Stimulate Students to Write Scintillating Sentences! 

These templates encourage students to grow their verb vocabulary. 

In this collection of 30 templates, students brainstorm verbs that match a descriptor of something that happens in everyday life. A photograph matching an action verb example is given. After listing other verbs that fit the descriptor, students choose one of the ‘doing’ verbs and write a sentence including it. 

The purpose of this open-ended activity is for students to understand that verbs are words that represent something happening. This resource provides the opportunity for students to expand their verb word bank and think about how verbs add specific meaning.  

Choose how you would like to implement the templates. There are 30 to select from, so they can be completed over several sessions and in any order. 

A version with alternate photographs is available for students who may find the original photographs below their age level.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

In addition to individual student work time, these templates could be used in the following ways: 

• as a guided literacy group activity
• individual sheets could work as a lesson exit ticket
• as a fast finisher activity 
• as a homework assignment
• for whole-class review (via smartboard.)

Assist your struggling students by using the Google Slides version of these templates. You might adjust the number of verbs students need to brainstorm on each slide or remove the section where they must write a sentence.

Similarly, those students who crave a challenge could be required to brainstorm more than four verbs. You might also modify the descriptors or the sample verb to make the language more advanced.

Easily Download & Print

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

To save paper, we suggest printing the templates double-sided. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardboard and slipping it into a write-and-wipe sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

Improve your students’ understanding of verbs with these resources:  

teaching resource

Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives – Four Corners Game

Identify common and proper nouns, verbs and adjectives through this elimination-style types of words active game.