10 Engaging Activities to Teach Verb Tenses and Verb Forms in ESL Middle School Classrooms

Grammar can sometimes make both students and teachers break out in a sweat, specifically verb tenses and verb forms. The good news is that learning verb tenses and verb forms can be a whole lot of fun! In this blog post, we'll explore 10 engaging activities tailored for secondary ESL classrooms that will help your students grasp verb tenses, irregular verbs, and verb forms with ease.

1.Timelines and Tense Cards

Verb tenses don't have to be confusing. A visual aid like a timeline on the board can be a game-changer. Create a timeline with different verb tenses, and use it as a reference during your lessons.

To make it even more engaging, introduce "tense cards." These are small cards with sentences in different verb tenses. Have students match the cards to the appropriate spots on the timeline. This hands-on approach helps them visualize how verb tenses work in context.

2. Verb Tense Stories

Stories are a fantastic way to bring verb tenses to life. Start by crafting stories that use various verb tenses and have your students read them.

But here's the twist: encourage your students to become storytellers themselves. Provide templates where they can create their own stories using different verb tenses. This not only reinforces their understanding but also sparks their creativity.

3. Verb Conjugation Games

Learning verb forms can be a bit like learning a new dance. So, let's turn it into a game! "Conjugation Bingo" or "Verb Forms Relay Race" are two great options.

• In "Conjugation Bingo," create bingo cards with verb forms in different verb tenses. Call out sentences, and students mark the corresponding form on their cards. The first one to complete a row wins.

• "Verb Forms Relay Race" involves teams racing to correctly conjugate verbs in different verb tenses on the board. It's competitive and effective!

4. Irregular Verb Flashcards

Irregular verbs are like the wild cards in the verb world, but they don't have to be intimidating. Create flashcards with irregular verbs, including their past tense forms.

Turn it into an interactive activity by having students match the present and past forms. As a bonus, challenge them to use these irregular verbs in sentences.

5. Verb Tense Chart

A verb tense chart is like a roadmap for your students. Provide them with a comprehensive chart that displays different verb tenses, their forms, and example sentences.

Encourage your students to refer to this chart as they practice. It's a handy tool that helps them understand how verb tenses work together.

6. Tense-based Conversations

Get your students talking! Structure your classroom conversations around specific verb tenses. Start with simple ones like the present tense and gradually introduce more complex ones as your students progress.

Provide prompts and scenarios that require them to speak in different verb tenses. For example, "Discuss your daily routine in the present tense," or "Describe a past vacation using past verb tenses." This practical application is invaluable.

7. Verb Form Quizzes

Quizzes are a tried-and-true method for assessing understanding. Create regular quizzes or exercises that test your students' knowledge of verb forms.

Consider providing a mix of multiple-choice questions, sentence completions, and even short essays where they have to demonstrate their ability to use different verb tenses correctly. It's a fantastic way to gauge their progress.

8. Movie or Song Analysis

Movies and songs can be incredible teaching tools. Select age-appropriate materials and use them to analyze verb tenses and verb forms.

Ask your students to identify verb forms in song lyrics or analyze how characters use verb tenses in a movie scene. It's a refreshing change from traditional exercises and brings real-world context to the classroom.

9. Writing Journals

Writing journals are a personal space for your students to practice verb tenses and verb forms. Provide prompts that focus on using different verb tenses creatively.

For example, "Write a journal entry about your plans for the weekend using future verb tenses," or "Describe a memorable childhood experience using past verb tenses." Over time, students will become more comfortable with these forms through consistent practice.

10. Real-life Scenarios

Lastly, let's take it one step further by simulating real-life scenarios. Whether it's job interviews, travel planning, or ordering food at a restaurant, show your students how verb tenses and verb forms come into play in everyday situations.

Role-play these scenarios in the classroom. Have your students take on different roles and interact using the appropriate verb tenses. It's like a mini-immersion experience, and it builds their confidence in using the language authentically.

In a Nutshell

Teaching verb tenses and verb forms doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these 10 engaging activities, you can transform your ESL classroom into a dynamic learning environment. Your middle school students will not only understand verb tenses and verb forms better but will also have a blast along the way.

Looking for other ESL activities? Check these out!