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blunderbuster
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"S" in third person singular (present simple)
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Hi,
I was wondering what your favorite remedy for the missing "s" in the present simple was. Looking forward to your answers. I have a new class and it feels kind of like starting over yet again ;o)
Regards
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19 Sep 2010
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anitarobi
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Knocking - that �s good!
I tell them that because he/she/it are all crammed up in one place, they get this -s as a special gift, to sort of make up for it. It usually works. But this knocking sounds really effective. I have to try that. |
19 Sep 2010
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Lina Ladybird
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Anita, sometimes I don�t even have to knock anymore!!
In some classes I just raise my fist, and one of the ss starts shouting: "Stooop, there�s an �s� missing!!!!"
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19 Sep 2010
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GIOVANNI
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I made a flag and drew an � �S � � on it. I wave it in the air. Mind you, my arm often gets tired from all the waving. It works. |
19 Sep 2010
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PhilipR
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I attended a lecture by Michael Swan (yes, THE grammar guru) last week and he said he didn �t really mind students not using the 3rd person -s since it doesn �t really affect understanding. He mentioned that there is no logical explanation whatsoever to have that annoying letter.
I partly agree. If the -s isn �t used in conversation when fluency is more important than accuracy, I don �t mind that much. However, if it �s for exams and the like, it is important. Know your students� needs. He warned teachers not to have a nervous breakdown or burst out in tears if students just don �t get it. He said the same for the use of articles and ridiculed the apostrophe.
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19 Sep 2010
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Petpet
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I usually raise my hand and show three fingers to indicate the third person and they get it immediately as they are used to it. Be careful to show the right fingers, though :-) |
19 Sep 2010
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lshorton99
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Philip - I think he must have given the same talk - I went to it in Spain last year - he was a lot more interesting than I expected. I thought he �d drone on about correct English but he was witty and practical!
Regina - personally I favour the carrot and the stick approach. If they get it wrong, I hit them with a big stick. If they get it right, I give them a carrot!
Lindsey
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19 Sep 2010
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MarionG
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Ishorton, that might actually be a great idea to use in all classes for all wanted and unwanted behaviour!! Start the year by explaining the saying and then have a ridiculously big stick (an inflatable one for example) and either real slices of fresh carrot or carrot stickers to use when appropriate...might actually be a fun tool! |
19 Sep 2010
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Lina Ladybird
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@petpet
I don �t get your joke (?), sorry... How could we show our ss "the wrong fingers"??  |
19 Sep 2010
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puddyd
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I write a big �s � on the board on the top rhs.I then only point to the letter and eventually, I don �t even have to write it up anymore as the motion of my hand pointing backwards signals to the ss that they �ve missed an s. |
19 Sep 2010
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I always knock on the table when my ss say "don�t" instead of "doesn�t". It makes them correct themselves straight away! 