There are verbs we use every day like am, do, take. 

And then there are… 💥 action verbs!💥

Action verbs are exactly what they sound like: they express something that a noun can do, instead of their state of being, such as:

read skate scrub sit cry build write climb dig

eat jump paint run drink talk fly cook sing

ski crawl shut think open dance wash drive win sleep

All words that just happen to be included in our Action Verbs Dominoes game, in which students will look at the picture or written verb on a card and connect it to its match. 

Get a Jump on Action Verbs Activities 

Use this resource as a writing center activity, with your guided writing group, or as a whole class activity (see below) to practice recognizing and using verbs.

To play, shuffle the domino cards and divide them equally among players. One player lays a domino down the middle of the playing area. Students take turns matching each end of the dominoes with the words and pictures that fit the sequence. Gameplay continues in this manner until someone lays down their last domino, making them the winner.

Scaffolding and Extension Tips + More Action Verbs Activities

Challenge students who already understand the concept by having them act out the verb after they find the matching domino.

Support students who are struggling to sound out words by referring them to a visual reminder, like an anchor chart or an alphabet display. 

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers, and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, comprehension assessments, and more.

👯‍♀️ Odd Man Out

Place three cards at each station, making sure two cards form a matching verb set, and the 3rd card doesn’t belong. Student pairs will rotate through each station and identify the verb matches, writing their answers on a separate sheet of paper. 

🔗 Verbs Words-Pictures Chain (Scoot Activity)

Provide each student in your class with a domino. Challenge the students to find both of their other halves, creating one long chain of dominoes. For an extra challenge, ask the students to complete the task in silence!

🔔 Bell Ringer Activity

Leave the cards in a pile, and instruct students to grab one as soon as they enter the classroom. On a piece of paper, have students identify both verbs on either side of the domino by writing the word in the picture, and drawing a picture for the word.

Try our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies too! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

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This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

 

Give your verb lesson a 1-2-punch! with even more fun activities to practice identifying action verbs: