Grammar Box 6 — The Verb

The verb is the sun of the sentence. In Grammar Box 6, all prior parts of speech surround the red circle. The child finds the verb first, then builds the rest — the classic approach to sentence analysis.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Grammar Boxes
• Level: Ages 6-7

Objectives

• Identify the verb in sentences with multiple parts of speech
• Place the verb correctly with the red circle symbol
• Recognize action, state-of-being, and helping verbs
• Prepare for sentence analysis

Materials

• Grammar Box 6 with all prior symbols plus verb circle
• Sentence strips with clear verbs
• Verb basket (action, state, helping)

Instructions

1. Open Grammar Box 6. 2. Read: 'The small child laughed.' 3. Find the verb: 'laughed.' Place under the red circle. 4. Place article, adjective, noun. 5. Read the full symbolic sentence. 6. Try a sentence with state-of-being: 'The sky is blue.' Identify 'is' as verb. 7. Try a sentence with helping verb: 'She is running.' Both verbs under red circles. 8. Discuss verb variety. 9. Mark verbs in written text with red circles.

Educator tip

Children often miss state-of-being verbs (is, are, seem). Name them explicitly — these verbs don't 'do,' they 'are.'

Assessment

Note identification of all verb types, not just action verbs.

More from Language

• Grammar Box 7 — The Adverb
• Phonograms — Diphthongs (oi, oy, ow, ou)
• Introduction to Cursive Writing
• Dictation Exercise — Listening and Transcribing
• Essay Writing — Introduction, Body, Conclusion
• Creative Story Writing — Plot Structure
• Grammar Box 1 — The Noun with Full Presentation
• Grammar Box 2 — Article and Adjective with Full Presentation