Present Continuous with School Actions –for Elementary ELLs

This resource is found here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Present-Continuous-for-Elementary-ESL-4403402

This resource was designed to help elementary English language learners practice action verbs and build sentences. The variety of materials also makes it easy for teachers to use them for whole-class lessons, centers, pair work, or review activities.

Teachers can use the flashcards for vocabulary introduction, quick review activities, classroom games, and speaking practice.

Action +  write a Sentence Strip with Flashcards. Fold the word from each flashcard if you want and have students write a sentence for each card in Present Continuous.

Wrong Sentence Flashcards. Print the sentence slips. Have a student show the flashcard and you read the sentence slip. If it doesn’t match, have the class say the correct sentence: “No! She is gluing!” Perfect for grammar correction practice.

 “Act It Fast!” Game. Show one flashcard secretly to one student. Student acts the verb. Class says: “He is reading!”

Action Hunt Around the Classroom. Hide flashcards around the room. Students find one and say: “He is writing!” and writes the sentence on a mini whiteboard.

Match Game. Place the flashcards on the board. Hand in the sentence strips for the students to match.

The small cards are perfect for a variety of classroom games and practice activities.

Build the Sentence.  Give students the word cards: Pronouns,Verb cards,Objects.

Students build sentences: He is swinging on the swing.

Listen and Point. Place the small cards on the table. Say a sentence and have the students point to that card and repeat the sentence. You can fold the word to make it more challenging.

ctivity, students practice the spelling rules used when changing verbs to the present continuous (-ing) form. Place the three rule pockets on the table or board. Students take turns choosing a small verb card and placing it in the correct pocket according to the spelling rule.

The pockets should be prepared before the activity. You can use the Envelope method – Glue the printed pocket label onto a small envelope.

These worksheets allow students to practice grammar in a clear and meaningful context.

Write the Number.  Each picture shows an action in the present continuous. Students find the matching picture and write the correct number on the line.

Write the Verb Ending Match. First, complete the verbs by writing the correct –ing ending.

Then, draw a line to match each verb with the correct picture.

Present Continuous Word Search. Students find the words that can be horizontal, or vertical. When found a word, highlight or circle it in the word search.

What Are You Doing? Worksheet. Students read the sentences and answer.

Write the Question.

Students practice forming sentences in the present continuous tense.

Spelling Sorting – Present Continuous form of the verb. Students practice the spelling rules used to form verbs in the present continuous tense. They write each verb in the correct pocket according to the spelling pattern.

Write the Verbs. Students write the correct action verb in the space below.

These games encourage students to read, speak, match, and build sentences while reinforcing the vocabulary and actions presented in the unit.

Spin and Cover Game

Students play in pairs. One student spins the spinner using a paper clip and a brass fastener placed at the center of the wheel. The spinner will land on a picture that shows an action.

The student says the verb aloud. The other student looks at the verb list and covers the correct word with a small piece of paper. Students continue spinning and covering the verbs until all the actions are covered.

Sentence Association Matching Game

Print the classroom scene mat and the sentence strips. Students place each sentence on the correct part of the mat to match the action in the picture.

Students can work individually, in pairs, or in small groups.

Flap Book – Present Continuous

To wrap up the unit, students complete a fun interactive flap book. After coloring and assembling the booklet, they lift each flap to reveal a sentence written by them in the present continuous tense that describes the picture.

If you’re looking for more creative ideas and engaging resources for teaching young learners, visit my blog for preschool teachers here: EFL Preschool Teachers Blog. You'll find practical activities, tips, and resources designed to make learning fun and effective for little ones!