[susan53]

Can you narrow it down a bit? As they're only 8 I imagine you mean just the main uses of the modal verbs like can for ability or requests ?

I always teach requests first as it can be easily built into classroom languages - Can you open your books? Can you stand up? etc. You can practice it with some TPR-like activities - the teacher gives the commands and the students have to carry out the action : Can you touch something blue? Girls, can you go to the door? Boys, can you sit down? etc At a later stage the students can work in groups with one student giving the commands to the others (they could have them written on flashcards if you don't think they'll be able to do it spontaneously.)

But the golden rule is one thing at a time : teach one verb and one use, and don't go on to something related until the kids are happy with it.

But I may have misinterpreted your question. Did you have something else in mind?