Past Tense for Teaching: Grammar Exercises
Jason Holloway · on 24 July 2026 · 11 min read · Last reviewed 24 July 2026
Past tense for teaching is a grammar concept that helps children understand how to express actions completed in the past using specific verb forms.
- Past tense is crucial for storytelling, reporting events, and expressing past actions.
- English past tense can be regular (add -ed) or irregular (entirely different word forms).
- Children typically start learning past tense between ages 2 and 3, with mastery around age 4-5.
- According to the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, consistent practice improves past tense acquisition by 60-70%.
How to teach past tense to children effectively
To teach past tense, start with simple, regular verbs and use visual aids to reinforce the concept.
In my experience, children respond well to games and repetitive activities that make learning feel like play rather than work.
Use action verbs like "jump," "run," and "play" to demonstrate the difference between present and past tense. For example, say, "You jump now. Yesterday, you jumped."
According to speech-language pathologists, storytelling is one of the best ways to practice past tense. Encourage children to describe their day using past tense verbs: "I ate breakfast," "I played with my toys."
Use assistive speech software to provide visual and auditory reinforcement. Many apps offer interactive exercises that help children practice past tense verbs in a fun, engaging way.
For children struggling with irregular verbs, focus on high-frequency words like "go-went," "eat-ate," and "see-saw." Use flashcards and matching games to help them memorize these pairs.
Always reinforce correct usage with positive feedback. Praise children when they use past tense correctly, and gently correct mistakes without frustration. Repetition and consistency are key.
What are the best assistive speech software options for teaching past tense?
Assistive speech software can significantly enhance past tense instruction by providing interactive, engaging exercises tailored to different learning styles.
One popular option is Proloquo2Go, an AAC app designed for children and adults with communication difficulties. It offers customizable vocabulary and grammar settings, making it ideal for practicing past tense verbs.
Another excellent choice is TouchChat by Saltillo, which includes pre-programmed phrases and sentences that can be adapted to focus on past tense usage. The app's intuitive interface makes it easy for children to navigate and practice independently.
For Android users, Aac apps for android like Speak It! Sam can be a valuable tool. This app uses animated characters to demonstrate past tense verbs in context, making learning more dynamic and engaging.
Grid by SmartBox is another top-rated AAC app that offers a comprehensive curriculum for teaching grammar, including past tense. The app's customizable features allow educators to create personalized activities that target specific language goals.
How to get an AAC device for free?
Many organizations and programs offer free or low-cost AAC devices to families in need.
First, consult with a speech-language pathologist or an early intervention program. They can provide information about local resources and funding options. Some schools and hospitals have lending libraries where families can borrow AAC devices temporarily.
Non-profit organizations like the United Cerebral Palsy Association and the Autism Society often provide grants or financial assistance for AAC devices. Research these organizations to see if you qualify for their programs.
Another option is to check with insurance providers. Some insurance plans cover the cost of AAC devices if they are deemed medically necessary. Work with a healthcare provider to submit a claim and explore coverage options.
Online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe can also be a valuable resource. Many families successfully raise funds to purchase AAC devices by sharing their stories and goals with a wider audience.
What is the most popular AAC app?
The most popular AAC app is Proloquo2Go, widely used by educators, therapists, and families due to its comprehensive features and user-friendly design.
Proloquo2Go offers a wide range of customizable vocabulary options, making it suitable for users of all ages and abilities. The app includes pre-programmed phrases and sentences that can be adapted to focus on specific language goals, such as past tense verbs.
Its intuitive interface and high-quality voice output make it easy for children to navigate and practice independently. Additionally, Proloquo2Go provides extensive support resources, including tutorials, webinars, and a dedicated customer service team.
How much does an AAC device cost?
The cost of an AAC device varies depending on the type and features, ranging from $50 for basic apps to several thousand dollars for dedicated speech-generating devices.
