Fun English Foundations

Overview

This 60-minute lesson combines Year 1 and Year 3 learners (ages 5 and 7) who are beginners in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The lesson introduces and practises foundational vocabulary and simple sentence structures, fostering listening and speaking skills via multi-sensory, engaging activities. It aligns closely with the English programmes of study for Key Stage 1 and 2 (Years 1 and 3) within the National Curriculum for England.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Listen and Understand a range of basic vocabulary including colours, numbers (1-10), animals, greetings, and simple phrases.
• Speak and Use simple English sentences: greetings, expressing likes ("I like..."), and identifying objects ("This is a...").
• Participate confidently in interactive games and songs that develop pronunciation, memory, and comprehension.
• Recognise vocabulary visually and aurally, reinforcing connections between words and meaning.

National Curriculum References:

Year 1:

• English - Speaking and listening: Pupils should be taught to develop their competence in spoken language and gain confidence in expressing themselves clearly. (English - KS1 Programme of Study)
• English - Reading: Recognise and join in with familiar words and phrases.

Year 3:

• Languages - Listening and Speaking: Pupils listen attentively and understand simple phrases and vocabulary on familiar topics, speak with increasing confidence using simple sentences. (Modern Foreign Languages KS2)
• English - Speaking: Articulate and express opinions coherently using short sentences.

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Resources and Materials

• Flashcards: colours, numbers (1-10), animals
• Soft toy animals or pictures
• Whiteboard and markers
• Portable speaker for songs
• Printable worksheets with pictures and simple phrases
• Colouring pencils
• Visual timetable with key lesson steps
• A 'Feeling Face' chart for emotions (to encourage speaking)

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details	Curriculum Links
0-5 mins	Welcome and Warm-Up

• Greet pupils individually ("Hello, my name is... What is your name?").
• Briefly introduce lesson objectives visually.
• Use a 'Feeling Face' chart: ask "How are you?" in simple English, pupils respond "I am happy/sad." | KS1 Speaking and Listening, Year 3 MFL Listening |
  | 5-15 mins | Greetings and Simple Phrases Song |
• Introduce greetings (Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you) and simple phrases ("I like…”, “This is a…”) with a lively song.
• Use gestures and pause for pupils to repeat.
• Visual flashcards accompany the lyrics. | KS1 Speaking and Listening; KS2 Languages Speaking |
  | 15-25 mins | Colours and Numbers Vocabulary Games |
• Show flashcards for colours and numbers 1-10.
• Play “Colour and Number Bingo”: pupils mark colours/numbers they hear.
• Use repetition and chorus to reinforce pronunciation. | KS1 Reading (recognition of words); KS2 Listening |
  | 25-35 mins | Animal Identification and Simple Sentences |
• Show toy animals or images.
• Teacher says “This is a cat.” Pupils repeat in pairs.
• Play “What animal is this?” with pupil volunteers answering.
• Introduce “I like cats.” and other similar sentences. | KS1 Speaking; KS2 Speaking, structured sentences |
  | 35-45 mins | Interactive Storytime + Roleplay |
• Read a simple picture story incorporating learnt vocabulary (colours, animals, greetings).
• Pause for pupils to say repeated lines or phrases.
• Roleplay: pupils work in pairs pretending to greet each other and say “I like…” their favourite animal from story. | KS1 Listening and Speaking; KS2 Speaking with confidence |
  | 45-55 mins | Creative Expression: Drawing and Speaking |
• Pupils choose a favourite animal and colour from flashcards.
• Draw the animal and colour it. Write or dictate a simple sentence "I like the red dog."
• Teacher supports with sentence frames. | KS1 Writing support; KS2 Writing simple sentences |
  | 55-60 mins | Review and Goodbye Song |
• Quick oral quiz: “Show me red!”, “What number is 3?”
• Sing Goodbye Song with all pupils.
• Praise participation and learning. | KS1 and KS2 Speaking and Listening |

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessment: Ongoing observation during activities and games to assess pupil engagement, pronunciation attempts, and accurate use of vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Oral Feedback: Positive reinforcement, correction modelled in a friendly way (e.g. "I like cat" → "I like the cat. Well done!").
• End-of-Lesson Quiz: Quick oral questions during review to check understanding of vocabulary and simple phrases.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• For Year 1 learners: Focus on vocabulary recognition and repetition. Scaffold speaking with chorus and visual prompts. Use more gestures and nouns.
• For Year 3 learners: Encourage forming short sentences independently and peer-to-peer interaction. Introduce simple adjectives (e.g., colours) in sentences.
• Additional Support: Provide sentence starters or visual cues for EAL pupils needing assistance. Use paired or group work to support less confident speakers.
• More Able Learners: Encourage creative extension, e.g., inventing simple dialogues, or choosing two favourite animals to compare.

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Teacher Reflection Points

• Which activities most effectively engaged both age groups?
• How did pupils respond to using simple phrases vs. vocabulary drills?
• Did the use of songs and games enhance pronunciation and confidence?
• Adjust pacing for future lessons based on observed listening and speaking ability.
• Consider integrating digital tools or visual technology if available to enhance multisensory learning.

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By creating a multi-modal, scaffolded experience, this lesson plan supports young English learners to build confidence and foundational language skills, fully aligned with the UK National Curriculum.