Facing a challenge: reading with time expressions
Read the text on page 42 of your book (a student who found a school subject difficult). Time expressions help us follow the order of events: first or at first, then, after that, finally. First starts the story; then and after that join the middle; finally ends it. A challenge is something difficult. Courage is being brave when you feel afraid. Determination is the strong wish to keep going until you finish, and an obstacle is something in your way. To talk about a problem we say: It’s difficult to …, I have trouble with …, The problem is … . To suggest a solution we say: It might be a good idea to …, How about …?, Maybe we should …, I suggest … . When someone tells you a problem, listen first, and then suggest one idea. Say it kindly and use a soft voice.
| Step | Time word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning | First, / At first | First he sat on the bike seat. |
| Middle | Then / After that | Then he pushed with his feet. |
| End | Finally | Finally he rode alone. |
When Ziad was eleven, he wanted to ride a bike, but at first he was afraid. First he sat on the seat while his uncle held the back. Then he pushed with his feet. He fell twice and his knee hurt a little, so he felt discouraged. After that his uncle said, “Every rider falls at the beginning. How about a short break?” Ziad drank some water and rested. Then he tried again, and this time he rode ten metres. Finally, after two weeks, he rode around the park alone. He felt proud because he did not give up.
Problem helpers. Write three small problems on cards: I have trouble with times tables; It’s difficult to get up early; The problem is I forget my homework. With a grown-up pick a card and give a solution with a different phrase each time.