Free ESL Lesson Plan: Understanding Grammar for New Learners

If English grammar has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, this lesson is for you. This simple, step-by-step guide helps you finally understand how English sentences really work — without memorizing endless rules.

You’ll learn the most common grammar patterns used in everyday English, see clear examples, and practice with short activities that make everything click. It’s designed for new learners who want to speak and write with more confidence and make fewer mistakes.

Whether you’re studying alone or with a teacher, this free lesson will help you build a strong grammar foundation that actually makes sense — one that helps you sound natural and clear in real conversations.

1. Understanding Grammar for New Learners Building Your English Foundation, Step-by-Step Created by Scott Kucher – TEFL Certified English Teacher

2. Why Grammar is Your Superpower Clarity Ensures your message is understood exactly as you intend. Confidence Speaking and writing correctly boosts your self-assurance. Credibility Correct grammar makes you sound professional and educated. Connection Helps you understand native speakers and complex texts. Context Grammar rules help convey time, quantity, and relationships. Foundation It's the essential framework for all language skills. 💡 Tip Think of grammar not as a set of strict rules, but as the logic of the English language. It's the system that makes communication work.

3. The Core Duo: What Are Nouns and Verbs? Nouns Definition: People, places, things, or ideas Examples: teacher (person) London (place) book (thing) idea (abstract) How to Identify: Ask: "Who or what is the sentence about?" The answer is usually a noun. Verbs Definition: Actions or states of being Examples: run (action) think (action) is (state) have (state) How to Identify: Ask: "What is the subject doing or being?" The answer is the verb. The Simple Sentence: Noun + Verb Every sentence needs at least a subject (usually a noun) and a verb. Example 1: The dog runs . (Noun + Verb) Example 2: I am a student . (Noun + Verb + Noun)

4. Talking About Now: The Present Simple Use 1: Habits & Routines Example: I wake up at 7 AM every day. Example: She drinks coffee every morning. Form Base verb for I, you, we, they Use 2: Facts & Truths Example: The sun rises in the east. Example: We live in a big city. Form Base + 's' or 'es' for he, she, it ⚠️ Common Mistake Remember the 'S' for third-person singular (he, she, it)! ✗ He run (Wrong) ✓ He runs (Correct) 💡 Tip This is the most common mistake for new learners! Practice with he, she, and it until it becomes automatic.

5. The Tiny Words That Matter: A, An, The "A" Indefinite Article Used before singular count nouns starting with a consonant sound. Examples: a book, a car, a dog "An" Indefinite Article Used before singular count nouns starting with a vowel sound. Examples: an apple, an hour, an egg "The" Definite Article Used for specific or unique things, or when the noun has already been mentioned. Examples: The book on the table, The President, The sun 💡 Key Rule: It's About Sound! The rule is based on the sound , not the letter. This is crucial! Vowel Sound: an umbrella (vowel sound) Consonant Sound: a university (consonant 'yoo' sound) When you see a word starting with a vowel letter (A, E, I, O, U), listen to how it sounds. If it sounds like a vowel, use "an". If it sounds like a consonant, use "a".

6. Adding Detail: Adjectives and Adverbs Adjectives (Describe Nouns) They tell you what kind or how many . Example 1: a blue shirt Example 2: a delicious meal Example 3: The new student is smart . 📍 Placement Adjectives go before the noun they describe. Adverbs (Describe Verbs, Adjectives, or Adverbs) They tell you how , when , or where . Example 1: He runs quickly . Example 2: She sings loudly . Example 3: He finished the test easily . -ly Suffix Pattern Many adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective: slow → slowly

7. Showing Relationships: Prepositions Prepositions of Place (Where) in , on , at , under , next to Example 1: The keys are on the table. Example 2: My phone is in the drawer. Prepositions of Time (When) in (months/years), on (days), at (specific time) Example 1: I have a meeting at 3 PM on Friday in December. Example 2: The party is on Saturday at 8 PM. ⚠️ Common Error: Transport Confusing in and on for transport. Use on for public transport ( on the bus ), and in for private cars ( in the car ). 💡 Tip Prepositions are often fixed phrases. The best way to learn them is through exposure and memorizing common combinations, not just rules.

8. Making Sentences Smooth: Pronouns Subject Pronouns (Doer) I you he she it we they Object Pronouns (Receiver) me you him her it us them Possessive Adjectives (Ownership) my your his her its our their Example: How Pronouns Reduce Repetition Without pronouns: Sarah gave the book to John. Sarah was happy because John loved reading. With pronouns: She gave it to him . She was happy because he loved reading. 💡 Tip Pronouns prevent repetition and make sentences flow more naturally. Instead of repeating names and nouns, use pronouns to keep your writing smooth and engaging.

9. Your Grammar Toolkit: Review Key Concepts Covered ✓ Nouns & Verbs: The essential core of any sentence. ✓ Present Simple: Use for habits and facts. ✓ A, An, The: Use for specificity and counting. ✓ Adjectives & Adverbs: Use to add color and detail. ✓ Prepositions: Use to connect ideas in time and space. ✓ Pronouns: Use to reduce repetition and improve flow. 🎯 Practice Challenge Now it's your turn to apply what you've learned! Write three sentences about your daily routine. Make sure to include: • A noun and a verb • An article (a, an, or the) • At least one adjective or adverb Example: "I enjoy my morning coffee at 7 AM."

10. Ready to Master English Grammar? 📚 Master Grammar Get personalized lessons to fix your specific grammar mistakes. 🗣️ Build Fluency Practice speaking and writing with expert guidance and feedback. 📁 Access Resources Unlock exclusive worksheets, quizzes, and downloadable guides. 👥 Join a Community Connect with other learners and get your questions answered instantly. Take Your English Skills to the Next Level! Start Your Free Grammar Assessment Now! Visit: englishwithscott.netlify.app Scan Me