Lesson plan of Introduction to Connectors

Objectives (5-7 minutes)

1. Familiarization with English Connectors: Students should be able to recognize and understand what connectors are, their importance in English writing, and how they help organize and articulate ideas effectively.

2. Identification of Types of Connectors: Students should be able to identify the different types of connectors in English, such as addition, contrasting, cause and effect, conditional, time connectors, among others.

3. Application of Connectors in Written Texts: Students should be able to apply connectors correctly in their own writing, in order to improve text cohesion and coherence, thus improving their English writing skills.

Secondary objectives:

• Development of English Reading Skills: By learning about connectors, students will also have the opportunity to improve their English reading skills, since understanding more complex texts often relies on understanding the connectors used.

• Development of English Text Interpretation Skills: By analyzing the use of connectors in different texts, students will also enhance their ability to interpret the meaning of an English text.

Introduction (10-15 minutes)

1. Review of Previous Content: The teacher should begin the class by briefly reviewing previous content that is fundamental to understanding connectors, such as the basic structure of an English sentence and the difference between words and phrases. This can be done through targeted questions to students, asking them to recall these concepts. (3-5 minutes)

2. Problem Situation 1: "The Prisoner's Escape": Next, the teacher should present a problem situation involving the use of connectors. For example, it could be a short story about a prisoner trying to escape from a maximum-security prison. Students should identify where connectors could be used to make the story more cohesive and logical. (3-5 minutes)

3. Contextualization: Importance of Connectors: The teacher should then explain the importance of connectors in English writing, highlighting how they help organize and articulate ideas, making the text clearer and more fluent. Real-life situations where the ability to use connectors effectively is valued can also be mentioned, such as in academic essay writing or work reports. (2-3 minutes)

4. Problem Situation 2: "The Car Accident": To further illustrate the importance of connectors, the teacher can present a second problem situation, such as the description of a car accident. Students should identify the appropriate connectors to describe the sequence of events, causes, and effects. (3-5 minutes)

5. Presentation of the Topic: Finally, the teacher should introduce the topic of the class - "Connectors in English" - briefly explaining what connectors are and why they are important in English writing. It can also be mentioned that there are different types of connectors, each with a specific function, and that students will learn to identify and use these connectors throughout the class. (2-3 minutes)

Development (20-25 minutes)

1. **"Matching the Pieces" Activity (10-12 minutes)

   • Activity Description: The teacher should prepare colored cards with English words and phrases in advance. Each card should contain a connective word or phrase (e.g., "because,'' however,'' "in addition to," "on the other hand,'' etc.). Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 4 people and given a set of cards, which will be shuffled.

   • Activity Execution: Each group should organize their cards in the order they find most appropriate to form a logical and cohesive story. Once the groups have organized their cards, they should present their stories to the class, explaining the function of each connector in the story sequence. The teacher should facilitate the activity, clarifying doubts, providing guidance, and giving feedback.

   • Objective of the Activity: The objective of this activity is to allow students to practice identifying and using connectors in a playful and collaborative context. In addition, the activity helps reinforce students' understanding of how connectors contribute to the cohesion and coherence of a text.

2. **"Connecting Ideas" Activity (10-12 minutes)

   • Activity Description: In this activity, students will be asked to write a short text (about 100 words) on a topic of interest, such as sports, travel, music, etc. However, students should include specific connectors in their writing as suggested by the teacher.

   • Activity Execution: Students, still in groups, should choose a topic and start writing their text. While writing, they should identify where they can insert the connectors that were suggested by the teacher (e.g., "firstly,'' "on the other hand,'' "in conclusion,'' etc.). After completing the activity, each group should share their text with the class, explaining the reasoning behind their choice and use of connectors.

   • Objective of the Activity: The objective of this activity is to allow students to practice using connectors in a real writing context. In addition, the activity helps develop students' ability to articulate and organize their ideas effectively.

3. **"Connector Bingo" Activity (optional, 5-7 minutes)

   • Activity Description: If time permits, the teacher can organize a "Connector Bingo" game. The teacher should prepare bingo cards with different connectors in advance. Students, still in groups, should receive a bingo card. The teacher will draw connectors, and students should mark the connectors drawn on their cards. The first group to mark all the connectors on their bingo card will be the winner.

   • Objective of the Activity: The objective of this activity is to provide a fun and playful moment for students to consolidate their knowledge about different types of connectors. In addition, the activity helps reinforce students' ability to identify connectors in a competitive game context.

Closure (8-10 minutes)

1. Group Discussion (3-4 minutes): The teacher should promote a group discussion with all students, in which each group will share the solutions or conclusions of their activities. This will allow students to learn from each other and see different approaches to using connectors in various contexts. The teacher should ensure that all groups have the opportunity to share and clarify any doubts that may arise during the discussion.

2. Connection with Theory (2-3 minutes): The teacher should then revisit the Objectives of the class and make the connection with the activities carried out. The teacher should highlight how these activities helped students achieve the Objectives of the class, such as identifying and using connectors in English. This will help students understand the relevance of the activities carried out and how they connect with the theory.

3. Individual Reflection (2-3 minutes): The teacher should ask students to reflect individually on what they have learned in the class. To facilitate reflection, the teacher can ask questions such as: "What was the most important concept you learned today?" and "What questions still need to be answered?". Students should write down their reflections on a piece of paper or in their notebooks. This will allow students to process and assimilate what they have learned, as well as identify any gaps in their understanding that need to be addressed in future classes.

4. Teacher Feedback (1 minute): Finally, the teacher should provide feedback to students on their performance during the class. The teacher should praise students' efforts, highlight areas where they did well, and offer constructive suggestions for improvement. The teacher's feedback is crucial for students' development, as it helps them understand what they are doing well and what they still need to work on.

Conclusion (5-7 minutes)

1. Recap (2-3 minutes): The teacher should begin the conclusion of the class by recalling the main points covered during the class. This includes the definition of connectors, the identification of different types of connectors (addition, contrasting, cause and effect, conditional, time connectors, etc.), and their importance in English writing. The teacher should reinforce that the appropriate use of connectors helps make the text more cohesive, coherent, and fluent, thus improving students' writing skills.

2. Connection between Theory, Practice, and Applications (1-2 minutes): The teacher should then explain how the class connected theory, practice, and applications. They can mention that, through the practical activities, students were able to apply the theory of connectors, identifying and using these connective words and phrases in various contexts. The teacher can also highlight that the ability to use connectors effectively has several real-world applications, such as in academic essay writing, work reports, professional emails, among others.

3. Extra Materials (1 minute): The teacher should then suggest additional materials for students who wish to further deepen their understanding of connectors. This could include reference books, English learning websites, explanatory videos, online exercises, among others. The teacher should emphasize that regular practice with connectors is essential to mastering this skill.

4. Importance of the Topic (1-2 minutes): Finally, the teacher should emphasize the importance of connectors for students' daily lives. They can mention that, in addition to being useful in English writing, connectors can also improve oral communication, helping to organize and articulate ideas more clearly and effectively. The teacher can also highlight that the ability to use connectors adequately is valued in various contexts, from the classroom to the workplace.

In concluding the class, the teacher should reinforce the idea that mastering connectors is a valuable skill that can open many doors for students, both academically and professionally.