Languages › English as a Second Language Absolute Beginner English - the Present of the Verb "to Be" Share Flipboard Email Print Nicole Cormier/Public Domain English as a Second Language Resources for Teachers Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Grammar Business English By Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. our editorial process Kenneth Beare Updated February 20, 2019 When you begin teaching absolute beginners it is important to use gestures, pointing and what is often called "modeling". You can begin teaching subject pronouns and also introduce the verb 'to be' at the same time with this simple exercise. Part I: I Am + Name Teacher: Hi, I am Ken. (Point at yourself) Teacher: Hi, I am Ken. (Repeat stressing each word) Teacher: (Point to each student and have them repeat 'I am...') Part II: He, She, Is Teacher: I am Ken. He (stress 'he') is ... (Point at a student) Student(s): Paolo (Student(s) give that student's name) Teacher: I am Ken. (Point at the student again and then circle your finger in the air indicating 'everybody') Student(s): He is Paolo. Teacher: I am Ken. She (stress 'she') is ... (Point at a student) Student(s): She is Illana. (If students make a mistake and say 'he' instead of 'she', point to your ear and repeat the sentence stressing 'she') Teacher: (Point at different students and repeat a number of times) Part III: Question With 'Is' Teacher: I am Ken. Is He Ken? No, He is Paolo. (Use modeling here - ask yourself the questions) Teacher: Is he Paolo? Yes, He is Paolo. Teacher: Is He Greg? (Point to various students eliciting a yes or no response) Student(s): Yes, He is Paolo, No, She is Jennifer, etc. Teacher: (Point from one student to the next indicating that he/she should ask a question) Student 1: Is he Greg? Student 2: No, He is Peter. OR Yes, He is Greg. Teacher: (Continue around the room)