Even with the rise of AI-driven grammar tools, "Teaching Tenses" remains a staple in teacher training. Its focus on how to explain the nuances of English—such as the difference between "I’ve been writing" and "I’ve written"—cannot be replaced by automated tools. Aitken provides the why behind the what . Conclusion
While the book is deeply informative, it avoids getting bogged down in heavy linguistic theory. It is practical. It is written by a teacher for teachers. The tone is accessible, making it a "desk-side companion" rather than a textbook to be read once and shelved.
When teaching tenses, several key principles should be considered:
What the tense actually communicates. Aitken excels at breaking down abstract temporal concepts into concrete, logical ideas. teaching tenses rosemary aitken pdf
: Includes emphatic tenses, tag questions, and a section of photocopiable materials for classroom use. Key Features for Teachers
The book heavily relies on the PPP framework, offering structured pathways to move students from controlled recognition to spontaneous, authentic production. Aitken provides teachers with clear, step-by-step presentation contexts—such as timelines, situational dialogues, and visual aids—to introduce tenses naturally. 3. Anticipating Learner Errors
Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect, Past Perfect Continuous, Was going to Future Section Even with the rise of AI-driven grammar tools,
Teaching tenses can be a challenging but rewarding experience for both teachers and learners. By following a systematic and graded approach, using authentic materials, and incorporating a range of practice activities, teachers can help learners develop a solid understanding of tenses. Rosemary Aitken's ideas and principles provide a valuable framework for teaching tenses, emphasizing the importance of clarity, simplicity, and practice. By adopting these best practices, teachers can help learners master the complexities of English tenses and improve their overall language proficiency.
One of the most valuable contributions of the book is its emphasis on CCQs. Instead of asking open-ended questions, Aitken provides highly specific, binary questions to verify comprehension. For example, to check the present perfect sentence, "He has gone to Paris," the CCQs would be: "Is he here now?" (No) and "Is he in Paris or on his way?" (Yes). Contextualization
While the physical book is available through major retailers like Amazon , digital versions are often sought after for convenience. You can find various digital formats or previews through these platforms: Teaching Tenses - Rosemary Aitken | PDF - Scribd Conclusion While the book is deeply informative, it
: Suggests the use of pictures, diagrams, and timetables to clarify complex temporal boundaries. Accessing the Text
Includes a resource bank of photocopiable activities for classroom use, alongside concept questions and suggested contexts. Key Features for Teachers