of nouns
(including singular and plural, common and proper, singular and plural possessives), verbs
(including action and linking, regular and irregular forms, correct tenses, agreement in
person and number with both simple and compound subjects), adjectives (including proper
comparison forms, articles), pronouns (including subject, object, and possessive; singular
and plural; agreement with antecedents), and adverbs (i.e., proper comparison forms,
negatives).
 SPI 0401.1.2 Identify the correct use of verbs (i.e., agreement, tenses, action and linking)
within context
Language Proficiency Level: Intermediate Fluency
Student Learning Objective(s):
1. The learner will be able to identify linking verbs.
2. The learner will know how to use a linking verb in sentences.
Assessment For Learning:
Summative- The students will be asked to take a quiz on the internet. The purpose of this
assessment is to measure objectives #1 and #2.
http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/grammar/linking_verbs/quiz522.html
Formative- The students will play a game on the computer and they will have to identify which
word is a linking verb. This will measure objective #1.
http://www.funbrain.com/verb/index.html
Lesson Outcome(s):
 The learner will feel more comfortable speaking the English language.
Key/Essential Questions:
 Why do we use linking verbs?
 How can you find a linking verb in a sentence?
Key Vocabulary (CALP) Activity:
1. Action Verb-Taught in the previous lesson. We will review at the very beginning of class.
2. Linking verb-We will learn a song about linking verbs, identify linking verbs in sentences,
and compare linking and action verbs.
Materials/Items Needed:
1. Journals
2. Linking verbs worksheet
3. Computers
4. Comparing linking verbs and action verbs worksheet
5. Words to Linking Verb song
6. Posters with the linking verbs from the song on them
Hook/Engage: We will begin class by learning about what a linking verb is. We will then learn a
fun song about linking verbs. I will go over the tune and the words with the students. We will then
1
practice. After we have learned the words of the songs we will add in posters. Each child will have a
poster with a linking verb on it. They will hold that word up when we get there in the song. After the
song every child will have to tell me a sentence with the linking verb on their poster.
Activities:
Activity1-The students will be given a paper with 10 sentences on it. Each student will have to
identify the linking verb in each sentence and then after they are finished they must draw the
monster that the sentences explain.
Activity 2-This activity will be a worksheet on linking verbs the students will only have a brief time
to finish this worksheet and then we will have each student pick one sentence to act out for us.
Activity 3- The students will split up into groups of 3 or 4. They will be asked to create a Web 2.0
Tool at http://goanimate.com/. The purpose of this tool is to make a short video explaining the
differences between action and linking verbs. The students will be required to identify action and
linking verbs in their video. This will not be a homework assignment. We will take time in the next
class to finish if not finished during the lesson.
Real-Life Connection: It is very important for these ESL students to know how to correctly use
the English language. Things like linking verbs are parts of speech that ESL students often leave
out when they speak. We will work with these greatly to increase their use of the English language,
and make them the best speakers possible.
Assignment Extension: The students will take home a worksheet that is comparing linking verbs
and action verbs. They will have to identify the verb in the sentence as linking or action. They will
then have to draw a picture for each sentence.
Differentiation Notes:
Students will be able to work at their own
individual pace and choose among a variety of
activity choices to meet unique learning styles.
Modifications for special education students
with IEPs and other students with exceptional
needs will be discussed with the mentoring
teacher.
Technology Integration
Highlight desired bullets; check all that apply








Word Processing
Power Point
Internet Resources
Graphics/Charts
Internet Research
Web 2.0 Tool(s)
Interactive whiteboard
Other:
Teacher Strategies - Best Practices
(Highlight the row you wish to select; check all that apply)














Student choice
Modeling reading strategies
Modeling writing strategies or the writing process
Cooperative learning
Reading aloud
Independent Reading
Writing before and after reading
Implementing pre, post, or during reading activities
Teaching metacognitive strategies/reading strategies
Hands-on learning/manipulatives utilized
Small group
Higher-ordering thinking skills
Real-world connections
Criteria charts created (student-driven; supports learning by defining and clarifying a task )
2










Rubrics created (student-centered)
Mentor texts
Anchor charts (a reference tool that “anchors” new and ongoing learning to key concepts
previously introduced)
Research/research materials
Evidence of assessment for learning (teacher modifies instruction based on students’
understanding)
Classroom/Literacy library
Writing workshop time
Teaching grammar and mechanics in context
Conferencing
Other (please explain)
3