Activity Overview
Once students have mastered the conjugations and uses of preterite and imperfect, they are ready to be challenged on all the material together. Students should work methodically with this activity, as they create their own, original storyboard narrative to combine the preterite and imperfect. Students will need to not only consider the different uses of preterite and imperfect, but they will also have to attend to verb conjugation, including the many irregular forms of the preterite tense.
While there are many ways to create a narrative storyboard, one way to target all the categories is for the student to create a timeline storyboard focused on their childhood. Students should, however, be wary of assigning specific times, as it can appear misleading to use the preterite for specific time-frames. Instead, have students label these timeline sections as “childhood” or simply block them out. Have students create a narrative timeline that includes description, habitual/repeated action, incomplete action, completed action, and interruptions. Below each image, students will provide their text, highlighting the use of imperfect, preterite, or both.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline narrative using both the preterite and imperfect tense. Include description, habitual/repeated action, incomplete action, completed action, and interruptions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each use of the preterite or imperfect you will be using.
- In the description boxes, craft a narrative. Highlight uses of the preterite and imperfect.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Once students have mastered the conjugations and uses of preterite and imperfect, they are ready to be challenged on all the material together. Students should work methodically with this activity, as they create their own, original storyboard narrative to combine the preterite and imperfect. Students will need to not only consider the different uses of preterite and imperfect, but they will also have to attend to verb conjugation, including the many irregular forms of the preterite tense.
While there are many ways to create a narrative storyboard, one way to target all the categories is for the student to create a timeline storyboard focused on their childhood. Students should, however, be wary of assigning specific times, as it can appear misleading to use the preterite for specific time-frames. Instead, have students label these timeline sections as “childhood” or simply block them out. Have students create a narrative timeline that includes description, habitual/repeated action, incomplete action, completed action, and interruptions. Below each image, students will provide their text, highlighting the use of imperfect, preterite, or both.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline narrative using both the preterite and imperfect tense. Include description, habitual/repeated action, incomplete action, completed action, and interruptions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify each use of the preterite or imperfect you will be using.
- In the description boxes, craft a narrative. Highlight uses of the preterite and imperfect.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Spanish Preterite & Imperfect Narrative
Guide students in identifying signal words for preterite and imperfect
Help students recognize key words that often signal when to use the preterite or imperfect tense, such as ayer (yesterday), una vez (once), siempre (always), or de niño (as a child). This awareness boosts confidence and accuracy when forming narratives.
Model choosing the correct tense with think-alouds
Demonstrate your thought process by narrating out loud why you choose preterite or imperfect in sample sentences. Hearing your reasoning helps students internalize decision-making for tense selection.
Practice with sentence sorting activities
Give students mixed sentences and have them sort into preterite, imperfect, or both. This active engagement reinforces tense distinctions and gives quick feedback.
Encourage peer review of tense choices in narratives
Have students exchange their narratives and review each other's tense usage. Peer feedback builds deeper understanding and catches common mistakes.
Celebrate progress with fun tense review games
Wrap up practice sessions with games like tense bingo or quick-fire quizzes. Making learning playful keeps students motivated and helps cement tense rules.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite & Imperfect Narrative
What is a Spanish preterite and imperfect narrative activity?
A Spanish preterite and imperfect narrative activity is an exercise where students create stories using both tenses to show understanding of their different uses, like describing ongoing actions (imperfect) and completed events (preterite).
How do I teach students to combine preterite and imperfect in a narrative?
To teach students to combine preterite and imperfect, have them build a narrative timeline of their childhood including descriptions, repeated actions, completed events, and interruptions, clearly labeling and highlighting each verb tense.
What are some easy storyboard ideas for practicing preterite vs. imperfect?
Easy storyboard ideas include timelines of childhood memories, daily routines, or memorable vacations. Students can illustrate scenes and write captions using both tenses for habitual actions and specific events.
Why is it important not to use specific times with the preterite in this activity?
Using specific times can confuse students about when to use the preterite versus imperfect. Labeling timeline sections as general periods (like "childhood") helps reinforce correct tense usage.
What are common mistakes students make with preterite vs. imperfect narratives?
Common mistakes include mixing up tenses, using the preterite for descriptions or habitual actions, and not highlighting irregular preterite forms. Remind students to match tense to action type and review irregular verbs.
More Storyboard That Activities
Preterite vs. Imperfect
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