Learning about parts of speech can be fun, especially when exploring verbs! But what exactly is a verb, and how can you explain it to your children in a simple and engaging way? Let’s dive in!
What are Verbs?
A verb is a word that shows action, being, or state of being. In simple terms, verbs tell us what someone or something does.
Think about this: If you can do it, it’s probably a verb!
Examples
Here are some common examples of verbs:
- Action Verbs (What we do): run, jump, hop, dance, eat, sleep, play, read
- Being Verbs (State of being): am, is, are, was, were
- Feeling Vebs (How we feel): love, like, hate, enjoy, want
Example Sentences:
- The cat jumps on the sofa. (Action)
- I am happy today. (Being)
- She loves ice cream. (Feeling)
Some Games & Activities to Help Kids Learn About Verbs
Here are some fun games and activities to help kindergarten, first, and second-grade children, and ESL kids learn about verbs:
Action Charades
- Write different action verbs (jump, run, clap, dance) on cards.
- Have a child pick a card and act it out while others guess the word.
- After guessing, have them say a sentence using the verb.
Scavenger Hunt
- Give children a list of verbs and have them find objects or pictures that match.
- Example: Find something you can “eat” (apple), “kick” (ball), or “write with” (pencil).
Simon Says
- Play “Simon Says” using only action words (e.g., “Simon says jump,” “Simon says hop”).
- If Simon doesn’t say it, the child should not do the action!
Sorting Game
- Make two sets of flashcards: one with verbs and one with another part of speech (e.g., nouns, adverbs, adjectives).
- Have the children sort the cards into two groups.
Hopscotch
- Write different action words in hopscotch squares.
- As kids hop to a square, they must act out the action or use the word in a sentence.
Song & Dance
- Sing songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and add new action words.
- Example: “If you’re happy and you know it, wiggle your fingers.”
Bingo
- Create bingo cards with action words and have children act out the verbs when they hear them.
Storytelling with Verbs
- Start a story and have kids fill in the action words. Example: “The dog ____ (ran) to the park and ____ (played) with a ball.”
Roll & Act
- Roll a dice with verbs written on it and perform the action that lands face up.
Freeze Dance
- Play music and call out an action. (jump, wiggle, twist).
- Kids must do the action until the music stops, then freeze.
SAVE TIME! Many of these activities can be done with:
96 Verb Picture Cards: Learn to Read, Write, and Identify Verbs with Flip and Read Cards
Teaching grammar lessons helps kids understand that ❤️ verbs are an essential part of speech. But are they reading and spelling the words correctly? These 96 Verb Flip and Read Practice Cards use phoneme blending and segmentation with visual clues that align with the Science of Reading. With these engaging, interactive cards, children get hands-on practice while also sorting parts of speech in a fun and interactive way!
✅ Notice that various decoding strategies are available to support each learner.
What other teachers/parents are saying about these Verbs Flip and Read Cards:
- I used it with ESL students to help them master the vocabulary, and I was pleased with the results. – Jennifer H.
- A great resource for helping students learn verbs and spelling them! – Denesie W.
- I bought these to use with one of my small groups and it has worked out perfectly to get in some extra practice. – Christina H.
Ask Questions About Verbs to Spark Thinking!
- What is something you do every morning? (Possible answers: brush, eat, wake)
- What is something your pet does? (Answers could be: bark, purr, sleep, eat)
- Can you name a verb that tells how you feel when you’re excited? (Possible answers: smile, cheer)
Fun Facts to Share with Kids:
Some words can be both nouns and verbs! For example”
- Cook can be a noun (“The cook made dinner.”) or an action word (“I will cook dinner.”).
Why it Matters
Understanding parts of speech helps children to form sentences, express themselves clearly, and become better readers and writers. With fun activities and examples, learning verbs can be an exciting adventure!
Enjoy exploring parts of speech with your little one!
Laurie Fyke
