How to Teach Relative Clauses: An ESL Lesson Plan

How to teach relative clauses is a critical skill for an ESL teacher. At Off2Class, we want to ensure that teachers can easily obtain that teaching tool. 

This article covers the first step to learning how to teach relative clauses. It includes a free lesson plan download from our library of lesson plans used by teachers in more than 100 countries. The lesson gives you the tools to teach relative clauses and ensure your students are progressing in their studies. Keep reading for an introduction to teaching relative clauses!

How to Teach a Relative Clause 

Each teacher knows that first, students must master the construction of basic sentences. Basic sentences provide the building block for communication. For example, a student might write, “This is a dog.” 

A relative clause or adjective clause can be joined together to give more information about something. That is to say, it gives more information about the noun. As an example, the student might write, “This is a dog that is eating a bone.” To introduce a relative clause, include a relative pronoun (such as who, that, whose) or a relative adverb (when, where, why). 

What Does Lesson Plan Include? 

At Off2Class, we have spent years building lesson plans for ESL teachers. Therefore, we know how to build content that will inform your students and make your job easier. This lesson plan on how to teach relative clauses includes definitions of relative clauses, examples of relative pronouns and relative adverbs. Each example is illustrated to encourage comprehension.

We know, it is important to engage with students. This lesson plan offers practical exercises designed to test student knowledge, practice the use of relative clauses and ensure that each student knows how to use this part of grammar effectively.

In addition, the lesson plan includes real-life examples and conversational prompts designed to provoke and delight your students.

This lesson is suitable for Intermediate students and is classified CEFR High B1 or B1+.

What Comes Next?

In conclusion, please use this lesson plan in one session or split up over multiple classes. We encourage you to take this plan and make it your own. Feel free to add games, additional illustrations and content that is localized for your students. If you want additional lesson plans and support, including teachers’ notes, be sure to download a free Off2Class account.

Finally, as always, have fun with this topic. Grammar provides the building blocks of communication. Above all, make sure to help your students understand the importance and power of relative clauses. We hope this lesson helps. Comment and let us know how you make this lesson plan your own.

Happy teaching!