![Spanish Preterite: Verbs with "y" and "í"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/lourdesfernandez/preterite--verbs-with--y--and--i-.png "Spanish Preterite: Verbs with "y" and "í"")
Activity Overview
Activity Includes: intermediate to advanced vocabulary, past participle
This last category of the preterite includes verbs that end in -aer, -eer, oír, or -oer. These verbs in the 3rd person have a “y” in the ending instead of an “i”, and in all the other endings, the “i” has an accent. Although not a complete list, below are some of the most common verbs that have this “y” and “í.”
For their storyboard have students use the grid template and create four columns and six rows. Each column is for one of the below verbs, or for one of your choosing. The six rows are for each conjugation form. In the model storyboard, only one form has been demonstrated, but students should include all. As modeled, students will write an original sentence for their scene that includes the targeted verb and form. In addition they will add a text box into the scene to repeat the verb form targeted in each cell. The number of columns requested can be adjusted according to student need.
| CAER | LEER | CREER | OÍR |
|---|---|---|---|
| caí | leí | creí | oí |
| caíste | leíste | creíste | oíste |
| cayó | leyó | creyó | oyó |
| caímos | leímos | creímos | oímos |
| caísteis | leísteis | creísteis | oísteis |
| cayeron | leyeron | creyeron | oyeron |
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 to advanced vocabulary, past participle
This last category of the preterite includes verbs that end in -aer, -eer, oír, or -oer. These verbs in the 3rd person have a “y” in the ending instead of an “i”, and in all the other endings, the “i” has an accent. Although not a complete list, below are some of the most common verbs that have this “y” and “í.”
For their storyboard have students use the grid template and create four columns and six rows. Each column is for one of the below verbs, or for one of your choosing. The six rows are for each conjugation form. In the model storyboard, only one form has been demonstrated, but students should include all. As modeled, students will write an original sentence for their scene that includes the targeted verb and form. In addition they will add a text box into the scene to repeat the verb form targeted in each cell. The number of columns requested can be adjusted according to student need.
| CAER | LEER | CREER | OÍR |
|---|---|---|---|
| caí | leí | creí | oí |
| caíste | leíste | creíste | oíste |
| cayó | leyó | creyó | oyó |
| caímos | leímos | creímos | oímos |
| caísteis | leísteis | creísteis | oísteis |
| cayeron | leyeron | creyeron | oyeron |
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: Verbs with “y” and “í”
How to Differentiate Preterite Verbs with 'y' and 'í' for Mixed-Ability Learners
Recognize that students have varied proficiency in Spanish preterite verbs with 'y' and 'í'. Adjusting your approach ensures all learners build confidence and mastery.
Group students strategically for peer support
Pair advanced learners with those who need more practice. Peer modeling helps struggling students see correct usage and boosts collaboration across the classroom.
Use color-coding for verb endings
Assign a unique color to highlight each verb ending with 'y' or accented 'í'. Visual cues make patterns stand out, helping all students quickly identify and remember the forms.
Offer sentence starters and scaffolds
Provide sentence frames for students who need extra support. Scaffolding helps them focus on the correct verb forms without feeling overwhelmed by vocabulary.
Encourage creative examples from personal experience
Invite students to write sentences based on their own lives. Personalizing practice increases engagement and helps students internalize the verb structures.
Check for understanding with quick games
Use activities like verb bingo or conjugation races to review. Interactive practice keeps energy high and gives you instant feedback on student progress.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite: Verbs with “y” and “í”
What are Spanish preterite verbs with 'y' and 'í', and why do they change?
Spanish preterite verbs ending in -aer, -eer, oír, or -oer change to include a 'y' in third-person forms (like él/ella or ellos/ellas) for easier pronunciation, and the 'í' in other forms gets an accent. This helps avoid awkward vowel combinations in Spanish.
How do you conjugate verbs like 'leer' and 'oír' in the Spanish preterite?
To conjugate verbs like 'leer' and 'oír' in the preterite, use regular endings with a twist: in third-person forms, replace the 'i' with 'y' (e.g., leyó, oyeron), and add an accent to 'í' in the other forms (e.g., leí, oíste).
What is an easy classroom activity to practice preterite 'y' and 'í' verbs?
Try a storyboard grid activity: students create a chart with columns for each verb and rows for all conjugation forms. They write original sentences and add the verb form in each scene, making conjugation practice interactive and visual.
Which verbs use 'y' in the third person preterite?
Common verbs that use 'y' in the third person preterite include caer (cayó), leer (leyó), creer (creyó), and oír (oyó).
Why do preterite verbs like 'creer' and 'caer' have accented 'í's in some forms?
The accented 'í' in forms like creíste or caímos shows that the vowel is stressed and pronounced separately from the next vowel, helping to distinguish the syllables clearly in speech and writing.
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