Exploring the Future

Lesson Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to confidently form and use the futur simple to describe actions they will take in the future, aligning with California’s World Languages Content Standards for Grade 9, specifically:
Stage II (Novice-High proficiency):

• Communication Standard 1.2: Interpretative – Understand and use familiar phrases and simple sentences.
• Communication Standard 1.3: Presentational – Use sentences and connected discourse to describe future events or plans.

---

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard if teaching online
• Flashcards with verbs and future-related scenarios
• Dice or a random number generator
• Prepared worksheet with gap-fill activities (conjugation in the futur simple)
• A timer (set a 2-minute countdown for warm-up activities)

---

Key Vocabulary

Introduce these example verbs students will work with during the lesson:

• Voyager
• Étudier
• Manger
• Aider
• Jouer
• Travailler

---

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up Activity - Future Predictions (5 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the concept of the future tense through a simple and engaging discussion.

1. Prompt: Begin with a class discussion by asking, “Qu’est-ce que vous allez faire ce week-end ?” (What are you going to do this weekend?). Encourage both students to respond in English to get them thinking about the future.
2. Write some of their responses on the board. Example: “I will study for a test.”
3. Transition: Explain that in French, we use the futur simple to express these ideas. Tell the students they’ll learn how to talk about their future plans in French.

---

2. Explanation & Demonstration (7 minutes)

Objective: Explicitly teach the futur simple conjugation formula and provide relatable examples.

1. Conjugation Formula for futur simple
   Write the formula on the board:
   Infinitive verb + endings (-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont)
   Highlight irregular stem changes using “avoir” and “être” as examples (aur-, ser-). Keep examples clear and limited.

2. Examples from relatable age-specific contexts:

   • Je voyagerai avec ma famille en été. (I will travel with my family this summer.)
   • Nous jouerons aux jeux vidéo après l’école demain. (We will play video games after school tomorrow.)

3. Quick Q&A: Ask students to think of a verb they will likely use when talking about their weekend/holidays. Write these on the board, and provide conjugations for some – invite them for input.

---

3. Pair Activity - Verb Dice Roll (10 minutes)

Objective: Practise conjugating futur simple verbs in an age-relevant, playful context.

Instructions:

1. Each student rolls a dice (real or virtual). The number corresponds to a pre-set verb on a chart provided by the teacher. Example:

   • 1 = voyager
   • 2 = étudier
   • 3 = aider
   • 4 = jouer
   • 5 = travailler
   • 6 = manger

2. With the selected verb, each student must create a sentence about what they or someone else “will do” in the future.

   • Example for travailler: “Je travaillerai dans un restaurant cet été.” (I will work at a restaurant this summer.)

3. One student creates a sentence, and the other offers feedback or adjusts it if necessary.

Encourage them to talk about plans that interest them—weekend outings, hobbies, or holidays. Guide them if they struggle.

---

4. Real-World Application - Dream Board (5 minutes)

Objective: Push students to contextualise futur simple in their personal goals or aspirations.

Instructions:
Tell students: “Imagine you are 25 years old. Think about what you will be doing at that age. Compose two sentences describing your future dreams using the futur simple.”
Examples to help them brainstorm:

• Je voyagerai autour du monde. (I will travel around the world.)
• J'étudierai à l’université. (I will study at university.)

Have the students share one of their sentences aloud. Offer brief corrections and praise to boost their confidence.

---

5. Wrap-Up & Reflection (3 minutes)

Objective: Review key takeaways and consolidate understanding.

• Ask: “What did you learn today? How does the future tense feel different from the present tense?’’
• Quick Review: Write a verb (e.g., jouer) on the board. Have students verbally conjugate it in the futur simple as a team to reinforce the endings (-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont).

---

Differentiation

• Challenge for advanced learners: Ask them to create a short futur simple dialogue with their partner about an imaginary future event.
• For additional support: Focus on regular verbs before introducing irregular ones like “avoir” or “être.” Pair verbal explanations with written practice.

---

Assessment

• Informal (formative): Teacher circulates and observes class discussions and pair activities, noting correct conjugations and sentence construction.
• Exit Task: Students write one correct sentence about their personal future plans before leaving the class.

---

Homework (Optional)

Students compose a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) about their weekend plans using the futur simple. Example prompt: “Qu’est-ce que tu feras ce week-end ?” (What will you do this weekend?)

---

Teacher Notes

This lesson utilises creative, age-relevant scenarios to explore the future tense while promoting communicative proficiency as per California World Language Standards. The small class size ensures deeper engagement and maximised application.