Adverbs, words that describe verbs, answer how, when, why and where. Most adverbs end in -ly, which helps the reader spot them easily. Some adverbs do not end in -ly but still answer the questions how, when, why and where in relationship to the verb.
Teach adverbs by playing a game of charades. Charades is a game with no words, only actions. The object of the adverb charades game is to guess the adverb being depicted by one of the players. Post a verb for everyone to see. Choose a verb that is easily represented by actions -- walk, sit, dance, climb. Give the first actor a slip with an adverb written on it. If he received the adverb "slowly" and the verb "walk," he would walk around the room as if he was treading through molasses. The correct guesser becomes the new actor.
One game to help students notice adverbs involves dividing the class into equal teams. Each team receives a newspaper or magazine. Their mission is to find and highlight as many adverbs as they can in a time limit. Make it exciting by giving 1,000 points for each correct adverb highlighted and subtracting 800 points for each word highlighted that is not an adverb. At the end of the timed play check for accuracy. Tally up the points and declare a winner. Regroup the teams and play again.
Divide the members of the room in half. Read a poem with adjectives and adverbs -- "As Soon as Fred Gets Out of Bed" by Jack Prelutsky or "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer might work well for this activity. Designate one side of the classroom as the adverb side and the other side for adjectives. Project the poem with both the adverbs and adjectives underlined on an white board -- or write out the poem on a chalkboard. Every time the adverb side hears an adverb they stand up. Every time the adjective side hears an adjective they stand up.