Visual Verbs: Using Manipulatives to Teach Verb Tenses

Marla YoshidaUC Irvine Extension • International Programs

Verb timelines: A grammar teaching tradition

X

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 or the metal strips from the top of hanging file folders 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:Cut a long strip of poster board or cardboard. Keep the little triangles from the ends.Cut a small slit at each end of the timeline.

Another way:Fold lengthwise. Label the ends and glue metal strips inside the “V.” Insert triangle pieces in the slots at the ends to make a base.

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

Visual verbs

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.

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.

Other possible materials• Glue a strip of Velcro to the timeline. Attach

fuzzy bits to marbles to show verbs “stuck in time.”

• Draw timeline on board. Use Post-It notes to mark the verbs.

• Use a flat strip of paper for timeline. Paper clips or binder clips are the verbs.

Questions?