Verbs show action and being in sentences.

Outline:

• Opening: why verbs matter in everyday talk and early childhood settings

• Core idea: the main function of a verb is to show action or state of being

• Quick definitions and contrasts: how verbs differ from nouns and adjectives

• Two big roles: action verbs and state-of-being/linking verbs

• Everyday examples kids relate to

• Why this matters for teachers and caregivers in early childhood

• Simple, playful activities to reinforce verbs with young learners

• Common mix-ups and practical tips

• Quick wrap-up and gentle encouragement to explore verbs in daily routines

The heartbeat of a sentence: what a verb actually does

Let’s start with a simple question and feel the rhythm of everyday speech. What’s the core job of a verb? Here’s the thing: a verb is the word that shows what the subject is doing, or what the subject is like—its action or its state of being. In other words, verbs tell us what’s happening or what exists in a moment. When you say, “The child runs,” the word run is doing the heavy lifting. When you say, “The sky is blue,” the word is (a form of) be — a state of being — does the work of linking subject to a quality.

Verbs vs. other parts of speech: a quick map

Think of language like a family with different roles. Nouns name things: person, place, or thing. Adjectives describe them: big, blue, quick. Verbs, though, carry the action or the existence. They’re the backbone of the sentence, the part that moves the thought forward. And yes, some verbs tag along with adjectives to express a state, like “seem,” “become,” or “feel.” But the heart of a verb is still what the subject does or what it is.

Two big roles you’ll hear a lot

• Action verbs: these show movement or a activity. Examples kids love: run, jump, sing, write, eat, swim. When you say, “The toddler builds a tower,” build is the action word driving the moment.

• State-of-being (linking) verbs: these describe a condition or a state that links to more information about the subject. The classic is the form of be: is, am, are, was, were. If you say, “The toy is broken,” is links the subject to a description of its condition.

In early childhood spaces, you’ll hear both kinds all day long. A teacher might say, “Lila is happy,” or “The blocks stack,” and both sentences hinge on the verb to make meaning clear.

Verbs in the real world: simple, kid-friendly examples

Let me explain with a few tiny scenes you might notice in a classroom or at home:

• Action in motion: “The bus stops at the corner.” Here, stops tells you what the bus is doing.

• A quick moment: “She laughs.” Laugh is the action the subject is doing right now.

• Describing a state: “The water feels cold.” Feels is a linking verb that ties the subject to a sensory experience.

• Change over time: “The plant grows taller.” Here, grows signals a change in state.

A handy tip for grown-ups: when you’re unsure which kind of verb you’re dealing with, ask yourself two questions:

• What is the subject doing? If there’s a clear action, you’ve got an action verb.

• What is the subject like or feeling? If you’re linking to more information (is, seems, becomes), you’re looking at a state-of-being or a linking verb.

Why verbs matter in early childhood education

Verbs aren’t just grammar pins on a wall; they’re tools for thinking, speaking, and growing as a storyteller. In early childhood settings, strong verb use helps kids:

• Describe their world clearly: “The dog runs,” not just “Dog.” Precision comes from the verb.

• Build sentences that connect ideas: a kid who says, “The ball rolls and into the box,” is stitching actions into a little narrative.

• Follow and give directions: “Touch the red block, then stack the blue block.” Verbs guide what to do next.

• Express feelings and states: “I am tired,” “I feel excited.” Those verbs help kids name experiences, which is a big part of social-emotional learning.

A few everyday routines where verbs shine

• Morning circle: “We sing, we count, we listen.” Each verb anchors a moment in time.

• Center time: kids explore blocks, puzzles, or art. Observing verbs like “build,” “match,” “paint” helps describe what’s happening and what might come next.

• Transitions: “Line up,” “Quiet hands.” Quick verb phrases make routines smooth and predictable.

• Storytime: verbs drive the action in stories, helping children imagine what character A does, then what character B might do in response.

Activities that make verbs stick (without making it feel like busywork)

• Action verb cards: Show a picture and a word. Kids act out the verb, then say the sentence aloud: “The cat jumps!”

• Simon Says, with a verbs twist: “Simon says hop, run, skip.” It’s playful and teaches action verbs through movement.

• Story puppets: Have kids narrate a mini-scene using at least three different verbs. Example: “The bear climbs the tree, finds berries, eats slowly.”

• Verb charts: Create a rotating list of action words and a simple sentence frame: “The cat _____.” Kids fill in with the action card of their choice.

• Everyday labeling: When you see a child doing something, label it aloud: “You’re washing hands.” This kind of narration gives verbs real-life presence.

Observations that help teachers and caregivers

Watching kids’ speech is like listening to a melody with lots of interesting notes. You’ll notice patterns and gaps. A few practical tips:

• Listen for variety: Do children rely on a narrow set of verbs? Gently introduce new action words tied to their interests (animals, vehicles, cooking, etc.).

• Capture transitions: Children often jar awake a sentence by adding a verb after a noun. You might hear “Dog… run.” Expand it to “The dog runs fast.”

• Distinguish action from state: If a child says, “The toy is,” pause and offer a word: “The toy is soft.” “Is” is linking, but you can show more with an adjective—then move to an action: “The toy is soft. The toy shakes.” The mix keeps the language dynamic.

Common confusions and quick fixes

• Confusion between action and state: When kids say, “The ball is,” guide them to finish with a state or action that makes sense. “The ball is round.” or “The ball is bouncing.”

• Mixing up be-forms: The forms of be (am, is, are, was, were) can trip up new speakers. Practice short phrases: “I am here.” “You are kind.” Repetition helps, but keep it playful.

• Forgetting the subject-verb link in longer sentences: In longer statements, the verb still connects back to the subject. Model sentences a few times, then let kids try with their own subjects.

A gentle, practical wrap-up

Verbs are the engine of sentences. They move ideas from “What is this?” to “This is what’s happening.” For educators and caretakers in early childhood settings, verbs aren’t merely grammar rules; they’re tools for connection, storytelling, and self-expression. When a child says, “The dog runs to the gate,” that line isn’t just about vocabulary. It’s about naming an action, picturing a scene, and sharing a moment with you.

If you want a simple takeaway to carry into the day, try this: pick a routine, say a short sentence about what’s happening, and swap in a new verb to paint a different moment. For instance, during clean-up time, you might say, “The cups go in the shelf,” then switch to “The cups stack neatly.” The same scene, two different verbs, two different vibes.

A few final thoughts to keep things engaging

• Keep sentences short but lively. Short sentences pack a punch, especially for beginners.

• Use a mix of action and state verbs to reflect real life. We’re always moving through actions, but we’re also always in some state of being.

• Let kids lead sometimes. If a child wants to describe the world they’re building, listen for the verbs they choose, and gently add a new one that broadens the expression.

In the end, verbs are the magic threads that weave actions, thoughts, and feelings into a single, comprehensible message. They help children narrate their experiences, follow routines, and connect with others. So next time you hear a sentence bloom with a vivid verb, pause for a moment and listen to the rhythm. It’s a tiny glimpse into how language grows—the very first steps in a lifelong journey of communication.