The Process of Spanish Reflexive Verbs

The following “process” storyboard is helpful as students learn the step-by-step process of conjugating a reflexive verb. Though systematic, the multiple steps involved can trip up some students. Thus, best use of this grid is for an early lesson on reflexives, in extending learning to other tenses with reflexives, or in particular with students that struggle with multi-step processes. Often, students grow accustomed to reflexives in present tense, but can initially have trouble putting them into other tenses.

Have students label each conjugation step in the row headings and label the verb type or tense in each column heading. In the cells, have students place relevant imaginary to reinforce the verb’s meaning. In the body of the cell, students will also demonstrate the step for that row as labeled. According to each student’s level, the complexity of requirements can be adjusted, for example to include future, preterite, imperfect, present progressive, or reflexive boot verbs and reflexive irregulars like irse.