Understanding work schedules and shifts

Summary

This downloadable PDF lesson plan for English teachers helps A1 students discuss work schedules. This ESL class material covers key vocabulary and grammar for talking about daily routines, shifts, and times, perfect for a beginner-level English lesson.

This practical A1 English lesson focuses on work schedules. Students begin with vocabulary matching and fill-in-the-blanks to learn terms like 'shift' and 'schedule.' A listening exercise reinforces this vocabulary in context. The lesson then introduces the simple present tense and prepositions of time for describing routines. Activities culminate in a reading comprehension task and a guided speaking role-play where students practice asking and answering questions about their work hours.

Activities

• Learn and practice vocabulary related to work schedules through matching and gap-fill exercises. They then apply this knowledge in a listening comprehension task where they fill in blanks and answer true/false questions about a colleague's work routine.
• Focus on grammar, specifically the simple present for routines and prepositions of time ('at', 'from...to'). Students practice by writing sentences from a table, followed by a short reading exercise about a new schedule at a hospital to check comprehension.
• Engage in speaking practice using useful phrases for asking and answering questions about work shifts. Students use these in a guided role-play, pretending to be new colleagues and discussing their different work schedules.

Understanding work schedules and shifts A1

0:00

/3067200

1×

Vocabulary focus

This lesson introduces essential vocabulary for discussing work routines. Students will learn and practice words such as: schedule, shift, start, finish, day shift, night shift, and free. These terms are reinforced through matching, gap-fills, listening, and speaking activities.

Grammar focus

The primary grammar point is the simple present tense, focusing on its use for schedules and routines (e.g., "He starts work..."). The lesson also covers key prepositions of time, specifically 'at' for specific times (at 9 AM) and 'from...to' for periods (from 9 AM to 5 PM).