Ad lib games consist of a basic, often humorous story, in which words are left out to allow for improvisation. The word forms are listed so that the story remains grammatically correct while allowing students to choose the verbs and nouns of the story creatively. Read the story aloud and call on different students to provide the missing words. This allows them to memorize and practice word forms while having fun creating an imaginative story. Furthermore, reading the story aloud with an emphasis on nouns and verbs helps students grasp the basic structure of an English sentence.
Write a long list of various words of all forms on the board. If your first-graders have been taught the various word forms, mix the words up so they can practice choosing the correct form. Otherwise, list the words in separate categories. Include diverse nouns such as proper names and animals, numerous verbs and a group of other words prepositions and conjunctions. Then have students come up with creative sentences, using each listed noun and verb at least once in separate sentences. Have students read their sentences aloud to see the variation in their structures.
Arrange the classroom desks into a circle. Begin a sentence by saying a single word, then have the student to the right of you continue the sentence by adding an additional word. Continue the process around the circle, so that each student has a chance to add a word. Allow students to end sentences where appropriate and begin new sentences. This allows your first-graders to practice correct word choice, and also helps them develop their skills in utilizing proper sentence structure spontaneously.
Give students a list of basic sentences divided into two columns. The sentences should be imaginative and unrelated across the columns. Have your first-graders practice using punctuation, conjunctions and proper sentence structure by combining a sentence from each column into a single sentence. Encourage your students to be creative in the ways that they combine the sentences, adding additional words if necessary.