Are you looking for ways to teach students to use correct verb tenses while writing? If so, keep reading.
1. Make sure the learner proofreads all written work and makes corrections in verb tenses. Praise the learner for each correction.
2. Let the learner assist in proofreading or grading other students’ papers to enable understanding of correct verb tense usage.
3. Urge the learner to read written work aloud to find errors in verb tenses.
4. Read a sequence of sentences to the learner and have them find whether each one is in the past, present, or future tense.
5. Give the learner a list of all tenses of verbs most commonly used. Get them to keep this list at their desk.
6. Select a peer to practice verb tenses with the learner. Each tense is used in a sentence rather than only conjugating verbs.
7. Make conjugating of verb tenses a daily learning experience .
8. Provide the learner a choice of answers (e.g., more than one possible answer, multiple-choice items on a worksheet, etc.) to facilitate their capacity and ability to recognize the correct answer.
9. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the learner’s work, congratulate the learner, etc.).
10. Do not require the learner to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.
11. Teach the learner writing ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.
12. Inspect the learner’s work at several points throughout the task to make sure the learner is using appropriate verb tenses.
13. Get the learner to take part in writing learning activities designed to cause them to want to be successful in writing (e.g., writing a letter to a friend, rock star, famous athlete, etc.).
14. Praise those students in the classroom who use correct verb tenses when writing.
15. Praise the learner for using appropriate verb tenses when writing: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
16. Consider using one of the apps on one of our best writing apps lists:
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 31 Grammar & Writing Apps, Tools & Resources
Ten Apps to Help Students Develop Writing Skills
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Elementary School Students
11 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for High School Students
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Middle School Students
