This storyboard activity assumes that students have already learned to conjugate ser and estar, and the differences of use. Students may have done some preliminary practice with the two verbs, but now require a little bit more of a challenge. This storyboard targets verb conjugation and choosing between ser and estar in the context of responding to questions.
Have students create a storyboard that simulates a conversation or multiple conversations between characters. The storyboard must use all categories of ser and estar. It should also target various forms of the two verbs.
Structured as a conversation, students must take into account how questions are asked and answered, besides just choosing between ser and estar correctly. Sometimes it is helpful for students to pretend they are speaking to a friend to determine the appropriate subject and verb conjugation. To reinforce the concept, below each example students can write the ser or estar category.
Activity 1: Students create and write full conversation as modeled.
Activity 2: Student only creates images, questions, and labels. In class, students are paired and reenact the storyboard to practice speaking. As their partner responds to the questions, the student writes in the response.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Engage your students with a fun, interactive activity that reinforces correct verb usage. Games can make abstract grammar rules memorable!
Encourage teamwork by giving each group a card describing a situation (e.g., describing a lost item, introducing a family member). This helps students contextualize ser and estar in real-life conversations.
Guide students to create sentences that fit their assigned context, using both verbs appropriately. This dual practice strengthens understanding of their distinct uses.
Promote speaking skills as students share and justify their verb choices. This peer teaching reinforces learning for everyone.
Motivate participation by making grammar practice competitive and rewarding. Positive reinforcement boosts class energy and retention!
Ser is used for permanent characteristics, identity, and origin, while estar expresses temporary states, emotions, or locations. Choosing the right verb depends on the context of the sentence.
Engage students in activities like creating storyboards with conversations that require them to select and conjugate ser or estar based on context. Pair work and reenactments can reinforce learning and correct usage.
Try activities where students write or act out conversations using both ser and estar, label verb categories, and switch roles to identify the correct conjugation and context for each verb.
Simulating conversations helps students apply ser and estar in real-life contexts, improving their ability to select the correct verb form based on who is speaking and the situation.
Assess mastery by having students create dialogues, participate in role-play, and explain their verb choices. Look for correct conjugation, context-appropriate use, and clear understanding of the differences.