Homeschool Guide: These lesson plans are a guide for parents. Content may contain errors — always cross-reference with official exam board specifications.

L1: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1

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4 detailed 50-minute lessons with teaching scripts, worked examples, parent guides, and assessment criteria.

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Lesson Overview

Total Lessons: 4
Tier: Foundation and Higher
Duration: 50 minutes per lesson (200 minutes total)
Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas, CCEA

Learning Objectives

Prerequisites

Materials & Equipment

Lesson 1: Introduction: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Quick Recall

3 quick questions to activate prior knowledge about present tense (regular and irregular) 1. Use mini-whiteboard or paper.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read script below. Prepare materials. Pre-teach key vocab: der Nominativ (nominative), der Akkusativ (accusative), der Dativ (dative), trennbar (separable), die Nebenklausel (subordinate clause), die Endung (ending).
If stuck: See Troubleshooting below. Break into smaller steps.
Extension: See Stretch & Challenge section.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1. Goal: master German word order, cases and separable verbs. Connects to perfect and imperfect tense 1 because the lessons build sequentially."
Mins 5-15 - Direct Instruction: 1) Define: "Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 is..." 2) Key principle: "Most important:..." 3) Draw diagram, label live. 4) Real example: "Like « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »......"
Mins 15-25 - Guided Practice: Ex1: Teacher models. Ex2: Student tries with guidance. Ex3: Student independent.
Mins 25-35 - Independent Practice: 3-5 questions. Immediate feedback.
Worked Example 1: Basic

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. What is asked? «
  2. Recall knowledge: der Nominativ (nominative); der Akkusativ (accusative); der Dativ (dative)
  3. Apply: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  4. Check: Check spelling, gender and verb agreement in the target language.
  5. Answer: Model answer provided above.

Tip: "Show working - method marks > answer marks."

Worked Example 2: Multi-step

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Break down: Separate parts?
  2. Solve each: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  3. Combine: Structure: point → evidence in the target language → opinion.
  4. Final answer: Complete model answer provided above.
Worked Example 3: Data/Application

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Read data: Axes, units, scale
  2. Patterns: Trends, anomalies
  3. Explain: Why? Using present tense (regular and irregular) 1
  4. Conclude: Evidence-based

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: "Why does der Nominativ work this way?"
A: Analogy: "« Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »...". Try write three sentences in the target language from memory, then check them.
Q: "Wrong answers on calculations."
A: Checklist: units? formula? calculator mode? sig figs?
Q: "Can't remember key terms."
A: Flashcards (term front, def+diagram back). Spaced repetition: day 1, 3, 7.
Q: "Exam wording confuses me."
A: Commands: Describe=what you see; Explain=reasons; Evaluate=pros/cons+judgement; Calculate=working+units.
Q: "Running out of time."
A: 1 mark/min. Skip hard, return. Attempt all - partial marks count.

Assessment & Model Answers

Mastery Checklist:
  • [ ] Define Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 in own words
  • [ ] Identify features in diagram
  • [ ] Explain process step-by-step
  • [ ] Apply to unfamiliar context
  • [ ] Score 80%+ on past paper question

Model Answer: Past Paper Question

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  • 1 mark: [Key terminology]
  • 1 mark: [Mechanism/process]
  • 1 mark: [Application/example]
  • 1 mark: [Evaluation - Higher]

Model response: "[Complete answer with expected detail/terminology]"

Why full marks: [What makes this strong]

Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
  • Synoptic links: Connect to the previous/next lesson in this theme
  • Real-world: Research use in industry, medicine or research
  • Advanced calc: Try a more challenging variant
  • Critical: "Evaluate limitations of today's model"
  • Research: Recent discovery on present tense (regular and irregular) 1, summarise 100 words

Plenary (5 mins)

Label the Diagram

Unlabelled diagram - write all parts in 1 min

Assessment Criteria

Lesson 2: Core Concepts: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Review Previous Lesson

