Visual Verbs: Using Manipulatives to Teach Verb Tenses

Los Angeles Regional CATESOL • October 22, 2011Marla Yoshida • marla.yoshida@unx.uci.eduUC Irvine Extension • International Programs

http://yoshidacatesol.pbworks.com

Verb timelines: A grammar teaching tradition

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Past Now Future

Advantages of a 3-D timeline

• Real objects keep students’ interest.• Moving “verbs” around on their own timelines

keeps students involved and helps them understand. Effective for kinesthetic learners.

• You don’t have to redraw it every time.• The “verbs” aren’t static. They can be made to

show the qualities of tenses by rolling or stretching.

Constructing a 3-D timeline1. Gather your materials:• A strip of corner molding (wood or plastic).

2-3 feet is a good length.

Constructing a 3-D timeline1. Gather your materials:• A metal strip or strips, slightly shorter and

narrower than the molding. Hacksaw blades work well. Magnetic tape is also OK.

Constructing a 3-D timeline1. Gather your materials:• Hard-drying clay for the ends of the timeline.

Constructing a 3-D timeline1. Gather your materials:• Hot glue gun and glue sticks or other strong

glue.• Paint is optional

Constructing a 3-D timeline1. Gather your materials:• Verbs

Constructing a 3-D timeline2. Measure and cut the molding.

Constructing a 3-D timeline3. Glue the metal strips in place.

Constructing a 3-D timeline4. Use clay to shape triangular ends.

Constructing a 3-D timeline5. Mark the ends “past” and “future.”

The finished timeline

The finished timeline

Another way:1. Cut a long strip of posterboard and two small

strips for the ends.

Another way:2. Fold lengthwise. Fold and attach labels at

ends as braces.

Smaller timelines for studentsThe easiest way: Photocopy timeline. Use beans, beads, or pieces of straws to represent verbs.

Smaller timelines for studentsOr cut and fold paper to make V-shaped timeline.

Verb tenses related to the present

Verb tenses related to the past

Verb tenses related to the future

Try these on the timeline:1. I ate breakfast at 7:00 this morning.

2. While I was eating, I spilled some orange juice.

3. I’ve been here for 20 minutes.

4. I’ve seen that movie three times.

5. I had decided to see that movie even before I saw the trailer.

Try these on the timeline:6. I wear glasses.

7. I’m wearing glasses.

8. I’m going to wear glasses again tomorrow.

9. When you see me again, I’ll still be wearing glasses.

Questions?