What and Why?
The timing and pace of each lesson are linked together. However, timing refers mainly to when things are done in the lesson. The rhythm of the lesson needs to be maintained so that students use the class time productively and enjoyably. Your timing for new activities or steps in the lesson also needs to bear in mind what the students have just been doing and how much time is left in the lesson.
Practical ideas
- Look at the timing estimates in the Teaching Notes for each unit before you start and write your own estimates.
- Make a note during the lesson of the actual time each exercise took with each class and, if appropriate, why you think it differed from your estimates.
- Before starting an exercise tell the students how long they have. Near the end of the time warn them that the time is almost over.
- Keep an eye on the clock during the lesson: don't start a new task just before the end of the lesson!
- If there are only a few minutes left at the end of the lesson the students can work on the time to spare exercises, fill in their language record, do an exercise from the exercise box, make an exercise, play a game, sing a song, or look back through the previous units.
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