Learning English requires an understanding of the different parts of speech, including verbs. Verbs are crucial in building complete sentences and understanding the different tenses. Helping verbs or auxiliary verbs are a group of verbs that work together with main verbs to create different tenses and show mood or attitude. Here are 19 helping verbs activities for students that can help them master these essential verbs.
1. Infographic posters
Create visual aids that show examples of helping verbs used in sentences. Students can use these posters as a reference when identifying helping verbs and their functions in sentences.
2. Crossword puzzles
Create crossword puzzles that use helping verbs as clues. This helps students recognize which words are helping verbs and sharpen their problem-solving skills.
3. Word search
Design a group of words, including helping verbs, hidden within a grid of letters. Students will have to find the hidden words, including the helping verbs, to complete the puzzle.
4. Matching games
Create helpful verb flashcards to match their corresponding phrases or sentences. Matching games can help students with retention and repetition.
5. Worksheet exercises
Worksheet exercises that help students identify helping verbs in sentences and differentiate them from the main verbs.
6. Videos
Show students short videos on YouTube that explain helping verbs and their function in sentences.
7. Classroom discussions
Create classroom discussions around helping verbs in context. Students can express their thoughts through written or oral discussions.
8. Board games
Create board games that feature helping verbs. Students can play these games for reinforcement and review.
9. Pair exercises
Pair students together and have them practice using helping verbs in context by writing sentences and conversing with each other.
10. Dictation exercises
Provide a dictation exercise where the student needs to add the correct helping verb to incomplete sentences. This helps students recognize the relationship between the main verb and the helping verb.
11. Role-playing exercises
Create scenarios that require the use of helping verbs. Students can role-play these scenarios to practice the use of helping verbs in context.
12. Fill-in-the-blank exercises
Create fill-in-the-blank exercises that require the use of helping verbs in context. This exercise helps students master the use of helping verbs in everyday situations.
13. Song lyrics
Provide song lyrics that feature helping verbs. Students can sing along with the song, highlighting the helping verbs as they go.
14. Picture books
Picture books that feature helping verbs can be a fun way for younger students to practice more basic verbs.
15. Mad libs
Mad libs are fill-in-the-blank stories that require students to supply parts of speech, including helping verbs. Mad libs can be a fun and creative way for students to use helping verbs.
16. Writing exercises
Provide writing exercises that require the use of helping verbs in context. Writing exercises help solidify language skills through continuous use and practice.
17. Acting out scenes
Have students act out scenes that require the use of helping verbs. They can make up their dialogues or use pre-written scripts.
18. Sentence building exercises
Create sentence-building exercises that require students to use helping verbs correctly to create complete sentences.
19. Scavenger hunt
Create a scavenger hunt within the classroom or campus that requires finding sentences. Students can use clues to locate the sentences and identify the helping verbs used.
In conclusion, using these 19 helping verbs activities for students can help them learn the essential role that helping verbs play in the English language. These fun and engaging exercises reinforce the use of helping verbs and sharpen grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
