TR&W Issue 20

ACTIVITY IDEAS Modal verb charades Ask children to act out scenarios using modal verbs. For example, a pupil pretends to be locked out of their house. Classmates guess, “You can’t get in!” or, “You must find your key!”. Modal verb storytelling Create a story together, where each sentence must contain a modal verb. For example, start with “Once upon a time, a wizard could turn anything to gold”. Each student then adds a sentence. Role-play dialogues Pupils pair up and engage in conversations using modal verbs. Provide scenarios like asking for permission, giving advice, or making predictions. For example, one child asks, “May I borrow your book?” and the other responds, “You should return it tomorrow.” Modal verb debate Organise debates on light-hearted topics. Pupils must use modal verbs in their arguments, for example, “You should consider…” or “We must not forget…” So, you might debate ‘School uniforms should be mandatory.’ Children can then use sentences like “Pupils must express individuality.” Create your own modal verb rules Ask children to make up a fictional world with unique rules that use modal verbs. E.g., ‘In this world, people must hop on one foot when happy.’ or ‘You must sing to greet someone.’ Modal verb quiz show Host a quiz where pupils must answer questions using modal verbs, or identify the modal verb in a sentence. For example, “Which modal verb completes this sentence correctly? ‘You _____ be quiet in the library.’” Permission May and can are used to give or seek permission. May is more formal and polite, often used in official or respectful requests, like ‘May I leave the room?’. Can , on the other hand, is more informal, and commonly used in everyday situations, as in ‘Can I borrow your pen?’. Conditional verbs Typically used in hypothetical or conditional statements, conditional verbs include would and could . Would is often used to talk about choices or actions under specific conditions, e.g. ‘I would travel if I had more time’. Could indicates possibility under certain conditions, as in ‘If I finish my work early, I could go to the party.’ Persuasive writing Modal verbs, as auxiliary elements in a sentence, play a unique role in shaping the tone and intent of the main verb. They are the subtle yet powerful tools that can turn a simple statement of fact into one of necessity, possibility, permission, or conviction. In persuasive writing, their usage becomes even more significant. When a modal verb like must or will is introduced, it does more than just support the main verb; it transforms the sentence into a stronger, more compelling statement. For instance, saying ‘You must consider…’ instead of just, ‘Consider…’ lends an air of urgency and authority to the suggestion. It’s no longer just an option; it becomes almost an imperative, nudging the reader or listener towards a particular stance or action. When it comes to crafting arguments that will resonate with an audience, modal verbs are crucial. In using them, pupils will be able to articulate their points with greater clarity and conviction. They help pupils articulate their points with greater clarity and conviction. For example, using modal verbs like could or might in a debate or persuasive essay introduces possibilities and hypothetical scenarios, inviting readers to consider alternatives or consequences. When we teach children to use these verbs skillfully, we aren’t merely ticking a box for the KS2 SATs; we’re empowering them with the ability to express their opinions persuasively, and with confidence. You can find lots more modal verb activities at tinyurl. com/tp-modal TP Modal verb Application Example Can/could Ability or possibility She can solve complex problems May/might Permission or likelihood You may start the test now Must/ought to Obligation or advice You must finish your homework Shall/will Future actions or offers We shall discuss this tomorrow Should Advice or expectation You should check your work Table 1. Examples of modal verbs Emma Cate Stokes is a freelance writer and former primary teacher. @emmccatt 54 | www.teachwire.net