Modals are our best friends. They surround us everywhere. Here is a girl saying: I can play the piano. And a kid crying: I cannot find my toy. Can you identify the modals in these sentences? You will be correct if you point out the words can, cannot. This verb let us express the possibility of doing something in the present.

Example 1: Birds can fly.

Example 2: Fish can swim.

Have you noticed we put bare infinitives after can? It is because modal verbs require using the infinitive without to: Ann can swim. Jack can drive a car.

We can build the negative form using not: Ann cannot (or can't) swim. Jack cannot (or can't) drive a car.

Let's have some practice. Can you list some things you can do? By the way, you may have noticed that we put the modal in the first place to make up a question. So, can you swim? Can you dance? Can you sing? Can you jump? I am sure you can do it all. And now you can say how to use the modal verb can. Isn't it delightful?

Here is a fun activity to practice using the verb can. Students can split into groups. Then having set a time limit, they need to describe to their team an object, animal, or a person, using can or cannot statements until someone guesses it.

For example, I can pour water and put flowers there. I can break it into small pieces. What is it? It is a vase.

Another game will be a lot of fun. Children can play it in pairs or groups as well. Students need to make statements about the animal's abilities. For example, cows can walk down the stairs.

After asking for details, children need to say if it is true or not.

Other frequently used modal verbs are may and might. These words are synonyms. We use them to talk about the possibility in the present or future:

For example: It’s already half-past seven. They may be late. (They might be late).

When asking about permission formally, we need to use may: May I borrow your pen?

The negative form for these modals are may not and might not: We might not arrive on time. You may not wear a hat. It is warm outside.

We offer an exciting activity for practicing using may and might. You can print down the photos of some animals. Show your students only the part of this picture and ask them to guess the mysterious object. Their answers should start with: It may be, or it might be. For example, here is a cat’s nose.

Ask your kids what it is? The answer is: it might be a cat.

You can also print children’s photos and ask them to recognize somebody from their class.

The modal verbs should, have to, must indicate the necessity of doing something. The main difference between them is in the level of urgency.

We use should if it is a piece of advice or a logical conclusion. For example, You should read this book. I loved it so much.

If I have to do something, it is necessary to do it. For an instant, I have not seen Ann for ages. I have to call her.

Pay attention that we use 'has to' with he, she, it: Dave has to take a bus to get to school.

The negative forms are don't have to, doesn't have to: I don't have to wash the dishes. But I'll do it.

We use must for rules and instructions, which means it is highly significant to do this. For example: You must keep it a secret, do not tell anybody!
 

The negative form is mustn’t: It is Sue’s birthday. We mustn’t be late!

If we want to show that something is unnecessary, we can also use 'don’t need to or needn't': They have a lot of time, so they don't need to hurry up.

Using these modals may be a bit confusing. Having more practice will help overcome these difficulties.

Here is a game - What job is it?

Children need to describe the profession, and their classmates have to guess it. For example, he must wear a helmet. He must rescue people. He must put out fires. Who is it? A firefighter.

Another activity is about finding a hidden object. Students have to tell each other what to do to find the missing thing. For example, you have to move three steps to the right. You have to look at the shelf. You have to take the green box. You have to open it. The missing object is inside.

Your children will love practicing having fun. Find our other articles and entertaining activities to help kids learn enjoyably every day!