Activity Overview
Activity Includes: basic to intermediate vocabulary
Although the preterite tense has many categories and irregularities, there are also many verbs that fall into the regular -AR and regular -ER/-IR categories. The following storyboard activity is meant to help students practice using this regular pattern and sets of Spanish preterite endings. Have students select the traditional storyboard design and include six cells, one for each verb conjugation. Students could either separate -AR verbs and -ER/-IR verbs into two separate storyboards or they can combine them into one as demonstrated here.
For either setup, have students include a separate box for the appropriate ending in each cell as shown. In the combined model, these displayed endings should be color coded. Students will then create scenes and write original sentences for their selected regular -AR and -ER/-IR verbs. This activity can be advanced or simplified with vocabulary and other grammar. You may have students complete the activity once or various times to practice different regular -AR and -ER/-IR verbs. The model storyboard only includes cells for the yo, tú, and él forms, but students should also complete cells 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: basic to intermediate vocabulary
Although the preterite tense has many categories and irregularities, there are also many verbs that fall into the regular -AR and regular -ER/-IR categories. The following storyboard activity is meant to help students practice using this regular pattern and sets of Spanish preterite endings. Have students select the traditional storyboard design and include six cells, one for each verb conjugation. Students could either separate -AR verbs and -ER/-IR verbs into two separate storyboards or they can combine them into one as demonstrated here.
For either setup, have students include a separate box for the appropriate ending in each cell as shown. In the combined model, these displayed endings should be color coded. Students will then create scenes and write original sentences for their selected regular -AR and -ER/-IR verbs. This activity can be advanced or simplified with vocabulary and other grammar. You may have students complete the activity once or various times to practice different regular -AR and -ER/-IR verbs. The model storyboard only includes cells for the yo, tú, and él forms, but students should also complete cells 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: Regular Verbs
Organize a Spanish preterite verb relay race
Divide your class into small teams and line them up at the board or designated area. Assign each team a set of regular -AR, -ER, or -IR verbs. The first student on each team writes the correct preterite form of a verb, then passes the marker to the next teammate to continue. This encourages fast thinking and reinforces conjugation patterns in a fun, active way.
Prepare verb cards for quick practice
Create cards with infinitive verbs on one side and subject pronouns on the other. Shuffle and distribute them among students for rapid-fire conjugation practice. This engages kinesthetic learners and makes review sessions lively and memorable.
Model conjugation with color coding
Assign a unique color to each verb ending group (-AR, -ER, -IR). Write examples on the board using these colors for endings, or have students do the same in their notebooks. This visual strategy helps students internalize patterns and quickly differentiate between conjugation groups.
Incorporate movement with sentence building
Post subject pronouns and infinitive verbs around the room. Have students walk to two cards (one subject, one verb), then write or say the correct conjugated sentence. This builds confidence and makes grammar practice interactive.
Celebrate progress with a class conjugation challenge
Track each student's accuracy and speed over several days using a visible chart. Set achievable goals and reward improvement with simple prizes or recognition. This motivates students and encourages a positive attitude toward mastering the preterite tense.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite: Regular Verbs
What is the Spanish preterite tense for regular verbs?
The Spanish preterite tense for regular verbs is used to describe actions that were completed in the past. Regular -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs follow consistent ending patterns, making it easier for students to learn and conjugate them correctly.
How do you teach regular preterite verb endings in Spanish to high school students?
To teach regular preterite verb endings in Spanish, use visual aids like storyboard activities where students fill in verb endings for each pronoun. Color coding endings and encouraging original sentences helps reinforce the patterns for -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs.
What are some easy activities for practicing Spanish preterite regular verbs?
Effective activities include storyboard conjugation exercises, verb sorting games, fill-in-the-blank worksheets, and creating short stories using regular -AR and -ER/-IR verbs. These activities promote hands-on learning and repetition.
Can you combine -AR and -ER/-IR verbs in one Spanish preterite lesson?
Yes, you can combine -AR and -ER/-IR verbs in a single lesson or storyboard activity. Use separate boxes or color-coding to highlight the differences in endings, helping students compare and memorize the conjugation patterns.
What are the differences between regular and irregular preterite verbs in Spanish?
Regular preterite verbs follow consistent ending patterns for each pronoun, while irregular verbs have unique changes in their stems or endings. Teaching regular verbs first helps build a strong foundation before tackling irregularities.
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