Activity Overview
Creating the affirmative, tú command form for regular verbs is straightforward. This command form uses the él, ella, Ud. form of present tense. Although simple, sometimes students are confused about using the same word for two very different uses. To help them clearly illustrate and visualize forming these commands, have students work with a Grid storyboard to get used to the process.
In the first column, students should put the type of verb being used in the title block (verb category), and the infinitive in Spanish and English in the body of the cell. Students should target different verb categories for each row, for example an -ar, an -er, and an -ir verb. One of these verb categories should be boot verbs. In the second column, students will illustrate the formation of the él, ella, Ud. form of present tense for the chosen verb. Then, in the last column, students will create a simple scene to use the command form of each verb. In a speech bubble, one of the characters in the scene should use the command, thus practicing the command form, as well as putting it into context.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Creating the affirmative, tú command form for regular verbs is straightforward. This command form uses the él, ella, Ud. form of present tense. Although simple, sometimes students are confused about using the same word for two very different uses. To help them clearly illustrate and visualize forming these commands, have students work with a Grid storyboard to get used to the process.
In the first column, students should put the type of verb being used in the title block (verb category), and the infinitive in Spanish and English in the body of the cell. Students should target different verb categories for each row, for example an -ar, an -er, and an -ir verb. One of these verb categories should be boot verbs. In the second column, students will illustrate the formation of the él, ella, Ud. form of present tense for the chosen verb. Then, in the last column, students will create a simple scene to use the command form of each verb. In a speech bubble, one of the characters in the scene should use the command, thus practicing the command form, as well as putting it into context.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Creating Spanish Commands
How to teach negative tú commands with engaging classroom activities
Negative tú commands can be tricky for students to master, but engaging activities help them remember the rules and apply them in context. Use interactive methods to boost student confidence and understanding.
Introduce the rule for forming negative tú commands
Explain that for negative tú commands, students start with the yo form of the present tense, drop the -o, and add -es for -ar verbs or -as for -er/-ir verbs. Highlight exceptions and irregulars as needed for clarity.
Model examples with familiar verbs
Write a few common verbs on the board and walk through the process together. Use verbs students already know, like hablar (no hables), comer (no comas), and escribir (no escribas). Demonstrate each step clearly.
Create a partner practice activity
Have students work in pairs to give and respond to negative commands using flashcards or real-life classroom scenarios. Encourage them to act out the commands for added engagement and context.
Use visuals and storyboards to reinforce learning
Ask students to illustrate negative commands in a comic strip or storyboard. Visualizing the context helps students connect meaning and usage, making the rules easier to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creating Spanish Commands
What is the affirmative tú command form in Spanish?
The affirmative tú command in Spanish tells someone you’re familiar with to do something. To form it for regular verbs, use the él, ella, Ud. form of the present tense.
How do you create Spanish tú commands for regular verbs?
To create a Spanish tú command for regular verbs, start with the infinitive, conjugate it to the él, ella, Ud. present tense form, and use that as your command. For example, hablar becomes habla.
What is a simple classroom activity to teach Spanish commands?
A simple classroom activity is to use a Grid storyboard where students categorize verbs, conjugate them to the present tense, and create scenes using the affirmative command form in context.
Why do students confuse the tú command form with other verb forms?
Students often confuse the tú command form because it shares the same conjugation as the él, ella, Ud. present tense, making it easy to mix up with statements rather than commands.
What are boot verbs and how do you use them in Spanish tú commands?
Boot verbs are verbs that have stem changes in the present tense. When forming tú commands, use the él, ella, Ud. form including the stem change, like pensar → piensa.
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