Write three sentences on the board: one sentence using an action verb, one using a linking verb and one using a helping verb. An action verb is a verb that describes a noun's behavior. For example: "John ran through the park." In this instance, the action verb is "ran." A linking verb is a verb that links the noun to the remainder of the sentence and typically describes the subject of the sentence. For example: "The boys are good baseball players." In this instance, the linking verb is "are." A helping verb is a verb that is paired with another verb. It typically appears in front of an action verb. For example: "The girls will meet at the mall." In this instance, the helping verb is "will" and the verb it is helping is "meet."
Ask students to volunteer to come up to the board and underline the verbs in each of the sentences.
Explain the difference between the verbs in the three sentences to students by breaking down each sentence.
Divide the board into thirds and label one "action," one "linking" and the last one "helping."
Ask students for examples of each of the kinds of verbs now that they should have a better understanding of what they are and how they work.
Have students use the verbs they came up with to write more example sentences on the board.
Let the students participate in a class activity that will allow them to use their new knowledge of the types of verbs. An excellent activity for learning the types of verbs is "Ad Libs." Create a series of "Ad Lib" stories for your students to complete using plenty of the verb types along with nouns and adjectives. Allowing your students to participate in an activity like this will not only make the verb types more accessible and less intimidating, but it will also allow them to practice.
Send students home with worksheets that involve identifying the verb types for homework.