Today, I wanted to highlight two adverb activities and an adverb chart in hopes that they can enhance your instruction. Throughout the school year, I enjoy listening to students' conversations because they usually offer an opportunity to plug grammar usage or teach a new concept. When students start classroom chats about what is better (sports teams, music, foods, movies, etc.), I always use it as an opportunity to review or teach adverbs.
An adverb is a word that generally describes a verb, but can also describe an adjective, or another adverb. Most adverbs tell how, when, or where an action takes place. Adverbs often end in “-ly” but not always. Adverbs can come before or after the words they describe. Adverbs make sentences more clear and more interesting for readers by telling how, when, where, and how much something happens. When teaching adverbs in the lower grade levels, I like to start with identifying and using adverbs.
Adverbs Mini Lesson for Grades 3–5
My Adverbs Grammar Mini Lesson & Practice Sheet for grades 3–5 is a great resource for reviewing or teaching adverbs in the classroom. This download includes a guided instruction section, guided adverb activities, and an independent practice activity.
Adverbs for Grades 6–12 Activity
Combine writing and speaking with the Get Shakin' with Adverbs Activity. This simple revision strategy encourages students to match appropriate adverbs to sentence stems. After each sentence is matched with an adverb, have students read their sentences aloud for assessment. Students can work individually, in pairs, or in groups, engaging all students. You will want to add this exercise to your adverbs activities teaching toolbox!
One way to edit and revise writing is to ask questions regarding word choice—particularly adverbs and adjectives. Adverbs tell about verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs commonly, but don’t always, end in “–ly”. That is where our adverb chart comes in. The following questions about adverbs provide one way students can self-edit and strengthen their writing using adverbs. An anchor adverbs chart can serve as a reminder for students in your writing classroom.
This adverb chart will help your students identify adverbs that do not end in –ly. Download the Adverbs Anchor Chart (pictured below) for free!