Making Future Plans
Primary 6 · English
Making Future Plans
Lesson 3 of 4
40 min
When a group plans something together, someone has to say the first idea: “Let's go to the lake!” A good suggestion is polite and clear, and it leaves room for other people to agree or to offer a different idea.
Today's story is about three cousins who had a wonderful holiday together. After you read it, you will help them plan the next one.
This story by Siyasanga Bavuma comes from the African Storybook. It takes place in South Africa, where June is a cold winter month.
It was a chilly June morning when Sihle and Asa got into a taxi to visit their mother's family. They were travelling from Ngcobo to Mthatha. It had been three years since they last saw their aunts, uncles and cousins.
Above all, they were excited to see their cousin Nikhanye. As the taxi rolled past their grandmother's house, their hearts raced with joy. Outside the gate, Nikhanye stood waving with both hands.
“You're here! You're here!” Nikhanye shouted, his voice full of excitement. Sihle and Asa jumped out of the taxi. The three cousins hugged each other, spinning in circles until they were dizzy. Their grandmother came out smiling.
“Come in, my grandchildren. We have been waiting for this day for a long time.”
Inside the house, the smell of steamed bread was strong. Soon the aunts and uncles arrived, and each one hugged Sihle and Asa.
Each day of the school holidays was full of adventure. They visited the forest behind the house, where Nikhanye proudly showed them his hidden treehouse. They spent hours playing there. At night, they gathered around the fire.
Grandma shared old tales of bravery and love as the stars twinkled above. Nikhanye treasured these moments deeply. One night, she said, “We are like the stars. Even though we may be far apart, we will always shine together.”
When the holiday came to an end, Sihle and Asa were grateful. They hugged everyone and promised to come back again.
“You will always be in our hearts,” Sihle whispered to Nikhanye.
This short conversation was written by Ganzaa. Imagine the cousins talking on the last evening of the holiday.
Nikhanye: You promised to come back. Let's make a plan now!
Asa: Good idea. Shall we come in December, when school is closed?
Sihle: Yes! We could bring Grandma a warm blanket as a present.
Nikhanye: Why don't we build a second floor on the treehouse?
Asa: Hmm, I'm not sure. It might be dangerous. How about painting it instead?
Nikhanye: All right. Let's paint it green, like the forest.
Answer each question in your head or in your exercise book first. Then tap Show answer to check.
How long was it since Sihle and Asa had seen their mother's family?
Three years.
Where did the cousins spend hours playing?
In Nikhanye's hidden treehouse, in the forest behind the house.
Grandma said, “We are like the stars.” What did she mean?
Even when the family lives far apart, they are still together and still shine, like stars in one sky.
In the conversation, why did Asa not agree to build a second floor?
She thought it might be dangerous, so she suggested painting the treehouse instead.
| Starter | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Let's | Let's + base verb | Let's make a plan now. |
| Shall we | Shall we + base verb ...? | Shall we come in December? |
| We could | We could + base verb | We could bring Grandma a blanket. |
| Why don't we | Why don't we + base verb ...? | Why don't we build a second floor? |
| How about / What about | How about + verb-ing ...? | How about painting it instead? |
Common mistakes: Let's to go → Let's go. How about paint → How about painting. Shall we going → Shall we go.
To suggest NOT doing something, say Let's not: Let's not climb the high branches.
When you disagree, give a reason and offer another idea, the way Asa did. That keeps the plan moving and keeps everyone friends.
Tip
Four starters take the plain verb: Let's go, Shall we go?, We could go, Why don't we go?
Only “How about” is different: it takes -ing. How about going?
Write your answers in your exercise book, then check.
Choose: Let's (visit / to visit / visiting) Grandma on Sunday.
Answer: visit
Complete: How about ___ (play) cards after dinner?
Answer: playing
Turn into a Shall we question: We could leave early.
Answer: Shall we leave early?
Disagree politely: “Let's swim in the river after the storm.”
Answer: Example: I'm not sure. The river might be too fast after the rain. Why don't we play in the yard instead?
Your class wants to visit a classmate who is sick. Write two suggestions.
Answer: Example: Let's take her some bananas and oranges. Why don't we make her a get-well card?
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Quick check
How about ___ a get-well card for our sick classmate?
