How to say, I have ... (J'ai ...)

We have done that in class. They need to practice making sentences with that verb. 

I have a book = J'ai un livre.
I have a brother = J'ai un frère.
You have a beautiful cat = Tu as un joli chat or Vous avez un joli chat.
He has a big dog = Il a un gros chien.
We have a small house = Nous avons une petite maison.

Note:

You say, tu (you) to a friend.
For someone older (parents, teacher, someone you show respect) or if there are many people, you say, vous.

 

They do not have to learn it by heart. If they practice making sentences, they will eventually learn it.  Some prefer to learn it by heart because they find it easier to remember.