Lexia Lessons

Lesson page 1

Grammar

PARTS OF SPEECH

Verb Tenses

Lexia Lessons

INSTRUCT

Tell students that they will be learning about verb tenses. Remind them that every sentence must

have a verb, and explain that English has different tenses so that we can specify when exactly an

action happens (past, present, or future).

Display sentence 1 from Sentence List 1. Read the sentence aloud, and have students underline

the simple subject (runner). Then, have students circle the word in the sentence that shows

an action and describes what the runner does (sprints). Explain that sprints is a simple present

tense form of the verb sprint. It shows an action that is currently or regularly happening. Have

students underline the simple subjects and circle the simple present tense verbs in the remaining

List 1 sentences.

Next, explain that verbs also have simple past and simple future forms. Display sentence 1

from Sentence List 2. Read the sentence aloud, and have students underline the simple subject

(ﬂowers). Then, have students circle the word in the sentence that shows an action and describes

what the ﬂowers did (wilted). Ask whether this action already happened or has not yet happened

(already happened). Explain that wilted is a past tense form of the verb wilt. Challenge students to

revise the sentence so that it shows an action that has not yet happened (change wilted into will

wilt). Explain that will wilt is a future tense form. Have students underline the simple subjects and

circle the verbs in the remaining List 2 sentences. Have them tell whether each verb is in the past

or future tense.

Finally, ask students to describe the verb tenses they have discussed. (Prompt them as necessary:

What are the three simple verb tenses? What do present tense verbs show? What do future tense

verbs show? What do past tense verbs show?)

State the information: Present tense verbs show action that regularly or currently happens.

Future tense verbs show action that has not yet happened. Past tense verbs show action that has

already happened.

Refer students to the Anchor Chart. Distribute copies for students to keep, or have students record

the information in a notebook.

Note to Teachers: If students are working in Concept 6 or 7, activities that address the perfect and

progressive tenses are available in the Adapt: Extend section of this lesson.

PREPARE

CONCEPT Verbs have tenses, which tell whether

the action happens in the past, in the present, or

in the future. This lesson focuses on the simple,

perfect, and progressive tenses. Simple present

tense verbs show action that currently or regularly

happens and usually add -s or -es (e.g., naps,

works). Simple future tense verbs show action that

has not yet happened and include the verb will

(e.g., will nap, will work). Simple tense verbs show

action that has already happened and often end in

-ed (e.g., napped, worked)

Perfect tense verbs show completed action and

include a form of

have. Present perfect verbs

show action completed at the present time or that

continues at the present time (e.g., has napped,

have worked). Future perfect verbs show action that

will be completed at some point in the future (e.g.,

will have napped, will have worked). Past perfect

verbs show action that was completed in the past

and before something else happened (e.g., had

napped, had worked).

Progressive tense verbs show continuous or

repeated action. These verbs are created with

a form of to be and another verb ending in -ing

(e.g., is napping, were working). Future progressive

tense also uses the verb will (e.g., will be napping).

Knowledge of verb tenses helps students to

interpret text accurately and to write effectively.

VOCABULARY future perfect tense, future tense,

past perfect tense, past tense, present perfect

tense, present tense, progressive tense, verb

MATERIALS Lesson reproducibles, index cards

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

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Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Lesson page 2

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

PRACTICE

•

Distribute a list of sentences, such as Sentence List 3 included with this lesson. Students

should underline the simple subject and circle the complete verb in each sentence. Then, they

should write two new sentences below the original sentence so that they have one sentence in

each of the three simple verb tenses.

•

Have students create a table, such as the Verb Tense Reference Table included with this lesson.

Given the model, have students work together to ﬁll in the correct forms of the sample verb(s)

and compose sample sentences for each one.

•

Compile a list of sample sentences and then write past, present, and future on separate index

cards. Display a single sentence (e.g., The chicken and potatoes will cook in the oven) and

have one student randomly pull an index card from your hand or a hat. The student should

read the sentence aloud. If the tense of the verb in the sentence matches that on the card,

they should say, “Match.” If the tenses do not match, the student should change the verb tense

in the sentence to match that on the card and read the new sentence aloud.

ADAPT

SUPPORT

•

Provide students with three stacks of

index cards with simple past, simple

present, and simple future tense verbs.

Students should sort the cards by tense.

Then, they should compose simple

sentences with a selection of the cards.

•

Display a single action verb (e.g., jump).

Students should compose sentences

with each simple form of the verb (e.g.,

jumped, jump(s), will jump) and create an

illustration to accompany each sentence.

EXTEND

•

Teach or review the idea that perfect

tense verbs include a form of the word

have. Display a list of sentences that have

perfect tense verbs, such as Sentence List

4. Students should underline the simple

subject and circle the complete verb in

each sentence. Then, they should circle

the tense.

•

Teach or review the idea that progressive

tense verbs show continuous or repeated

action and include a form of to be with

another verb ending in -ing. Display a list

of sentences that have progressive tense

verbs, such as Sentence List 5. Students

should underline the simple subject and

circle the complete verb in each sentence.

Then, they should circle the tense.