Basic AAC apps like Speak It! Sam for Android are typically the most affordable option, costing around $50-$100. These apps offer essential features and can be a great starting point for families considering AAC options.
Mid-range AAC apps like TouchChat by Saltillo usually cost between $200 and $300. These apps provide more advanced features, such as customizable vocabulary and pre-programmed phrases, making them suitable for a wider range of users.
High-end AAC devices, such as those offered by Tobii Dynavox, can cost several thousand dollars. These devices often include sophisticated software, customizable interfaces, and additional accessories like eye-tracking technology.
| AAC Device/App | Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Speak It! Sam | $50-$100 | Animated characters, simple interface, basic vocabulary |
| TouchChat by Saltillo | $200-$300 | Customizable vocabulary, pre-programmed phrases, intuitive design |
| Proloquo2Go | $250 | Comprehensive vocabulary, high-quality voice output, extensive support resources |
| Tobii Dynavox Devices | $2,000-$5,000+ | Sophisticated software, customizable interfaces, eye-tracking technology |
What is the speech assist app for free?
Speech Assistant AAC, the best free speech assist app, offers a range of features designed to support communication for non-verbal individuals.
Speech Assistant AAC provides a customizable interface where users can create and organize phrases, words, and pictures. The app includes text-to-speech functionality, allowing users to communicate effectively by selecting predefined phrases or typing their own messages.
Additionally, the app offers a variety of voice options and the ability to adjust speech rate and volume. Users can also add their own images or use the app's built-in symbols to create personalized communication boards.
Avaz AAC is another excellent free option for communication apps for non-verbal adults. This app is designed specifically for non-verbal adults and offers a comprehensive set of features to support communication in various settings. Avaz AAC includes pre-programmed vocabulary, customizable categories, and high-quality voice output.
Customization options are extensive in the app, allowing users to tailor the interface to their specific needs. Avaz AAC offers a free trial period, enabling users to explore its features before committing to a purchase.
Who would benefit from an AAC app?
Children and adults with speech and language disorders, such as apraxia, autism, or cerebral palsy, can significantly benefit from using AAC apps.
Children with developmental delays frequently struggle to express their thoughts and needs verbally. AAC apps provide a structured way to practice language skills and build communication confidence.
Adults with acquired conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury may also find AAC apps helpful in regaining their ability to communicate effectively. These apps offer a flexible and adaptive tool for expressing needs, thoughts, and emotions.
Individuals with progressive conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can use AAC apps to maintain their communication abilities as their condition advances. The customizable features of these apps allow users to adapt the interface to their changing needs over time.
According to speech-language pathologists, consistent use of AAC apps can improve language skills, enhance social interactions, and boost self-esteem. These apps serve as a vital bridge between non-verbal individuals and the world around them, enabling more meaningful connections and participation in daily activities.
My current personal favorite: Grid by SmartBox
Grid by SmartBox is a highly regarded AAC app known for its flexibility and comprehensive features, making it a favorite among educators and therapists.
One of the standout features of Grid is its customizable interface. Users can create personalized grids with words, phrases, and images tailored to their specific communication needs. This flexibility allows for a highly individualized experience, ensuring that the app meets the unique requirements of each user.
Pre-programmed vocabulary options, including core words and fringe vocabulary, are available in the app. This extensive library of words and phrases makes it easier for users to find the right words to express themselves in various situations.
SmartBox's Grid offers high-quality text-to-speech voices, delivering clear and natural-sounding speech output. Users can choose from a variety of voice options to find the one that best suits their preferences. Additionally, the app allows for adjustments in speech rate and volume, ensuring optimal communication for each individual.
Grid's compatibility with eye-tracking technology is another valuable feature. This makes the app accessible to users with limited mobility, enabling them to navigate and use the app with ease. The eye-tracking feature enhances the app's inclusivity, ensuring that it meets the needs of a diverse range of users.
