It’s amazing to think that some little ones can already use up to 40 verbs by the time they’re just 2 years old. Words like run, jump, create, and explore quickly become the building blocks kids use to share their thoughts, tell stories, and connect with those around them. When you understand what action verbs are and how they work, you give your child the gift of turning simple sentences into lively, meaningful communication reflecting their unique imagination.
Every homeschool journey looks a little different, and one of the easiest ways to build strong grammar skills is by starting with action verbs. With Outschool, you can find engaging classes that bring verbs to life through games, storytelling, and movement-based lessons. These experiences not only match your child’s interests and pace but also make grammar fun, helping them gain confidence in expressing themselves through action words.
What are action verbs?
Action verbs, sometimes called doing words or dynamic verbs, are words that show what a person, animal, or object does.
There are two main types of action verbs:
- Transitive verbs: These are action verbs that need a direct object, a noun or a pronoun, to complete their meaning (e.g., She kicked the ball.)
- Intransitive verbs: These are action verbs that do not require a direct object because the action stands alone (e.g., He sleeps.)
These words bring energy into sentences, turning plain statements into engaging stories. By learning action verbs, children gain the tools to express themselves clearly and grow stronger communication skills.
Why action verbs matter in early language development
Action verbs connect simple word recognition and meaningful communication, making them the foundation for reading comprehension and writing skills. Children usually begin with nouns, but when they start using action verbs, they can move beyond naming objects to expressing requests, telling stories, and sharing their thoughts in ways others understand.
Here are some of the key benefits of introducing action verbs early:
- Clear expression: Action verbs help kids share needs, ideas, and discoveries in ways others understand.
- Stronger connections: Using action words builds communication with family, friends, and teachers.
- Confidence in storytelling: Action verbs turn plain sentences into lively stories that spark imagination.
- Support for diverse learners: Because action verbs are concrete and often visual, they are easier for neurodivergent children and late talkers to grasp.
- Foundation for lifelong learning: Early use of action verbs provides building blocks for creative expression and confident communication throughout school and beyond.
Fun and creative ways to teach action verbs at home (for every learner)
Turn your home into a playful learning space where action verbs come alive through movement, creativity, and fun. These ideas are easy to tweak for your child’s age, interests, and learning style, so grammar feels natural and exciting.
1. Play engaging games
Play charades or Simon Says with a focus on verbs. Encourage kids to act out words like “gallop,” “whisper,” or “stretch” so they connect movement directly to language. These games highlight the action words themselves, helping kids practice identifying and using verbs naturally.
2. Create action verb scavenger hunts
While at home or outside, challenge kids to find opportunities to use verbs such as “bounce,” “stack,” or “roll.” Give them a checklist of verbs to act out, like hop, toss, or spin, and then build a story using the words they discovered. This keeps the spotlight on verbs, showing how they describe actions in everyday life.
3. Turn storytelling into theater
Act out favorite books together and emphasize the verbs in each story. Pause to highlight words like “ran,” “climbed,” or “shouted” and have your child demonstrate the action. This makes action verbs the star of the activity while boosting storytelling skills and confidence.
4. Design movement-based learning stations
Set up activity spots with verb cards where kids hop, dance, or draw verbs. Each station should focus on practicing specific action words. Movement-based learning helps cement new verbs in memory and supports learners who benefit from sensory input.
5. Incorporate action verbs into daily routines
Narrate everyday tasks by emphasizing the verbs: cooking becomes “mixing, pouring, and baking,” while chores turn into “sweeping, organizing, and tidying.” This keeps attention on action words, showing kids that verbs aren’t just part of learning, they’re part of real life.
How to help kids identify action verbs in sentences
Helping kids spot action verbs can be both simple and fun. When you’re reading together, pause to ask, “What is the character doing right now?” or let your child act out verbs before writing them down. Worksheets and interactive activities also give learners practice in finding verbs on their own.
A quick way to practice is by comparing sentences side by side:
Sentence
Action verb
Why it’s the action verb
Type
The dog runs in the yard.
runs
Shows the action the dog is doing.
Intransitive
She bakes cookies with her mom.
bakes
Describes the action she is performing.
Transitive
We explored the forest trail.
explored
Tells what “we” did in the sentence.
Transitive
He imagines a castle in the clouds.
imagines
Mental action is happening in his mind.
Transitive
The baby cries loudly at night.
cries
Shows the action the baby is doing.
Intransitive
Action verbs frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When you start teaching action verbs at home, it’s natural to wonder about the best ways to do it, what to avoid, and how to make lessons work for different types of learners. These FAQs answer the questions families most often ask when introducing these fun “doing words” to their kids and teens.
How do you explain action verbs to kids in a simple way?
Start by calling them "doing words" and connecting them to movements your child already knows. Show them that these words describe what people, animals, or things do by acting out simple verbs like "jump," "clap," or "wiggle" together. Kids can actually use around 40 verbs by the time they are just 2 years old, so don't underestimate their ability to learn these ideas through play and repetition.
What are some common mistakes when teaching action verbs at home?
Many parents focus too heavily on memorizing lists of verbs instead of using them in context during daily activities. Another common mistake is rushing through lessons without giving kids enough time to physically act out the verbs, which helps them really grasp the concept. Effective teaching often includes modeling actions through play, so avoid sitting still during verb lessons.
How can parents adapt action verb lessons for different ages and learning needs?
For younger learners, focus on simple, concrete actions they can see and do, like "eat," "sleep," or "run," while older kids and teens can explore more complex doing words in creative writing projects. For neurodiverse learners, incorporate sensory experiences and movement breaks, allowing extra processing time and using visual supports like picture cards. Every child learns differently, so adjust the pace and methods to match what works best for your learner.
What specific games and activities work best for teaching action verbs at home?
Charades remains one of the most effective games because kids act out the verbs while others guess, making learning active and memorable. Create action verb scavenger hunts around your home where children find objects and demonstrate related verbs, or use storytelling time to pause and act out the doing words you encounter.
Where can parents find more resources and activity ideas for teaching action verbs?
Look for interactive games, picture books with strong action sequences, and online platforms that offer structured language arts activities organized by difficulty level. Consider joining online homeschooling communities where parents share tried-and-tested ideas for making grammar concepts engaging and fun for their children.
Bring action verbs to life at home
Teaching action verbs at home can open up a world of playful learning, from movement-based games to storytelling adventures that make language fun. By combining your dedication with hands-on activities, you’re helping your child grow into a confident communicator who enjoys expressing themselves.
When you’re ready to add more inspiration, Outschool offers live and self-paced classes that fit right into your homeschool routine. You’ll find expert-led instruction that fits your child’s unique learning style, supports their language journey, and helps them fall in love with the words that bring their world to life.
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