Quick recap: write 3 key points from last lesson on present tense (regular and irregular) 1. Use mini-whiteboard or paper.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read script below. Prepare materials. Pre-teach key vocab: der Nominativ (nominative), der Akkusativ (accusative), der Dativ (dative), trennbar (separable), die Nebenklausel (subordinate clause), die Endung (ending).
If stuck: See Troubleshooting below. Break into smaller steps.
Extension: See Stretch & Challenge section.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1. Goal: master German word order, cases and separable verbs. Connects to perfect and imperfect tense 1 because the lessons build sequentially."
Mins 5-15 - Direct Instruction: 1) Define: "Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 is..." 2) Key principle: "Most important:..." 3) Draw diagram, label live. 4) Real example: "Like « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »......"
Mins 15-25 - Guided Practice: Ex1: Teacher models. Ex2: Student tries with guidance. Ex3: Student independent.
Mins 25-35 - Independent Practice: 3-5 questions. Immediate feedback.
Worked Example 1: Basic

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. What is asked? «
  2. Recall knowledge: der Nominativ (nominative); der Akkusativ (accusative); der Dativ (dative)
  3. Apply: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  4. Check: Check spelling, gender and verb agreement in the target language.
  5. Answer: Model answer provided above.

Tip: "Show working - method marks > answer marks."

Worked Example 2: Multi-step

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Break down: Separate parts?
  2. Solve each: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  3. Combine: Structure: point → evidence in the target language → opinion.
  4. Final answer: Complete model answer provided above.
Worked Example 3: Data/Application

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Read data: Axes, units, scale
  2. Patterns: Trends, anomalies
  3. Explain: Why? Using present tense (regular and irregular) 1
  4. Conclude: Evidence-based

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: "Why does der Nominativ work this way?"
A: Analogy: "« Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »...". Try write three sentences in the target language from memory, then check them.
Q: "Wrong answers on calculations."
A: Checklist: units? formula? calculator mode? sig figs?
Q: "Can't remember key terms."
A: Flashcards (term front, def+diagram back). Spaced repetition: day 1, 3, 7.
Q: "Exam wording confuses me."
A: Commands: Describe=what you see; Explain=reasons; Evaluate=pros/cons+judgement; Calculate=working+units.
Q: "Running out of time."
A: 1 mark/min. Skip hard, return. Attempt all - partial marks count.

Assessment & Model Answers

Mastery Checklist:
  • [ ] Define Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 in own words
  • [ ] Identify features in diagram
  • [ ] Explain process step-by-step
  • [ ] Apply to unfamiliar context
  • [ ] Score 80%+ on past paper question

Model Answer: Past Paper Question

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  • 1 mark: [Key terminology]
  • 1 mark: [Mechanism/process]
  • 1 mark: [Application/example]
  • 1 mark: [Evaluation - Higher]

Model response: "[Complete answer with expected detail/terminology]"

Why full marks: [What makes this strong]

Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
  • Synoptic links: Connect to the previous/next lesson in this theme
  • Real-world: Research use in industry, medicine or research
  • Advanced calc: Try a more challenging variant
  • Critical: "Evaluate limitations of today's model"
  • Research: Recent discovery on present tense (regular and irregular) 1, summarise 100 words

Plenary (5 mins)

Label the Diagram

Unlabelled diagram - write all parts in 1 min

Assessment Criteria

Lesson 3: Application: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Review Previous Lesson

