Future Tense Introduction

Overview

Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 1 student
Unit: Mastering French Communication (Lesson 11 of 20)
Age group: Year 11 (15–16 years old)
Subject: Modern Foreign Languages (French)
National Curriculum links:

• Key Stage 4 - Languages programmes of study (Years 10-11)
• Developing knowledge of grammatical structures (including tenses), allowing pupils to communicate effectively and with confidence
• Use a range of grammar and vocabulary, including in more complex forms, to express their ideas accurately
• Produce both spoken and written language for different purposes and audiences

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the basic formation of the future simple tense in French (regular verbs).
2. Form the future tense of key verbs (er, ir, and re verbs).
3. Make and write three sentences predicting future events or making future plans using the future tense.

National Curriculum Reference:

• Pupils should be taught to: use extended sentences, including the future and conditional tenses, to express their ideas [KS4 Languages - Grammar]
• Express and justify opinions and ideas orally and in writing, using different tenses appropriately.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain how to form the future simple tense in French.
• I can conjugate regular -er, -ir, and -re verbs into the future tense.
• I can create and say three sentences about my future plans or predictions accurately using the future tense.

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Materials

• Whiteboard and marker or digital tablet for notes
• Verb conjugation reference chart (future tense forms)
• Worksheet with practice exercises (sentence building and translation)
• Flashcards with infinitive verbs and time expression prompts (e.g., demain, la semaine prochaine)

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Resource/Notes
0:00 – 5:00	Engagement and Starter: Begin by asking the student simple questions about their plans for the weekend or holidays in English. Then ask: "How would you say this in French if you want to talk about what you will do?" Introduce the concept of the future tense in everyday conversation.	Verbal; use real-life examples; encourage thinking about communicating future intentions
5:00 – 12:00	Explanation and Modelling: Introduce the future tense formation: infinitive + future endings (-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont). Highlight -er, -ir, -re verbs differences (drop the final 'e' for -re verbs). Write and read examples of each conjugation on the board/tablet: parler, finir, vendre.	Use whiteboard/tablet for conjugation chart; emphasise phonetic pronunciation and spelling changes
12:00 – 20:00	Guided Practice: Using flashcards with infinitive verbs and future time expressions, work together to create 5 example sentences orally, e.g., "Je parlerai avec mes amis demain." Then, student writes 3 sentences about their own future plans. Provide immediate feedback on accuracy, spelling, and vocalisation.	Flashcards, worksheet for writing; scaffold as needed; encourage self-correction
20:00 – 27:00	Independent Practice: Student composes 3 new sentences predicting future events (e.g., "Le week-end prochain, je finirai mes devoirs.") Simulate a mini conversation where the student answers questions about their future plans using the future tense.	Oral and written; simulate authentic communication; model prompts if needed
27:00 – 30:00	Plenary and Assessment: Summarise key points about future tense formation. Check student can meet the success criteria by reading aloud their 3 future tense sentences. Self-assessment using a simple checklist based on the success criteria.	Verbal feedback; student self-assessment checklist

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Differentiation and Support

• Since this is a one-to-one lesson, adapt explanations and pace depending on student confidence.
• Provide scaffolded verb charts for reference during independent tasks.
• Use colour-coding to help identify verb endings and infinitives.
• Encourage use of technology (voice recording app) to rehearse pronunciation independently after class.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment through oral repetition and written sentence creation during guided and independent practice.
• Immediate verbal feedback to correct tense use and pronunciation errors.
• Self-assessment supported by the success criteria checklist ensures student ownership of learning.

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Extension Ideas for Next Lesson

• Introduction to irregular future tense verbs (e.g., aller → ir-, avoir → aur-).
• Begin linking future tense with immediate future (aller + infinitive) for contrast.
• Use role-play scenarios to practise future tense in dialogues.

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Inspirational Tip for Teachers

To deepen engagement, personalise the future tense practice by asking the student to make predictions about their own life goals or future world events, integrating cultural topics such as French festivals or holidays. This connects grammar learning to real-world communication, enriching motivation and contextual understanding!