How do you usually teach the simple present tense to your students? Many textbooks break it down into parts. For example, a textbook will present just one use of the simple present, such as repeated actions. But in my experience, students grasp onto this verb tense more easily when an overview of all four uses is given right off the bat. After I introduce this tense using the method outlined below, I let students practice one part at a time. So they get the big picture, and then they practice one area in more detail before moving onto the next area. If your students are very low level, you could choose to present these uses one at a time. Alternatively, you can use the outline below as a review after students have learned all of the different uses of the simple present tense in English.

Let’s review the basic rules and go over the four uses. Be sure to check out the practice and fun activities suggested at the end of the post! (more…)