Google Slides or Padlet Introductions Using Gerunds and Infinitives

Tell students that they are going to create a brief presentation to introduce themselves to the class.

Show your own introduction on Padlet or Google Slides (whichever tool you select for this class assignment).

Teach gerunds and infinitives by having students listen to and take notes. Use the PowerPoint slideshow and note-taking form included with this lesson or create your own.

Have students write sentences about themselves, modeling how some verbs require a gerund after them, while others require an infinitive, and how some verbs can take either a gerund or infinitive.

1. What is something you always forget to do?
2. What is an activity you enjoy?
3. What is a bad habit you have quit?
4. What is an activity you detest?
5. What do you feel like doing this weekend?  
6. What is an activity you practice often?
7. What is something you hope to do in the future?
8. What do you know how to do well?
9. What is something you are learning or want to learn?
10. What is an activity from your youth that you remember fondly? 

Note: This activity is also on the note-taking form that is part of the presentation stage of this lesson.

Then have students interview one or more classmates by asking the questions and answering in complete sentences.

Review gerunds and infinitives, as needed, with the review PowerPoint slides.

Optionally, have students practice online with any of the following:

Practice gerunds and infinitives.

Do any three of the exercises below.  Do more if you need more practice.

(From English Page)

Basic Gerunds and Infinitives

Exercises 1 - 10 are based on Part 1 of the Gerunds and Infinitives Tutorial (Links to an external site.).

• Gerunds and Infinitives 1 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 2 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 3 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 4 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 5 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 6 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 7 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 8 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 9 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 10 

Intermediate Gerunds and Infinitives

Exercises 11 - 20 are based on Part 2 of the Gerunds and Infinitives Tutorial.

• Gerunds and Infinitives 11 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 12 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 13 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 14 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 15 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 16 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 17 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 18 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 19 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 20 

Advanced Gerunds and Infinitives

Exercises 21-30 are based on Part 3 of the Gerunds and Infinitives Tutorial.

• Gerunds and Infinitives 21 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 22 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 23 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 24 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 25 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 26 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 27 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 28 
• Gerunds and Infinitives 29 
• Gerunds and Infinitives Final Test

Have students orally and spontaneously practice the answers to the questions they wrote in the first practice activity with the Speaking Prompts PowerPoint slides. Call on individual students to provide their answers or ask for volunteers. Give feedback as needed.

Have students prepare their presentations. Collect their writing, provide feedback, and have them make corrections. 

Instructions for students:

  1. First, prepare your answers to some questions using gerunds or infinitives, as required by the verb. Here are the questions (choose any 4 - 5 to answer in complete sentences):

• What do you like doing?
• What do you dislike doing?
• What are you happy or enthusiastic about (gerund)?
• What are you worried about (gerund)?
• What are you proud of (gerund)?
• What is something you know how to do well (infinitive)?
• What is something you believe in (gerund)?
• What is something you always forget to do (infinitive)?
• What is something you would like to do in the future (infinitive)? If you were famous, what would you be famous for (gerund)?                                                                                   

  2. Find the slide with your name and enter your sentences and insert images.

• Type in your answers.  After you have finished, ask someone (a family member, friend, classmate, teacher, or instructional aide) to check your spelling and grammar.  
• Also, add your picture, other images, links, or videos. Note: To add images (Insert - Image) - you will need to sign in (top right) with a Google account.  If you don’t have one, you can make one with any email account. Ask the aide for help.
• Please don't delete others' slides.
• Practice your sentences.  
• Make your presentation!

Then have students post their answers to these questions on the Padlet wall or shared Google Slideshow you have set up. Model how to enter text and insert images. 

You may make a copy of this Google Slides template. (Select "Make a copy." Then delete the instructor sample and add your own).

Sample class introductions on Padlet.

1. Have students introduce themselves to the class by projecting the Padlet wall or Google Slides. 
2. As desired, use a checklist or rubric to give students feedback on their writing and speaking.
3. Review common errors and reteach, as needed.

Students will be able to use a new technology tool for class projects or presentations and will have more confidence in writing and speaking about themselves.