Activity Overview
Activity Includes: intermediate vocabulary, reflexive verb, words that signal the past (ayer, hace + time, anoche, el año pasado)
Boot verbs in the preterite tense are almost straightforward, but the third person exception for some of the boot verbs is a specific enough rule to irritate even the most enthusiastic language students. For this category, students must learn that for boot verbs ending in -AR and -ER, no change occurs! They are either regular in the preterite like pensar or they fall into a different category altogether like querer (a new stem). However, for boot verbs ending in -IR, the rules are entirely different. These boot verbs now only change in the 3rd person, and the vowels change differently than they did in present tense. An -IR boot verb with the vowel “o” will change to “u” and an -IR boot verb with the vowel “e” will change to an “i”, but again, only in the 3rd person! Below are some examples to illustrate.
| -AR Boot Verb (no change) |
-ER Boot Verb (no change) |
-IR Boot Verb (O → U) |
-IR Boot Verb (E → I) |
|---|---|---|---|
PENSAR
|
ENTENDER
|
DORMIR
|
PEDIR
|
In order to practice this somewhat complex category, you may want students to create separate storyboards for each of the different types of boot verbs. Or, in order to illustrate and internalize the differences in one place, you may want students to create one larger storyboard (like the one modeled) that includes a column for the boot verbs that don’t change and one for those that do. In either design, have students highlight the vowels that should or should not change in each cell. Especially in the 3rd person cells for -IR boot verbs, have students make this cell stand out to the eye. For each cell students will include original sentences using the targeted verb form in the preterite as well as create a matching scene. The model storyboard only includes rows for yo, tú, and él, but students should also complete rows for the nosotros, vosotros, and ellos forms.
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
Activity Includes: intermediate vocabulary, reflexive verb, words that signal the past (ayer, hace + time, anoche, el año pasado)
Boot verbs in the preterite tense are almost straightforward, but the third person exception for some of the boot verbs is a specific enough rule to irritate even the most enthusiastic language students. For this category, students must learn that for boot verbs ending in -AR and -ER, no change occurs! They are either regular in the preterite like pensar or they fall into a different category altogether like querer (a new stem). However, for boot verbs ending in -IR, the rules are entirely different. These boot verbs now only change in the 3rd person, and the vowels change differently than they did in present tense. An -IR boot verb with the vowel “o” will change to “u” and an -IR boot verb with the vowel “e” will change to an “i”, but again, only in the 3rd person! Below are some examples to illustrate.
| -AR Boot Verb (no change) |
-ER Boot Verb (no change) |
-IR Boot Verb (O → U) |
-IR Boot Verb (E → I) |
|---|---|---|---|
PENSAR
|
ENTENDER
|
DORMIR
|
PEDIR
|
In order to practice this somewhat complex category, you may want students to create separate storyboards for each of the different types of boot verbs. Or, in order to illustrate and internalize the differences in one place, you may want students to create one larger storyboard (like the one modeled) that includes a column for the boot verbs that don’t change and one for those that do. In either design, have students highlight the vowels that should or should not change in each cell. Especially in the 3rd person cells for -IR boot verbs, have students make this cell stand out to the eye. For each cell students will include original sentences using the targeted verb form in the preterite as well as create a matching scene. The model storyboard only includes rows for yo, tú, and él, but students should also complete rows for the nosotros, vosotros, and ellos forms.
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 Preterite: Conjugating Boot Verbs
Organize a classroom boot verb conjugation relay game
Boost student engagement by turning boot verb practice into a friendly competition. Divide your class into teams and have them race to correctly conjugate different boot verbs in the preterite tense on the board. Watch as participation and recall soar with this hands-on approach!
Prepare color-coded verb cards for practice
Use color-coded cards for each verb type (-AR, -ER, -IR). Assign colors to highlight which verbs do or don’t change in the preterite. This visual aid helps students quickly recognize patterns and exceptions.
Model sample sentences aloud using target verbs
Say sentences out loud that use each boot verb in the correct preterite form, emphasizing the changed or unchanged vowel. Hearing the difference reinforces the pattern for auditory learners.
Have students create quick skits illustrating verb use
Ask students to invent and perform short skits where each line uses a target verb in the preterite. Acting out the verbs makes grammar memorable and fun!
Provide immediate feedback and positive reinforcement
As students practice, give instant feedback and praise for correct usage. Timely encouragement builds confidence and motivates continued effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite: Conjugating Boot Verbs
What are Spanish preterite boot verbs and how do they work?
Spanish preterite boot verbs are verbs that usually change their stem in the present tense, but in the preterite tense, only -IR boot verbs change, and only in the third person. -AR and -ER boot verbs do not change their stem in the preterite. For -IR boot verbs, 'o' becomes 'u' and 'e' becomes 'i' in third person forms.
What is the difference between -AR, -ER, and -IR boot verbs in the preterite?
In the preterite, -AR and -ER boot verbs have no stem change (e.g., pensar, entender). Only -IR boot verbs change their stem, and only in the third person: 'e' changes to 'i' (e.g., pedir → pidió) and 'o' changes to 'u' (e.g., dormir → durmió).
How can I teach students to remember preterite boot verb changes?
To help students remember preterite boot verb changes, have them create visual storyboards or charts that highlight the vowel changes specifically in third person forms for -IR verbs. Encourage students to use color or bold text for changed vowels and write original sentences for each form.
Which verbs are examples of preterite boot verbs in Spanish?
Examples include pensar (-AR, no change), entender (-ER, no change), dormir (-IR, o→u in third person), and pedir (-IR, e→i in third person). Only -IR boot verbs like dormir and pedir show a stem change in the preterite and only in the él/ella/ellos/ellas forms.
What are tips for practicing Spanish preterite boot verbs in class?
Practice by having students create sentences with each verb form, design storyboards illustrating the stem changes, and highlight the third person forms. Group activities focusing on the difference between regular and -IR boot verbs can reinforce understanding.
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