The Verb in Action
The verb is the one word you can actually do: that's how you know it's a verb.
The Verb in Action is a Montessori activity for a child aged 6 to 8 years. Area: Language. Time: 15-20 min.
What the activity builds
Identify the verb in a sentence by experiencing that it names a doable action.
The materials
- Cards with a verb in its base form, written in red
- A large red circle cutout, the symbol for the verb
- Strips of paper with short sentences
How to do it, step by step
- Draw a verb card, read it, and do the action.
- Let them draw one and act it out too.
- Take a sentence strip and look together for the word that can be done.
- Place the red circle on that word, without any explanation.
- Let them work through the next strips on their own.
The parent's role
Show once, then step back. The test is physical: if you can do it, it's the verb. That definition holds up on its own, and you don't need to add anything to it. Don't correct with words, reread the sentence with extra emphasis on the word instead.
Safety
Choose verbs that are safe to act out indoors: walking, setting down, opening, rather than climbing or running. Clear the space before you start.
You remain the sole judge of what is right for your child. These activities are offered for educational and recreational purposes: they do not replace medical advice or the guidance of an early childhood professional.
Ways to adapt the activity
- Easier: verb cards only, no sentences.
- Harder: sentences where the verb isn't in the second position.
- Extension: sorting the verb cards into body actions and hand actions.
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