Introduce adverbs to your class only after reviewing other main parts of speech. Remind the class that a noun is a person, place or thing. Ask for specific examples in each of those categories. Review with the students the job of adjectives -- namely, to describe a noun -- and come up with adjectives to match the listed nouns. Talk about action verbs last. Let volunteers demonstrate some of the verbs that the class brainstorms.
Introduce adverbs to the class by telling them that just has nouns get describing words in the form of adjectives, verbs have describing words, too, and they are called adverbs. Write a few simple, action verbs on the board such as run, jump and walk. Ask students to take turns giving words that describe how someone runs, jumps and walks. Write these beside each action verb. Even though many students may not have the reading ability to read the word independently, it will provide them with exposure to more challenging words.
Play adverb charades with the class. Call a volunteer to the front of the room, and whisper an adverb into his ear such as slowly, quickly or angrily. Instruct him to act out the word that he heard. Tell students to raise their hand if they have a guess as to the adverb he is acting out. When the word is identified, choose a new student to act out a new word.
A variation of this game is to call up two students at a time. Whisper to both of them an action verb and an adverb to pair with it. For example, give them the words "run quickly" or "jump high." The students must work together to act out the verb and the adverb.
After students have sufficiently understood the concept, or when time is up, summarize the objectives learned during the lesson. Review what the words are called that describe action verbs, and ave students each name one adverb as their "pass" to move on to the next activity. Give them help as needed and note those students who may need extra practice.