📚 Part 1: Learn and Identify

Success criteria: I can explain the difference between the simple present and present continuous. I can identify present-tense verbs. I can use capital letters, full stops and accurate verb forms.

Simple present describes habits, routines and facts. Examples: I walk to school. Water boils at 100°C.

Present continuous describes something happening now or around now. Use am, is or are + an -ing verb. Example: I am reading now.

Dyslexia-friendly option: Read each sentence aloud quietly, track the words with a ruler or finger, and ask for the instructions to be read aloud if needed.

a) We visit our grandparents each weekend. Verb: ____________

b) The students are organising their ideas. Verb phrase: ____________

c) My brother watches the news. Verb: ____________

a) I am listening carefully. _____

b) Birds build nests. _____

c) They practise after school. _____

✏️ Part 2: Build and Practise

Choose the verb that makes each sentence correct. Check the subject and the time clue.

a) Mia ____________ to school every day. (walk / walks)

b) The children ____________ outside at the moment. (play / are playing)

c) I ____________ my homework now. (am checking / check)

The library open at nine o'clock.

is / the / carefully / scientist / measuring / liquid

my friends is waiting outside

Challenge extension: Write one sentence about a regular habit and one sentence about something happening now. Use a different present tense in each sentence.

📝 Part 3: Use Present Tense in Your Writing

Editing check: Read your writing aloud. Check your verb forms, capital letters, full stops and spelling. This supports accurate written conventions, linked to NCEA English AS91926 where appropriate.

Differentiation: Use the sentence starters “I usually ________.” and “At the moment, I am ________.” You may dictate your ideas first, use a word bank, or complete fewer sentences with careful accuracy. For extra challenge, join two ideas with because or while.

Teacher answer key

1. The dog barks every morning.

2. Hana is playing netball now.

3. a) visit   b) are organising   c) watches

4. a) C   b) S   c) S

5. a) walks   b) are playing   c) am checking

6. The library opens at nine o'clock.

7. The scientist is measuring the liquid.

8. My friends are waiting outside.

9–10. Answers will vary. Check that the tense matches the task and that written conventions are accurate.