Write a short outline of a PPP lesson plan for teaching the present continuous to describe things happening now to elementary level students.

How to Introduce the Present Continuous

Start by Modeling the Present Continuous

Begin teaching the present continuous by speaking about what is happening in the classroom at the moment of introduction. Once students recognize this usage, you can extend it to other things you know are happening now. This can include simple facts such as:

• The sun is shining at the moment.
• We’re learning English at the moment.

Make sure to mix it up by using a number of different subjects:

• I’m teaching the present continuous right now.
• My wife is working in her office at the moment.
• Those boys are playing tennis over there.

Ask Questions about Pictures

Choose a magazine or web page with lots of activity, and ask students questions based on the pictures.

• What are they doing now?
• What is she holding in her hand?
• Which sport are they playing?

Introduce the Negative Form

To teach the negative form, use the magazine or web pages to ask yes or no questions focusing on eliciting a negative response. You may want to model a few examples before asking students.