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Teaching Modal Verbs with New Year’s Resolutions

 

Modal verbs are essential for expressing intentions, possibilities, and advice, making them a perfect fit for lessons about New Year’s resolutions. By connecting grammar to personal and relatable themes, we can help adult learners practice modal verbs in a meaningful context. 

Why Modal Verbs?

 A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb that expresses possibility, ability, permission, necessity, or likelihood by modifying another verb.

Modal verbs like will, can, should, might, and must are practical tools for learners to:

    Express their goals and plans (“I will exercise more.”).

    Talk about possibilities (“I might join a gym.”).

    Give or receive advice (“You should try a new hobby.”).

 Start with New Year’s Resolutions:

Ask learners what they know about New Year’s resolutions. Write a few common examples on the board, such as:

    “I will save money this year.”

    “I might learn how to knit.”

    “I should eat healthier.”

Highlight Modal Verbs:

Explain that these sentences use modal verbs to express intentions, advice, or possibilities. Provide simple definitions:

    “Will” shows certainty or a strong intention.

    “Might” shows possibility.

    “Should” gives advice.

Practice with Examples

Provide learners with vocabulary they can use to write resolutions, such as:

    Actions: Save, learn, exercise, stop, start, try, eat, spend, drink.

    Topics: Money, time, health, family, work, hobbies.

 Sentence Completion:

Give students prompts to complete using modal verbs. This lets students practice applying new vocabulary with modal verbs.

    “This year, I will ______.”

    “I might ______ more.”

    “I should ______ every day.”

 Brainstorming:

If you have an in person class divide students into small groups and ask them to brainstorm New Year’s resolutions using different modal verbs. This can work for online classes as well, students can take turns brainstorming instead of breaking into small groups.  For example:

    “I will study English three times a week.”

    “I might try yoga.”

    “I should make time for my hobbies”

Resolution Match Game:

Prepare cards with modal verbs on one set (e.g., will, might, should) and actions/goals on another (e.g., exercise, save money). Students match the cards to create sentences.

 Role-Play Advice Sessions:

Pair students and have them take turns giving advice using modal verbs:

    “What should I do to be healthier?”

    “You should eat more vegetables and drink water.”

Write Personal Resolutions:

Ask learners to write 3-5 resolutions using at least three modal verbs. For example:

    “I will learn to cook a new recipe.”

    “I might take evening classes.”

    “I should walk more often.”

Share with the Class:

Encourage students to share one resolution with the group. Create a supportive environment by inviting classmates to ask follow-up questions like:

    “Why might you do that?”

    “How will you start?”

Ways Students can Practice:

Ask students to talk to a family member or friend about their New Year’s resolutions. Encourage them to use modal verbs in their discussion and report back in the next class.

Students can also journal about their new year’s resolution as a fun way to include writing practice with modal verbs.

Tips for Success

    Use visuals: Show images of common resolutions to spark ideas.

    Encourage creativity: Let students come up with unique or humorous resolutions.

    Connect to culture: Discuss how different countries approach New Year’s goals or similar traditions.

Conclusion

Teaching modal verbs through New Year’s resolutions is a practical and inspiring way to start the year. By linking grammar to real-life goals, you’re empowering your learners to express their dreams while building their confidence.

Resources

Mango Languages:  This is a great resource for a more in depth breakdown of modal verbs and their uses.

Khan Academy: A  short video about modal verbs with a quick practice exercise available after the video finishes. 

Contact Info

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124 W Capitol Ave, Suite 1000

Little Rock, AR 72201

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