Activity Overview
After learning the conjugations for the preterite tense, both regular and irregular, students must become accustomed to its uses. One use of the preterite tense is to show a completed action. The completed action could be defined by a specific time-frame or the tense itself could give the feeling of plot progression. Verbs in the preterite tense give a sense of stating what happened and moving on.
In this activity, students will write a narrative that only uses the preterite tense, demonstrating this feeling of plot progression. Students should be encouraged to use a variety of different scenes and verbs to practice each different conjugation.
To provide guidance, you can provide students with the first cell to spark their imaginations, or let them start from scratch. After students have completed their storyboards, consider having them read them aloud to the class, using the slideshow function to display each cell as they read.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a narrative that uses only the preterite tense.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write a narrative using the preterite tense to describe completed actions.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
After learning the conjugations for the preterite tense, both regular and irregular, students must become accustomed to its uses. One use of the preterite tense is to show a completed action. The completed action could be defined by a specific time-frame or the tense itself could give the feeling of plot progression. Verbs in the preterite tense give a sense of stating what happened and moving on.
In this activity, students will write a narrative that only uses the preterite tense, demonstrating this feeling of plot progression. Students should be encouraged to use a variety of different scenes and verbs to practice each different conjugation.
To provide guidance, you can provide students with the first cell to spark their imaginations, or let them start from scratch. After students have completed their storyboards, consider having them read them aloud to the class, using the slideshow function to display each cell as they read.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a narrative that uses only the preterite tense.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write a narrative using the preterite tense to describe completed actions.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Spanish Preterite: Completed Action
Engage students with a preterite tense classroom storytelling game
Boost participation by turning preterite practice into a fun, interactive group activity. Games help students internalize tense usage and build speaking confidence.
Divide the class into small groups of 4–5 students
Encourage teamwork and ensure everyone gets a turn. Smaller groups foster speaking opportunities and make students feel comfortable sharing.
Give each group a set of event prompts or picture cards
Provide inspiration and keep the activity focused on preterite-friendly actions. Visuals or simple prompts make it easy for all learners to participate.
Have students take turns adding to a group story, using only the preterite tense
Practice real-time conjugation and reinforce understanding of completed actions. Each student builds on the previous sentence, creating a collaborative narrative.
Share group stories aloud and discuss preterite usage
Celebrate creativity and reinforce learning by reviewing each story. Highlight correct preterite forms and give supportive feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Preterite: Completed Action
What is the Spanish preterite tense and when is it used?
The Spanish preterite tense is used to express completed actions that happened at a specific point in the past. It's often used for events that move a story forward or indicate something was finished.
How can I teach students to write narratives using only the preterite tense?
Encourage students to focus on actions with clear beginnings and endings. Have them create stories where each sentence uses a verb in the preterite, and use prompts or storyboards to help them structure their narratives.
What are some tips for helping students practice preterite tense conjugations?
Provide practice exercises like fill-in-the-blanks, have students write short stories, and use visual aids such as storyboards where they must describe each scene using the preterite tense.
What’s the difference between the preterite and imperfect tenses in Spanish?
The preterite tense describes completed actions in the past, while the imperfect tense is used for ongoing, habitual, or background actions. Preterite pushes the plot; imperfect sets the scene.
What are some creative activities for teaching the Spanish preterite tense?
Try activities like storyboarding a narrative in the preterite, having students perform skits, or playing games where they have to describe completed actions using the correct tense.
More Storyboard That Activities
Preterite vs. Imperfect
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