Activity Overview
Activity Includes: basic to intermediate vocabulary
Now that students have learned each of the preterite categories and their exceptions, they are ready to put them all together into a unified story. Preterite takes a lot of practice for mastery, so the more verbs that students include in their stories, the better. As demonstrated in the model storyboard, the first cell is for students to create a color key for the preterite categories. The ensuing cells are for the student’s narrative. Each cell should include at least one preterite verb, if not more, and should be color coded according to the color key in the initial cell. As a starting point, have students include at least one verb from each category and at least 10 preterite verbs total. These minimums can of course be adjusted to fit different needs. Students should have at least six cells for their narrative.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a 4-6 cell narrative storyboard using various preterite categories.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- In the first cell, create a color key for the preterite categories
- Tell the story in the descriptions of the following cells, color coding the preterite category.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Activity Includes: basic to intermediate vocabulary
Now that students have learned each of the preterite categories and their exceptions, they are ready to put them all together into a unified story. Preterite takes a lot of practice for mastery, so the more verbs that students include in their stories, the better. As demonstrated in the model storyboard, the first cell is for students to create a color key for the preterite categories. The ensuing cells are for the student’s narrative. Each cell should include at least one preterite verb, if not more, and should be color coded according to the color key in the initial cell. As a starting point, have students include at least one verb from each category and at least 10 preterite verbs total. These minimums can of course be adjusted to fit different needs. Students should have at least six cells for their narrative.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a 4-6 cell narrative storyboard using various preterite categories.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- In the first cell, create a color key for the preterite categories
- Tell the story in the descriptions of the following cells, color coding the preterite category.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Spanish Preterite: Narrative Story
Organize a preterite verb ‘gallery walk’ for peer feedback
Display students’ storyboards around the classroom and invite peers to walk around, read, and leave positive feedback or suggestions on sticky notes. This encourages collaboration and helps students see a variety of preterite verb uses in context.
Model giving constructive feedback on verb accuracy
Demonstrate how to identify and comment on the correct use of preterite verbs, including praise and gentle suggestions. Show students how to focus on both creativity and accuracy in their peers’ work.
Guide students to use checklists during peer review
Provide a simple checklist that includes items like ‘used at least 10 preterite verbs,’ ‘included all categories,’ and ‘color coding is accurate.’ This helps students review each other’s stories systematically and reinforces learning targets.
Facilitate a reflection discussion after the gallery walk
Lead a short class discussion where students share what they noticed or learned from others’ stories. This builds metacognitive skills and encourages deeper understanding of the preterite tense.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite: Narrative Story
What is a Spanish preterite narrative storyboard activity?
A Spanish preterite narrative storyboard activity is an exercise where students use various preterite verb forms to create a story, visually organizing events into cells and color coding verbs by category. This helps reinforce mastery of the preterite tense in a creative, engaging way.
How do I create a color key for preterite categories in my storyboard?
To create a color key, assign a unique color to each preterite verb category (such as regular, irregular, stem-changing, and spelling-change verbs) in the first cell of your storyboard. Use these colors to highlight or underline preterite verbs throughout your narrative for clear visual distinction.
What are some tips for helping students use more preterite verbs in their stories?
Encourage students to include at least one verb from each preterite category and aim for a minimum of 10 preterite verbs overall. Prompt them to describe a sequence of actions, use varied vocabulary, and brainstorm story events that naturally require different verb types.
Why is it important for students to practice all preterite categories in one narrative?
Practicing all preterite categories in a single narrative helps students recognize patterns, internalize exceptions, and develop fluency. It ensures they can accurately use different verb types in real communication and not just in isolation.
What are the steps to complete the Spanish preterite narrative storyboard activity?
Steps: 1) Click “Start Assignment.” 2) Name your storyboard. 3) In the first cell, create a color key for preterite categories. 4) Tell your story in the next cells, color coding verbs and adding illustrations. 5) Use at least one verb from each category and a total of 10 preterite verbs. 6) Save and exit when finished.
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