•

Teach or review the idea that some past

tense verbs are irregular and do not end

in -ed (e.g., ate, found, made). Display

a list of present tense verbs, some that

have regular past tense forms (e.g., drift)

and some that have irregular past tense

forms (e.g., spin). Work with students to

generate the past tense form of each verb

and use each one in a sentence.

CONNECT

•

Display a noun and an action verb that relate to a content area (e.g., Henry VIII, rule). Then,

have students compose a sentence in the past, present, or future tense that includes both

words (e.g., King Henry VIII ruled England in the ﬁrst half of the sixteenth century).

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 1

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

SENTENCE LIST 1: Instruct

1. The runner sprints on the track.

2. A baby digs through her soft food.

3. Patrons munch on chicken wings and mozzarella sticks.

4. Water fills the plastic bucket.

5. The chairs sit on the back porch.

6. Rainbows dance across the wall.

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 2

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

SENTENCE LIST 2: INSTRUCT

1. Flowers wilted in the hot sun.

2. The cookies will bake in the oven.

3. A young couple crossed the street.

4. The hungry sheep will graze in the field.

5. Will you play a game with your sister?

6. The librarian looked through the book.

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 3

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

ANCHOR CHART

Verb Tenses

Tense How Is It Formed? Shows Action ... Sample Sentence

simple present usually add -s or -es that currently or regularly happens She picks apples.

simple future includes will that has not yet happened She will pick apples.

simple past often ends in -ed that already happened She picked apples.

present perfect*

has/have + past tense

form of verb

completed at present time or that

continues at present

She has picked

apples.

future perfect*

will have + past tense

form of verb

that will be completed at some

point in future

She will have picked

apples.

past perfect*

had + past tense form

of verb

that was completed in the past and

before something else happened

She had picked

apples.

present

progressive*

is/are + verb ending

in -ing

that is continuous or repeating

She is picking

apples.

future

progressive*

will be + verb ending

in -ing

that will be continuous or repeating

She will be picking

apples.

past

progressive*

was/were + verb

ending in -ing

that was continuous or repeating

She was picking

apples.

Verbs tenses tell when the action happens.

When you write sentences, remember your SNEEQS!

S — The beginning of a sentence always needs a capital letter.

N — The proper names of people, places, and things always need a capital letter. 

E — At the end of a sentence, there is usually a period.

E — When the sentence contains emotion or excitement, use an exclamation

point at the end.

Q — When the sentence asks a question, use a question mark at the end.

S — Use a comma between a series of words and to separate clauses.

*More advanced forms of verb tenses

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

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Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 4

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

SENTENCE LIST 3: Practice

1. The jar contains chocolates and mints.

Past Tense:

Future Tense:

2. She poured lemonade into the cups.

Present Tense:

Future Tense:

3. A magician will perform many tricks.

Past Tense:

Present Tense:

4. Stars twinkled in the night sky.

Present Tense:

Future Tense:

5. They tripped on the rolled rug.

Present Tense:

Future Tense:

6. The giraffes like their new home.

Past Tense:

Future Tense:

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 5

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

VERB TENSE REFERENCE TABLE

Sample Verb: chase

Tense Form Sample Sentence

simple past chased She chased her little brother.

simple present (singular) chases The dog chases its tail.

simple present (plural) chase The parents chase the school bus.

simple future will chase Storm trackers will chase the tornado.

Sample Verb:

Tense Form Sample Sentence

simple past

simple present (singular)

simple present (plural)

simple future

Sample Verb:

Tense Form Sample Sentence

simple past

simple present (singular)

simple present (plural)

simple future

Note to Teachers: Consider adding the perfect and progressive forms of each verb to these tables once students have

encountered them.

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

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Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 6

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

SENTENCE LIST 4: Extend

1. The students had finished their lunch by noon.

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

2. I will have completed the worksheet by morning.

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

3. Pam has worked there for 30 years.

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

4. The city will have flooded by then.

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

5. Have you listened to the podcast yet?

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

6. The elephants had arrived at the lake.

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

7. Has he started the project on the solar system?

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

8. The store will have opened by early winter.

past perfect / present perfect / future perfect

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

Reproducible page 7

Lexia Lessons

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Verb Tenses

SENTENCE LIST 5: Extend

1. The athletes were resting before the big game.

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

2. She is trying a new recipe tonight.

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

3. I will be attending the conference in June.

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

4. Are you planning a surprise party for your brother?

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

5. The cookies will be selling like hotcakes.

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

6. Was she pulling up the weeds this morning?

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

7. I am writing a paper for my final English class.

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

8. Below the enormous white tent, they were dancing happily.

past progressive / present progressive / future progressive

Reproduction rights for Lexia Internal for use until June 30, 2020.

Printed by Peter Hann.

This material is a component of Lexia Reading® www.lexialearning.com

Primary Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1d - Recognize and correct inappropriate

shifts in verb tense.

Supporting Standards: L.4.1b, L.5.1b, L.5.1c, L.3.1e

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.

This material is a component of Lexia

PowerUp Literacy

Reprinted for classroom use only. All other rights reserved. Not for resale.