Can You Jump?
This action verbs ESL lesson practises jump, swim, fly, sleep and the ability structure 'I can...'. Children respond physically to 'Can you...?', sing, match verbs to pictures and name actions in a circle. They complete a relay sequence and finish by confidently saying one full sentence about an ability.
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Lesson format
2 × 45 minutes
Level
Starter
Age group
Ages 4–6
Main focus
Speaking first
What students will learn
Lesson flow
Children answer 'Can you...?' questions with actions, sing along to an action song acting out jump, swim and fly, then match verbs to pictures and take turns saying 'I can [verb]!' in a circle game. The second lesson reviews verbs through a colouring activity and a room walk naming actions, followed by a team relay game acting out verbs in sequence, finishing with each child completing 'I can ___.'
Target language
- • 'Can you...?'
- • 'I can...' / 'I can't...'
- • Action verbs
- • Yes/No responses
Key vocabulary
- jump
- run
- swim
- fly
- hop
- skip
- crawl
- can
- cannot
- move
Speaking questions students answer
- • Can you jump?
- • Can you swim?
- • What can you do?
- • I can...?
- • What can YOU dream of doing?
Recommended teaching contexts
Why this lesson works
The lesson follows a clear progression: Practise 'I can...' with action verbs, match verbs to pictures, build sentences while colouring an action. Teachers can open the materials and start immediately, while students move from supported vocabulary practice to purposeful spoken English.