Quick recap: write 3 key points from last lesson on present tense (regular and irregular) 1. Use mini-whiteboard or paper.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read script below. Prepare materials. Pre-teach key vocab: der Nominativ (nominative), der Akkusativ (accusative), der Dativ (dative), trennbar (separable), die Nebenklausel (subordinate clause), die Endung (ending).
If stuck: See Troubleshooting below. Break into smaller steps.
Extension: See Stretch & Challenge section.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1. Goal: master German word order, cases and separable verbs. Connects to perfect and imperfect tense 1 because the lessons build sequentially."
Mins 5-15 - Direct Instruction: 1) Define: "Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 is..." 2) Key principle: "Most important:..." 3) Draw diagram, label live. 4) Real example: "Like « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »......"
Mins 15-25 - Guided Practice: Ex1: Teacher models. Ex2: Student tries with guidance. Ex3: Student independent.
Mins 25-35 - Independent Practice: 3-5 questions. Immediate feedback.
Worked Example 1: Basic

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. What is asked? «
  2. Recall knowledge: der Nominativ (nominative); der Akkusativ (accusative); der Dativ (dative)
  3. Apply: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  4. Check: Check spelling, gender and verb agreement in the target language.
  5. Answer: Model answer provided above.

Tip: "Show working - method marks > answer marks."

Worked Example 2: Multi-step

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Break down: Separate parts?
  2. Solve each: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  3. Combine: Structure: point → evidence in the target language → opinion.
  4. Final answer: Complete model answer provided above.
Worked Example 3: Data/Application

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Read data: Axes, units, scale
  2. Patterns: Trends, anomalies
  3. Explain: Why? Using present tense (regular and irregular) 1
  4. Conclude: Evidence-based

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: "Why does der Nominativ work this way?"
A: Analogy: "« Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »...". Try write three sentences in the target language from memory, then check them.
Q: "Wrong answers on calculations."
A: Checklist: units? formula? calculator mode? sig figs?
Q: "Can't remember key terms."
A: Flashcards (term front, def+diagram back). Spaced repetition: day 1, 3, 7.
Q: "Exam wording confuses me."
A: Commands: Describe=what you see; Explain=reasons; Evaluate=pros/cons+judgement; Calculate=working+units.
Q: "Running out of time."
A: 1 mark/min. Skip hard, return. Attempt all - partial marks count.

Assessment & Model Answers

Mastery Checklist:
  • [ ] Define Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 in own words
  • [ ] Identify features in diagram
  • [ ] Explain process step-by-step
  • [ ] Apply to unfamiliar context
  • [ ] Score 80%+ on past paper question

Model Answer: Past Paper Question

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  • 1 mark: [Key terminology]
  • 1 mark: [Mechanism/process]
  • 1 mark: [Application/example]
  • 1 mark: [Evaluation - Higher]

Model response: "[Complete answer with expected detail/terminology]"

Why full marks: [What makes this strong]

Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
  • Synoptic links: Connect to the previous/next lesson in this theme
  • Real-world: Research use in industry, medicine or research
  • Advanced calc: Try a more challenging variant
  • Critical: "Evaluate limitations of today's model"
  • Research: Recent discovery on present tense (regular and irregular) 1, summarise 100 words

Plenary (5 mins)

Exam Question Speed Round

5 quick questions, 1 min each. Mark together.

Assessment Criteria

Lesson 4: Exam Practice: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Review Previous Lesson

Quick recap: write 3 key points from last lesson on present tense (regular and irregular) 1. Use mini-whiteboard or paper.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read script below. Prepare materials. Pre-teach key vocab: der Nominativ (nominative), der Akkusativ (accusative), der Dativ (dative), trennbar (separable), die Nebenklausel (subordinate clause), die Endung (ending).
If stuck: See Troubleshooting below. Break into smaller steps.
Extension: See Stretch & Challenge section.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1. Goal: master German word order, cases and separable verbs. Connects to perfect and imperfect tense 1 because the lessons build sequentially."
Mins 5-15 - Direct Instruction: 1) Define: "Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 is..." 2) Key principle: "Most important:..." 3) Draw diagram, label live. 4) Real example: "Like « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »......"
Mins 15-25 - Guided Practice: Ex1: Teacher models. Ex2: Student tries with guidance. Ex3: Student independent.
Mins 25-35 - Independent Practice: 3-5 questions. Immediate feedback.
Worked Example 1: Basic

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. What is asked? «
  2. Recall knowledge: der Nominativ (nominative); der Akkusativ (accusative); der Dativ (dative)
  3. Apply: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  4. Check: Check spelling, gender and verb agreement in the target language.
  5. Answer: Model answer provided above.

