Near Future Tense

Overview

This highly engaging 60-minute lesson aims to introduce Year 9 students to the near future tense (futur proche) in French, enabling them to talk about intentions and plans. Aligned with the National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 3 Modern Foreign Languages), it combines grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills using innovative activities to deepen understanding and facilitate immediate application.

National Curriculum Links

KS3 MFL Modern Foreign Languages Programme of Study:
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation, and use increasing knowledge of grammar, including present and near future tense forms, to enhance communication.
- Speaking and Writing: Communicate effectively in speech and writing in classroom and transactional contexts, extending to personal and imaginative topics.
- Listening and Reading: Develop understanding of spoken and written language in everyday contexts.
- Intercultural Understanding: Explore cultural perspectives through language learning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Understand and correctly form the near future tense in French (aller + infinitive).
Use the near future tense to express personal intentions and plans.
Demonstrate improved pronunciation and intonation of near future tense verbs.
Apply the near future tense in speaking and writing tasks about near-future plans.
Listen and respond accurately to questions using the near future tense.

Success Criteria

Correctly conjugate “aller” in present tense for all pronouns.
Confidently construct sentences using the near future tense.
Pronounce near future tense sentences with appropriate intonation.
Participate actively in speaking activities using the target tense.
Complete a written task demonstrating grammatical accuracy and vocabulary related to near future plans.

Resources

Whiteboard and pens
Printed “near future tense” conjugation chart
Picture flashcards depicting various activities (e.g., going to the cinema, playing football, studying)
Speaker or headphones and audio clips of native speakers using near future tense
Mini whiteboards or paper for quick writing tasks
Timer or stopwatch
Projector or interactive whiteboard

Lesson Structure

1. Starter (5 mins) – Engaging Prediction Game

Teacher projects a picture collage of weekend activities.
Students guess what they will do this weekend using English prompts.
Quick recap of “aller” verb in present tense: je vais, tu vas, il/elle va, nous allons, vous allez, ils/elles vont.

2. Introduction to Near Future Tense (10 mins)

Teacher models the near future construction: aller + infinitive verb.
Write examples on the board:
- Je vais manger (I am going to eat).
- Nous allons regarder un film (We are going to watch a film).
Highlight the formula and verb agreement.
Clear demonstration of intonation via choral repetition.

3. Controlled Practice (10 mins)

Distribute conjugation charts and flashcards.
Students match flashcards to appropriate near future sentences by filling in blanks.
Use mini whiteboards for students to write correct sentences.
Peer check and teacher feedback focused on pronunciation and accuracy.

4. Interactive Speaking Task (15 mins) – Speed Planning

Students form pairs.
Each pair receives a small set of activity cards.
Using a 2-minute timer, they quickly ask and answer questions about plans using near future tense:
- “Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire ce soir?”
- “Je vais jouer au foot.”
Rotate partners every 3 minutes to maximise interaction and exposure.

5. Listening Activity (10 mins)

Play an audio clip of a native French speaker describing their weekend plans using near future tense.
Students listen and complete a fill-in-the-gap worksheet.
Follow with whole-class correction and discussion about any new vocabulary.

6. Independent Written Task (8 mins)

Students write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) about their plans for the weekend using the near future tense.
Encourage inclusion of varied activities and accurate conjugations.
Teacher circulates to provide formative assessment and support.

7. Plenary (2 mins) – Quick Quiz & Reflection

Use a quick-fire oral quiz: teacher asks questions on near future tense structure and translation.
Students respond individually or with thumbs up/down to indicate confidence.
End with a 1-sentence reflection: “Je vais ____” expressing their own near future intention.

Differentiation

Support: Provide verb tables and vocabulary lists; paired with stronger peer for speaking tasks.
Challenge: Encourage use of negative near future (“Je ne vais pas...”) and time phrases (demain, ce soir).
Extension: Translate written paragraph into English or attempt to use reflexive verbs in near future.

Assessment and Feedback

Formative assessment throughout via mini whiteboard activities, speaking feedback, and worksheet corrections.
Written task evaluated using a simple rubric for grammar accuracy, vocabulary use, and sentence structure.
Peer and self-assessment encouraged during plenary.

Cross-Curricular Links

English: Understanding future tense concepts aids grammatical awareness.
ICT: Use of audio clips and interactive whiteboards promotes digital literacy.
PSHE: Discussing future plans supports personal goal setting and self-expression.

Teacher’s Notes

Emphasise pronunciation drills with a focus on liaison and elision in near future tense.
Use real-life contexts (weekend plans, holidays) to make language meaningful.
Incorporate body language and gestures during speaking to encourage confidence.
Consider recording students’ spoken responses for self-evaluation and progress tracking.

This lesson plan encourages active learning, cultural engagement, and builds confidence in practical use of the near future tense, fully aligning with the statutory English National Curriculum for Languages.

Teaching Instructions