Function of Words: The Adverb

The adverb is the verb's companion, just as the adjective is the noun's. A small orange circle beside the red verb-sun marks the quality of the action. Children embody adverbs: walking slowly vs. quickly is felt.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Grammar
• Level: Ages 7-8

Objectives

• Identify adverbs as words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Associate the small orange circle with the adverb
• Recognize adverbs of manner, time, place, and degree
• Compose sentences using varied adverbs

Materials

• Small orange circle (smaller than the verb's red sun)
• Basket of adverb command cards ('walk slowly', 'whisper quietly', 'run quickly')
• Paper and pencils

Instructions

1. Tell the story: 'The verb is our fiery sun, bringing movement. But often the verb wants a quality — how? how much? when? where? A small orange circle, its warm companion, marks these words: the adverbs.' 2. Place the orange circle. 3. Issue commands: 'Walk slowly.' 'Whisper quietly.' 'Jump high.' 4. After each performance, identify the adverb. 5. Mark adverbs with the orange circle. 6. Sort adverbs by type (manner, time, place, degree). 7. Mark adverbs in written text. 8. Add comparative and superlative (more quickly, most quickly). 9. Compose richly modified sentences.

Educator tip

Adverbs of manner often end in '-ly' — a pattern children find satisfying. But warn them: 'friendly' is an adjective, and 'fast' is both adjective and adverb.

Assessment

Note adverb identification, type sorting, and use in written work.

More from Language

• Function of Words: The Conjunction
• Function of Words: The Interjection
• Word Study: Prefixes
• Word Study: Suffixes
• Poetry Study — Rhyme, Rhythm, and Imagery
• Grammar Box 1 — The Article
• Grammar Box 2 — The Adjective with Noun and Article
• Detective Adjective Game