Tip: "Show working - method marks > answer marks."

Worked Example 2: Multi-step

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Break down: Separate parts?
  2. Solve each: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »
  3. Combine: Structure: point → evidence in the target language → opinion.
  4. Final answer: Complete model answer provided above.
Worked Example 3: Data/Application

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  1. Read data: Axes, units, scale
  2. Patterns: Trends, anomalies
  3. Explain: Why? Using present tense (regular and irregular) 1
  4. Conclude: Evidence-based

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: "Why does der Nominativ work this way?"
A: Analogy: "« Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »...". Try write three sentences in the target language from memory, then check them.
Q: "Wrong answers on calculations."
A: Checklist: units? formula? calculator mode? sig figs?
Q: "Can't remember key terms."
A: Flashcards (term front, def+diagram back). Spaced repetition: day 1, 3, 7.
Q: "Exam wording confuses me."
A: Commands: Describe=what you see; Explain=reasons; Evaluate=pros/cons+judgement; Calculate=working+units.
Q: "Running out of time."
A: 1 mark/min. Skip hard, return. Attempt all - partial marks count.

Assessment & Model Answers

Mastery Checklist:
  • [ ] Define Present Tense (Regular And Irregular) 1 in own words
  • [ ] Identify features in diagram
  • [ ] Explain process step-by-step
  • [ ] Apply to unfamiliar context
  • [ ] Score 80%+ on past paper question

Model Answer: Past Paper Question

Q: « Am Montag gehe ich ins Kino. Wann gehst du einkaufen? Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht den Hund. Ich gebe meinem Bruder das Buch. »

  • 1 mark: [Key terminology]
  • 1 mark: [Mechanism/process]
  • 1 mark: [Application/example]
  • 1 mark: [Evaluation - Higher]

Model response: "[Complete answer with expected detail/terminology]"

Why full marks: [What makes this strong]

Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
  • Synoptic links: Connect to the previous/next lesson in this theme
  • Real-world: Research use in industry, medicine or research
  • Advanced calc: Try a more challenging variant
  • Critical: "Evaluate limitations of today's model"
  • Research: Recent discovery on present tense (regular and irregular) 1, summarise 100 words

Plenary (5 mins)

Exam Question Speed Round

5 quick questions, 1 min each. Mark together.

Assessment Criteria

Common Errors (Mark-Scheme View)

  • Wrong: "ich sehe der Hund" Correct: "ich sehe DEN Hund" — accusative after sehen
  • Wrong: "ich gebe das Buch meinem Bruder" (fine but less natural) Correct: "ich gebe IHM das Buch" — dative pronoun before accusative noun
  • Wrong: "ich rufe dich an" written as two words Correct: "ich rufe dich an" — anrufen is separable, prefix at end

🎯 Examiner Insights

  • Timing: allocate 1 minute per mark — a 4-mark question gets 4 minutes.
  • Command words: "Explain" needs "because"; "Describe" needs factual detail; "Evaluate" needs both sides + a conclusion.
  • AO weighting: AO1 (recall) ~40%, AO2 (application) ~40%, AO3 (analysis) ~20% on most papers.
  • Common loss: candidates write correct science but don’t answer the question asked — re-read the stem before writing.

Board Notes & Revision Links

This lesson is examined by: AQA 8662 | Edexcel 1GN0 | Eduqas units | CCEA units. Tier and paper details vary - always check your board's current specification.

Follow-up revision: all german topics on GCSE Revise (notes, flashcards and auto-graded target tests for this exact topic).

Homework & Consolidation

Recommended Resources

🎓 Smart Lesson (Guided)