English — Verbs

Subtopic: Classes of Verbs (for age 7)

What is a verb? A verb is a word that tells what someone does or how someone is. Example: "Amina runs." — "runs" is the verb. 🏃‍♀️

1. Action verbs (Doing words) 🏃‍♂️

These words show an action — something someone does.

Examples: She runs, They eat, He jumps.

2. Linking verbs (Be words) 😊

These words link the subject to a word that tells how someone is or what they are.

Common linking verbs: am, is, are, was, were.

Example: She is happy. — "is" links "She" and "happy".

3. Helping verbs (Auxiliary) 🤝

These words help the main verb. They come before another verb.

Examples: is, are, was, have, has, can, will.

Example: She is running. — "is" helps "running".


Short practice (circle the verb and write its class)

  1. Mason reads a book. 📚
  2. The dog is sleepy. 🐶
  3. We can sing. 🎵
  4. Aisha ate an apple. 🍎
  5. They are playing. ⚽
Answers
  • Mason reads. — Action verb
  • The dog is sleepy. — Linking verb
  • We can sing. — Helping verb (helps "sing")
  • Aisha ate an apple. — Action verb
  • They are playing. — Helping verb (helps "playing")

Fill the blanks (choose: is, run, can, are, ate, will)

  1. Juma ___ very fast.
  2. They ___ going to school.
  3. I ___ a mango yesterday.
  4. Mum ___ help me. (ability)
  5. Tomorrow, we ___ visit the farm.
Answers
  1. Juma runs (use "run" form: "runs"). — Action verb
  2. They are going to school. — Helping verb
  3. I ate a mango yesterday. — Action verb (past)
  4. Mum can help me. — Helping verb (shows ability)
  5. Tomorrow, we will visit the farm. — Helping verb (shows future)

Teaching tips for parents / teachers

  • Act out action verbs (run, jump, eat). Let the child do the action. 🕺
  • Use simple sentences to show linking verbs: "He is happy." Point to the word "is". 😊
  • Show helping verbs by using two words: "is running", "can sing", "will come".
  • Practice with daily life: breakfast, play, school — ask "What is he doing?"

These notes focus on grammar: what verbs are and the main small classes useful for young learners in Kenya.


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