By now, your learners have mastered the basic parts of a sentence. As their writing skills continue to grow, they will need to know how to write stories, and reports that tell what happened in the past, present, or future. Let's dive into verb tenses!
Enhance Literacy with Embedded Grammar Lessons
Research on the Science of Reading (SOR) dating back to the 1970s shows that teaching grammar as isolated rules doesn't effectively transfer to writing and speaking. What works better is embedding grammar within the context of writing. This is why our writing program Lucky to Learn Writing (LTLW) includes grammar skills integrated into writing lessons. This approach ensures that the same skills and standards are met, but in a meaningful context that connects with the rest of the literacy curriculum.
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We also recognize the value of targeted practice and intervention to reinforce these skills. That's why we've compiled a list of our favorite grammar activities that provide additional practice and intervention opportunities. These activities are designed to complement our integrated approach, ensuring students have a well-rounded understanding of grammar concepts. Let's dive into these engaging and effective activities!
What is verb tense?
Before beginning your lessons on verb tense, do a quick review of the role of verbs in a sentence. Very simply, a verb is an action word. Verb tense tells when an action happened.
The three main verb tenses
- past tense – already happened
- future tense – will happen in the future
In 1st and 2nd grade, students will focus on the simple verb tense. In the simple verb tense, follow this pattern:
For past tense: Add -d or -ed
Example: Talked, Laughed
Some verbs, when changed to past tense, must change their spelling. These are called irregular verbs.
Irregular verb examples
run – ran
sit – sat
think – thought
swim – swam
sing – sang
For present tense: the base verb remains the same, no change
For present tense: add the word “will” before the verb
Example: I will talk, I will laugh
Examples of verb tense
Verb: walk
Past – I walked.
Present – I walk.
Perfect – I will walk.
Did you know: Native English speakers readily recognize verb tense in spoken language? (You can read more about learned language patterns here). But for emerging writers in elementary school, writing a sentence with the correct tense can be a struggle. Encourage students to say their thoughts out loud before they write. Ask, “Does this sound correct?” If it sounds correct to your ear, more than likely, your verb tense is correct!
Activities to Teach Verb Tense
Check out these activities to teach verb tense to your 1st and 2nd grade students. All of these activities are available to download through our All Access Membership. To learn more about All Access, click here.
Verb Tense Connect Four
Make learning verb tense fun with this connect four challenge game. Students will roll the dice and select the correct verb tense. The first player to connect four wins! This is a great game to play with a partner or during small group review.
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Grammar Centers
These grammar centers feature tense word sorts with engaging pictures. These centers can be used for 1st or 2nd grade level, and even include a digital version.
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Grammar Day by Day
A 2nd grade grammar worksheet with 5 days of spiral practice on verb tenses that can be used as a writing center, small group, and homework.
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Videos and Songs to Teach Verb Tense
The Simple Tense Song by MC Grammar
Past, Present, and Future Verb Tenses by Margaret Stewart
No need to stress about teaching verb tense! Questions about the resources? Ask us in the comments below!
Tips for Teaching Kids Other Grammar Skills
Check out these links below for tips on teaching specific grammar skills.
I loved is exactly what I need for my second grade students in Puerto Rico.