Past, Present, & Future Verb Tense
Language Arts 5
By Lisa Moravec (ECES) and Terra Kaliszuk
Curriculum Connection & Lesson Objective:
· identify past, present, and future verb tenses, and use in sentences
Materials:
- One copy of VerbTense_SentenceStrips.doc and VerbTense_Timeline.doc for each
student pair (source: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/media/lessons/writing3142003366/Verb_Tense_Transp_2.pdf)
- One copy of VerbTenseParagraph.pdf for each student (source:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/media/lessons/writing3142003366/Verb_Tense_Transp_2.pdf)
-
Whiteboard & markers or chart paper.
1 pair of scissors/student pair
Lesson Progression
1. Students form groups of 2.
2. Distribute one copy of VerbTense_SentenceStrips.doc to each pair of students. Students
cut the sentence pieces into strips.
3. Distribute one copy of VerbTense_Timeline.doc to each pair, as well.
4. Working with their partner, students place sentence strips on the timeline based on when
they happen in time.
5. Share strip placements as a class to:
o create a master timeline
o correct student misconceptions
o identify what differentiates one verb tense from the next (ex. Past tense often
ends with “-ed”).
6. Distribute VerbTenseParagraph.pdf and read the whole paragraph as a class.
7. Discuss: It looks like this paragraph has pieces happening in different points in time. How
easy is it for you to keep track of what’s going on in this story? What would make it easier to
follow?
8. In small groups (2-3 student) students choose ONE verb tense to use to re-write the
paragraph.
Suggestion: Have student groups re-write their paragraph on an overhead transparency.
In the next step, one student from each group can put up their transparency as they read
their paragraph to the class.
Suggestion: Ensure that there is at least one re-written paragraph for each verb tense.
9. Share consistent verb tense paragraphs as a class – Which verb tense would be the best
one to choose for your own story? (past tense)
Suggestion: Teacher may collect past/present/future tense exemplar paragraphs for later
use.
Skill Application/Assessment Suggestions
-
Quick assessment check-in – Give students an exemplar story or article – ask students:
Which verb tense is used in this story? Highlight 3 verbs that show where the author used that
verb tense.
-
Students select several random sentences from their own writing sample and place them on
the timeline to self-assess the consistency of their own verb tense.
o Students then revise their own writing to improve verb tense consistency.