Activity Overview
At this point, students have learned how to correctly identify and use indirect and direct objects. They have learned the basic steps of replacing direct and indirect objects with their appropriate pronouns, and now they are ready to advance the concept further. Next, students can be taught that with infinitives and participles there are two options for the word order of these pronouns. Especially with both pronouns present in the sentence, mastery can be tricky, and students should practice until they are comfortable.
Have students create a T-Chart storyboard in which column A is for direct and indirect object pronouns placed before the conjugated verb, and column B is for placing these same pronouns attached to the end of the secondary verb. While there are many situations in which direct and indirect object pronouns can be attached to the secondary verb, especially involving infinitives, the model storyboard illustrates three of the most common—near future tense, present progressive, and tener que + infinitive. For each example, students will craft original questions that include both a direct object and an indirect object. In their responses, students will use pronouns to replace the direct and indirect objects. They must pay careful attention to word order and placement of these pronouns in their responses. Across a row, students will have the same response to a question, but demonstrating the two options for word order.
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
At this point, students have learned how to correctly identify and use indirect and direct objects. They have learned the basic steps of replacing direct and indirect objects with their appropriate pronouns, and now they are ready to advance the concept further. Next, students can be taught that with infinitives and participles there are two options for the word order of these pronouns. Especially with both pronouns present in the sentence, mastery can be tricky, and students should practice until they are comfortable.
Have students create a T-Chart storyboard in which column A is for direct and indirect object pronouns placed before the conjugated verb, and column B is for placing these same pronouns attached to the end of the secondary verb. While there are many situations in which direct and indirect object pronouns can be attached to the secondary verb, especially involving infinitives, the model storyboard illustrates three of the most common—near future tense, present progressive, and tener que + infinitive. For each example, students will craft original questions that include both a direct object and an indirect object. In their responses, students will use pronouns to replace the direct and indirect objects. They must pay careful attention to word order and placement of these pronouns in their responses. Across a row, students will have the same response to a question, but demonstrating the two options for word order.
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 Spanish Object Placement with Infinitives and Participles
Introduce object pronoun placement with classroom commands
Show students how to use direct and indirect object pronouns when giving simple classroom instructions in Spanish. This helps make pronoun placement relevant and practical for daily routines.
Demonstrate with real-life classroom scenarios
Model sentences using classroom supplies and actions (like 'Pass me the pencil' or 'Give her the book') to illustrate pronoun placement before conjugated verbs and attached to infinitives or participles. Relatable examples boost understanding.
Guide students to practice with partner role-play
Organize students in pairs to practice commands and requests using pronouns in both possible positions. Role-play encourages active speaking and listening practice.
Create a classroom pronoun placement chart together
Collaborate with students to build a visual chart listing common commands with both pronoun placements side-by-side. Display the chart as a handy reference.
Reinforce learning with daily mini-challenges
Start class with a quick pronoun placement challenge or warm-up. Frequent, low-stakes practice helps cement new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Object Placement with Infinitives and Participles
What is the correct placement of object pronouns with Spanish infinitives?
Object pronouns in Spanish can be placed before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of an infinitive. Both are grammatically correct, but the placement can affect emphasis and clarity.
How do you use direct and indirect object pronouns with participles in Spanish?
With participles (like in the present progressive), object pronouns can appear before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of the participle. For example: Estoy leyéndolo or Lo estoy leyendo.
What are tips for teaching Spanish object pronoun placement with infinitives?
Use T-Charts to show both placement options: pronouns before the conjugated verb and attached to the infinitive. Practice with examples in the near future, present progressive, and 'tener que + infinitive' structures.
Why is object pronoun placement confusing for students learning Spanish?
Pronoun placement is confusing because Spanish allows two correct orders—before the conjugated verb or attached to infinitives/participles—especially when both direct and indirect object pronouns are present in a sentence.
What are examples of Spanish sentences with both direct and indirect object pronouns and infinitives?
Example: Voy a dárselo (I'm going to give it to him/her). Alternatively: Se lo voy a dar. Both use direct and indirect object pronouns with an infinitive, showing both placement options.
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