Integrated Tasks
L.5.1d
Standard: L.5.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English
grammar and usage when writing
or speaking.
d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense.*
Language Progressive Skills by Grade: The skills, marked with an asterisk (*) in
Language standards 1–3, are particularly likely to require continued attention in
higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.
Integrated Tasks
Students will compose a narrative, opinion, or informational/expository writing
piece using the Nancy Fetzer organizers and writing curriculum, focusing on the
Conventions of Standard English. Provide an explicit opportunity for students to use
verb tenses correctly in sentences and to identify inappropriate shifts in verb
tenses. Students will share their writing with partner, working together to peer
edit their work. Next, they will extend their research of the topic and create a
PowerPoint or other multimedia presentation that they will share with the class.
(SL.5.1,5.2,5.3,5.4,5.5,5.6, W.5.4,5.5,5.6,5.7,5.10)
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Use the LCPS Narrative Writing Rubric
Use the LCPS Opinion Writing Rubric
Use the LCPS Informational Writing Rubric
Inappropriate Shifts in Verb Tenses—Tasks:
1. Tape up sentence strips with sentences using inappropriate verb tenses all
around the classroom. For homework kids read—or shop—the world, looking for
sentences with various inappropriate verb tenses that need to be corrected:
• their science or social studies book;
• advertisements;
• other people’s speech.
Or maybe they will make one up. Give them note cards to record the discoveries
they make in their daily lives. Building on the shopping metaphor, we see the
concept applied, and we continue to clarify it. Posting these finds on the wall keeps
our pattern growing.
2. Now students are ready to revisit an essay or writer’s notebook entry and see if
they want or need to change verb tenses. We can continue the conversation about
why we use various verb tenses and how to identify inappropriate shifts in verb
tense.
3. Many sentences can be greatly improved by editing, eliminating some of the
words, and assuring that the verb tenses are maintained.
An example of a sentence that needs improvement is: Being that I am only 18, didn’t
considered marriage very seriously.
Integrated Tasks
L.5.1d
An improved sentence is: Since I am only 18, I haven’t considered marriage very
seriously.
Write an improved sentence for the following sentence: When I was only a small
boy, my house had burned to the ground.
Select additional sentences with inappropriate shifts in verb tense (see multiple
handouts listed in the Resources section), and ask students to write the sentences
with correct verb tenses. Have them work on this activity with a partner, and then
share their responses with this class. (SL.5.1,5.2,5.3,5.4,5.5,5.6,
W.5.4,5.5,5.6,5.7,5.10)
Identify Inappropriate Shifts in Verb Tense and Make Corrections—Task:
Cross out the incorrect verb tense in each sentence and write the correct tense
above it:
1. We had cereal for breakfast and we will had pizza for dinner.
2. I don’t like this sofa, because it sagged.
3. Did you mow the lawn or did Alfred done it?
4. Please make up your bed before you will go to school.
Writing and Language Tasks:
Have students write daily journal entries throughout the year in which they include
a variety of correct verb tenses. They should self-edit first, and then peer edit, to
identify and correct possible inappropriate shifts in verb tenses. Each day after
students finish their journal entries, have them trade them with a partner, and have
each person underline or highlight and identify the various verb tenses used to
ensure correct usage. (SL.5.1,5.2,5.3,5.4,5.5,5.6, W.5.4,5.5,5.6,5.7,5.10)