Narrative Writing: Verb Tenses

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Narrative writing is a descriptive form of writing where you are telling a story.

When you tell a story, you want to use action verbs like run, jump, dance, and so on. In this lesson, you will review the different tenses of verbs and how to use them correctly in your writing.

1. Take out a piece of paper and a pencil.

2. Make three columns by drawing a line from the top of the page to the bottom two times.

3. At the top of the first column, write the word Present.

4. At the top of the second column, write the word Past.

5. At the top of the third column, write the word Future.

6. As you watch the video below, write down the different tenses of the verbs used in the correct columns.

The three verb tenses presented in the video are past, present, and future. See if you remember how to tell them apart.

Last week, I planted a garden.

• Which tense is illustrated in the example?

The past tense of a verb states something that happened in the past. It is usually formed by adding –ed or –ing to the main verb.

I collect post cards.

• Which verb tense is illustrated in this example?

The present tense of a verb states something that is happening now.

I will weed the garden tomorrow.

• Which verb tense is illustrated in the example?

The future tense of a verb states something that will take place in the future. It is formed by adding will or shall to the main verb.

Remember, verb tense tells when the action is taking place.

Continue to the Got It? section to get more practice.