Activity Overview
Activity Includes: basic to intermediate vocabulary
The -CAR, -GAR, -ZAR category of preterite is really a subset of the regular -AR category. These verbs that end in -car, -gar, or -zar such as sacar, llegar, and almorzar, are conjugated with the regular -AR endings. The only exception here is that the yo form has a spelling change. The changes are that the yo-qué, for -gar verbs it is -gué, and for -zar verbs it is -cé. Since the other forms of these verbs are regular, this storyboard activity only focuses on practicing the irregular yo form. The model only includes one example of each, but have students create at least two examples per column. Each cell should include an original sentence using the yo form of the chosen verb and a scene illustrating the student’s sentence. Have students add title blocks for the infinitive verbs, and a note for the occurring change somewhere in the cells (ex. -car → -qué).
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: basic to intermediate vocabulary
The -CAR, -GAR, -ZAR category of preterite is really a subset of the regular -AR category. These verbs that end in -car, -gar, or -zar such as sacar, llegar, and almorzar, are conjugated with the regular -AR endings. The only exception here is that the yo form has a spelling change. The changes are that the yo-qué, for -gar verbs it is -gué, and for -zar verbs it is -cé. Since the other forms of these verbs are regular, this storyboard activity only focuses on practicing the irregular yo form. The model only includes one example of each, but have students create at least two examples per column. Each cell should include an original sentence using the yo form of the chosen verb and a scene illustrating the student’s sentence. Have students add title blocks for the infinitive verbs, and a note for the occurring change somewhere in the cells (ex. -car → -qué).
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: -CAR, -GAR, -ZAR Verbs
Create a quick reference anchor chart for -CAR, -GAR, -ZAR preterite changes
Draw a large, colorful chart with columns for -car, -gar, and -zar verbs. List a few sample verbs under each column and clearly show the yo-form spelling change (e.g., sacar → saqué, llegar → llegué, almorzar → almorcé). Post the chart in your classroom so students can easily reference it during activities.
Model sentence building with think-alouds
Demonstrate how to create original sentences using the yo form with a think-aloud. Verbalize your thought process as you conjugate a verb, explaining why the spelling change is needed. This helps students internalize the rule and encourages accurate use in writing and speaking.
Incorporate movement with a verb sorting game
Prepare cards with infinitive verbs and have students physically sort them into -car, -gar, or -zar groups. Challenge students to quickly conjugate the yo form aloud as they place each card. This kinesthetic activity reinforces category recognition and spelling changes.
Use exit tickets to reinforce spelling changes
Ask students to write an original sentence using the yo form of a -car, -gar, or -zar verb on a sticky note before leaving class. Quickly check their work for correct spelling changes. This provides immediate feedback and helps identify who needs more practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite: -CAR, -GAR, -ZAR Verbs
What are -CAR, -GAR, and -ZAR verbs in the Spanish preterite tense?
-CAR, -GAR, and -ZAR verbs are Spanish verbs ending with -car, -gar, or -zar that, in the preterite tense, follow regular -AR endings except for a spelling change in the yo form to preserve pronunciation.
How do you conjugate -CAR, -GAR, and -ZAR verbs in the preterite tense for 'yo'?
For the yo form in the preterite, -car verbs change to -qué (e.g., sacar → saqué), -gar verbs to -gué (llegar → llegué), and -zar verbs to -cé (almorzar → almorcé), while other forms are regular.
Why do -CAR, -GAR, and -ZAR verbs have a spelling change in the preterite tense?
The spelling change in the yo form preserves the original pronunciation of the verb stem in Spanish, ensuring correct sound after adding preterite endings.
What is a quick classroom activity to practice -CAR, -GAR, -ZAR verbs in the preterite?
Try a storyboard activity where students write original sentences using the yo form of -car, -gar, and -zar verbs, illustrate each sentence, and label the spelling change for each verb.
What are some examples of -CAR, -GAR, and -ZAR verbs and their yo forms in the preterite?
Examples include sacar → saqué, llegar → llegué, and almorzar → almorcé in the yo preterite form.
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