Level: High Beginning and Up
Pair with the Song: “Tom’s Diner” (Suzanne Vega, 1981)
Recommended Videos: Vega’s a cappella version; the remix by the group DNA

The song “Tom’s Diner” is loaded with verbs in the present progressive tense, and the lyrics are straightforward. If you’re looking for a song to supplement a lesson on this tense, “Tom’s Diner” is a great choice. The grammar-based Lesson Plan includes the worksheet and chant below, a suggestion for a writing exercise, and the Story Behind the Song. Permission granted to duplicate the worksheet and chant for classroom use.

pres prog ex.docx          pres prog ex.pdf          pres prog ex (webpage)

waiting chant.docx          waiting chant.pdf          waiting chant (webpage)

Previews:

At the Diner

A.  Write the verb in parentheses in the present progressive tense. The first one is done for you.

1. I             am sitting             at the diner on the corner. (sit)
2. I ___________________________ for the man to pour the coffee. (wait)
3. He ___________________________ out the window at a woman. (look)
4. She ___________________________ her umbrella. (shake)
5. They ___________________________ their hellos. (kiss)
6. I ___________________________ not to see them. (pretend)
7. I ___________________________ to the horoscope in the newspaper. (turn)
8. I ___________________________ for the funnies. (look)
9. I ___________________________ someone watching me. (feel)
10. Another woman ___________________________ outside. (stand)
11. She ___________________________  her stockings. (straighten)
12. Her hair ___________________________ wet. (get)
13. I ___________________________ to the bells of the cathedral. (listen)
14. I ___________________________ of your voice. (think)

B.  Check your answers.

1. I am sitting at the diner on the corner.
2. I am waiting for the man to pour the coffee.
3. He is looking out the window at a woman.
4. She is shaking her umbrella.
5. They are kissing their hellos.
6. I am pretending not to see them.
7. I am turning to the horoscope in the newspaper.
8. I am looking for the funnies.
9. I am feeling someone watching me.
10. Another woman is standing outside.
11. She is straightening her stockings.
12. Her hair is getting wet.
13. I am listening to the bells of the cathedral.
14. I am thinking of your voice.

C.  Work with a partner. Person 1 asks the questions below. Person 2 answers with one of the sentences above. Person 2 can use the contractions I’m, he’s, and she’s.

1. What are you listening to?
2. Who is the man looking at?
3. What is the woman shaking?
4. What are you waiting for?
5. What are you turning to?
6. What are you looking for?
7. Where are you sitting?
8. What are you feeling?
9. Where is another woman standing?
10. What is getting wet?

The sentences in this exercise are based on the song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega.
Exercise: © 2019 Sandra Heyer. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
Image: © Amstockphoto | Dreamstime. Reprinted with permission.

Waiting

A.  Read the chant below while listening to the recording below the chant.

Is she waiting for you?
No, she’s waiting for him.
Is she waiting with Jack?
No, she’s waiting with Tim.
Are they waiting for her?
No, they’re waiting for us.
Are they waiting with Sam?
No, they’re waiting with Gus.

Is he waiting for them?
No, he’s waiting for me.
Is he waiting with Ann?
No, he’s waiting with Lee.
Are you waiting for him?
No, I’m waiting for you.
Are you waiting with Claire?
No, I’m waiting with Sue.

She’s waiting for him.
They’re waiting for us.
She’s waiting with Tim.
They’re waiting with Gus.
He’s waiting for me.
I’m waiting for you.
He’s waiting with Lee.
I’m waiting with Sue.

Waiting at the bus stop
Waiting at the school
Waiting at the airport
Waiting at the pool
We’re waiting!

B.  Read the chant aloud.

Copyright © 2019 Sandra Heyer. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
Image: Copyright © Kawee Wateesatogki | Dreamstime. Reprinted with permission.