Common English Mistakes in Lesson Plans by Spanish Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Spanish speakers from Mexico when writing a Lesson Plan in English.

Mistake Example #1

Direct translation of Spanish expressions ('I have 25 years' instead of 'I am 25 years old')

For today's lesson plan, we will learn about the water cycle. First, I will explain how thewater evaporates from the ocean and goes to the sky. Then, we will makedo an experiment where you will see how the water condenses and falls like rain. I have 15 students in the class, and each onewill have their own materials to do the experiment.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Just a few small changes were needed. (p.s.: "make an experiment" should be "do an experiment")"

For today's lesson plan, we will learn about the water cycle. First, I will explain how water evaporates from the ocean and goes to the sky. Then, we will do an experiment where you will see how the water condenses and falls like rain. I have 15 students in the class, and each will have their own materials to do the experiment.

For today's lesson plan, we will learn about the water cycle. First, I will explain how the water evaporates from the ocean and goes to the sky. Then, we will make an experiment where you will see how the water condenses and falls like rain. I have 15 students in the class, and each one will have their own materials to do the experiment.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of present continuous ('I am going to the school every day' instead of 'I go to school every day')

In today's lesson plan, we are focusing on the topic of weather. I amwill explaining the different types of weather conditions, and I amwill asking the students to describe what they areseeing outside. We arewill also going to the playground every day to observe the changes in the sky and how it isaffectings the temperature.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Sounds like a great lesson plan! I just made some changes to the verb tense."

In today's lesson plan, we are focusing on the topic of weather. I will explain the different types of weather conditions, and I will ask the students to describe what they see outside. We will also go to the playground every day to observe the changes in the sky and how it affects the temperature.

In today's lesson plan, we are focusing on the topic of weather. I am explaining the different types of weather conditions, and I am asking the students to describe what they are seeing outside. We are also going to the playground every day to observe the changes in the sky and how it is affecting the temperature.

Mistake Example #3

Misuse of prepositions ('Married with' instead of 'Married to')

In today's lesson plan, we will focus ion teaching students about the water cycle. Begin the class by explaining how water evaporates from oceans and lakes, then it condenses into clouds. After that, discuss how precipitation occurs and water returns back to the earth. Make sure to engage students with questions and encourage them to share their own experiences related with rain and weather changes.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I've made a change to correct this error: "we will focus in teaching students" which should be "we will focus on teaching students"."

In today's lesson plan, we will focus on teaching students about the water cycle. Begin the class by explaining how water evaporates from oceans and lakes, then it condenses into clouds. After that, discuss how precipitation occurs and water returns back to the earth. Make sure to engage students with questions and encourage them to share their own experiences related with rain and weather changes.

In today's lesson plan, we will focus in teaching students about the water cycle. Begin the class by explaining how water evaporates from oceans and lakes, then it condenses into clouds. After that, discuss how precipitation occurs and water returns back to the earth. Make sure to engage students with questions and encourage them to share their own experiences related with rain and weather changes.