Teach correct verb tenses by telling an amusing story or joke and asking questions that students must answer using a complete sentence. This allows the student to practice using verb tenses. Even students who are unsure which verb tense to use will become more confident as they hear the correct word used to describe the story. It’s acceptable for the child to have access to chart suitable to his level of learning to refer to. He may refer to it frequently in the beginning, but he will soon remember the information on his own.
Print word cards that can be placed in order to illustrate correct verb tenses. Have the child identify whether the subject is a “he” or a “they,” and allow her to choose the correct word card to follow. You may also choose a wrong verb tense and ask if the sentence sounds correct, success would depend on the child’s skill level and conversational experience.
Print a picture for each student, or hang a picture in front of the class, and ask each student to tell something he sees in the picture: “The boys are running,” “the girl is sleeping.” Make a game of the activity by seeing which child can collect the most sentences describing the event. Kids can also improve their ability to use correct verb tenses by describing things going on in the classroom or things that happened during recess.
Educational songs and lyrics help instill lessons. Songs and lyrics are especially helpful to children whose second language is English. Learning the words to songs such as the Verb Tenses rap song: “In the perfect tense, you must add; one of these words: has, have, or had.” Teach a verse or chorus each day until the children are able to sing the entire song.