An Activity To Practice Lie Vs. Lay Lesson Plan Template (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Lay It on the Line: An activity to practice LIE vs. LAY

Step 4 – Have students switch roles. Repeat Step 2 with a new set of objects. Suggestions:

scissors, dictionary, umbrella, mug, earphones, cell phone, gloves, folders, calculator, coins.

Step 5 – Below the chart write a second statement: You laid ___________ on the desk. Tell

students that they must listen and guess which object you placed on the desk. When an object is

identified, students must use LAY in the present tense.

Model -

Teacher: (set of keys) Nadia, what did I lay on the desk?

Nadia: You laid some coins on the desk.

Teacher: No, I lay something that we use to open doors.

Nadia: I think you laid keys on the desk.

Teacher: Yes.

You can either show a large set of objects or show two objects at a time. Remove all objects from

view. Students will either close their eyes or you can set up a screen (use a folder or box). Loudly

place one of the objects on the desk behind your screen. Based on the noise made, students must

guess what you just laid down. Suggested objects if shown in pairs: keys vs. coins, mug vs. book,

pencil vs. calculator, pens vs. paper clips.

Step 5 – OPTIONAL. Discuss the following expressions. Write the expression on the board and

then read the model aloud. Ask students to guess the meaning. If you wish to simplify, scramble

the meanings on the board and have students match the meaning to the expression as you read

each model aloud.

1. Paul decided to lay it on the line and tell Megan everything. She actually was very

understanding and didn’t get as mad as he had thought she would be when she learned

the truth. = tell the truth and risk upsetting someone

2. George laid down the law with his son and forbid him to stay out past midnight. =

state as an official rule

3. Trudy had no sympathy for her brother. She had warned him that lying to his teachers

would get him into trouble. She said, “You’ve made your bed. Now lie in it.” (Note

there are variations.) = deal with the consequences of your actions

4. “Well, I know it’s not good news, so just tell me quickly. Come on. Lay it on me.” = tell

information that the listener will not like

5. Why did you tell everyone you had experience when you obviously don’t? You were lying

like a rug! = clearly not telling the truth

By Jennifer Lebedev

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