Divide the board into three parts. On top of the middle part write "NOW - ALWAYS" with large letters, on the right part write "LATER" and on the left part write "EARLIER." Explain how there are actions that happen now, always or regularly, actions that happened -- and ended -- earlier and actions we know will happen later. Under the big letters of each part, write (from left to right) "simple past," "simple present" and "simple future."
Give easy examples to describe the use of each tense. For instance, write: "I brushed my teeth in the morning," "I brush my teeth regularly" and "I will brush my teeth again at night." Explain that on the first sentence you started and finished brushing your teeth in the morning, on the second sentence you describe a general truth and on the third sentence you are talking about an action you haven't yet started. Ask children to come up with examples of their own and share with the class.
Forming simple tenses is a straightforward process. You don't need more than 10 minutes to show students. Choose a regular verb for a start, such as "start." Make a list of all persons (first, second and third in singular and plural) on all three parts of the board. On the simple present part, add "I start, you start" and stress the use of an extra "s" on "he," "she" and "it" use of the word. Complete the simple past list, explaining that the only thing you need is to add an "-ed" at the end of the verb (or "ed" for verbs ending in a vowel). The simple future is easier, as you write will and the verb in every person.
Write 10 sentences on the board, omitting the verb. Instead, place the infinitive form of the verb in a parenthesis after each sentence. Within the sentence, place "clues" revealing when an action takes place. For example, write "I always _ with my dinosaur toy. (play)" or "He _ to the beach next week. (go)" Ask students to copy the sentences on their notebooks and give them five minutes to find and write the correct answers.