SmartBox's Grid offers extensive support resources, including tutorials, webinars, and a dedicated customer service team. These resources help users and their families make the most of the app's features and ensure a smooth and effective communication experience.
About Grid by SmartBox
SmartBox Assistive Technology develops Grid by SmartBox, a company dedicated to creating innovative solutions for individuals with communication difficulties.
An app designed to be user-friendly and intuitive makes it accessible to users of all ages and abilities. Its customizable interface allows for personalized communication boards, ensuring that each user can express themselves effectively.
SmartBox offers a wide range of features with Grid, including pre-programmed vocabulary, high-quality text-to-speech voices, and compatibility with eye-tracking technology. These features make the app a comprehensive tool for supporting communication in various settings.
Available on multiple platforms, the app includes iOS and Android devices, reaching a broad audience. Grid by SmartBox also offers a free trial period, enabling users to explore its features before committing to a purchase.
Why I love Grid by SmartBox
As a speech-language pathologist, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that Grid by SmartBox can have on individuals with communication difficulties.
Grid's flexibility is one reason I love it. The app's customizable interface allows me to create personalized communication boards tailored to each client's unique needs. This individualization ensures that the app meets the specific communication goals of each user, making it a highly effective tool.
Grid's extensive library of pre-programmed vocabulary is another reason I appreciate it. This feature makes it easier for users to find the right words to express themselves in various situations. The app's high-quality text-to-speech voices provide clear and natural-sounding speech output, enhancing the overall communication experience.
Compatibility with eye-tracking technology leads as another feature. This makes the app accessible to users with limited mobility, ensuring that they can navigate and use the app with ease. The eye-tracking feature enhances the app's inclusivity, making it a valuable tool for a diverse range of users.
Additionally, Grid offers extensive support resources, including tutorials, webinars, and a dedicated customer service team. These resources help me and my clients make the most of the app's features, ensuring a smooth and effective communication experience. Overall, Grid by SmartBox is a comprehensive and user-friendly AAC app that significantly enhances communication for individuals with speech and language disorders.
AAC App 2: TouchChat by Saltillo
TouchChat by Saltillo is another popular AAC app known for its user-friendly design and comprehensive features.
TouchChat's intuitive interface is one of its standout features. The app offers a variety of pre-programmed vocabulary options, including core words and fringe vocabulary. This extensive library of words and phrases makes it easier for users to find the right words to express themselves in various situations.
TouchChat also includes high-quality text-to-speech voices, providing clear and natural-sounding speech output. Users can choose from a variety of voice options to find the one that best suits their preferences. Additionally, the app allows for adjustments in speech rate and volume, ensuring optimal communication for each individual.
Customization of the interface offers a standout feature. Users can create personalized communication boards with words, phrases, and images tailored to their specific communication needs. This flexibility allows for a highly individualized experience, ensuring that the app meets the unique requirements of each user.
Available on multiple platforms, the app includes iOS and Android devices, reaching a broad audience. The app also offers a free trial period, enabling users to explore its features before committing to a purchase.
Review of TouchChat AAC App
As a speech-language pathologist, I have had the opportunity to work with TouchChat by Saltillo and have been impressed by its comprehensive features and user-friendly design.
TouchChat's extensive library of pre-programmed vocabulary is one of its most appreciated aspects. This feature makes it easier for users to find the right words to express themselves in various situations. The app's high-quality text-to-speech voices provide clear and natural-sounding speech output, enhancing the overall communication experience.
TouchChat's customizable interface leads among its features. Users can create personalized communication boards with words, phrases, and images tailored to their specific communication needs. This flexibility allows for a highly individualized experience, ensuring that the app meets the unique requirements of each user.
Compatibility with multiple platforms, including iOS and Android devices, makes the app accessible to a broad audience. The app also offers a free trial period, enabling users to explore its features before committing to a purchase. Overall, TouchChat by Saltillo is a valuable tool for supporting communication in individuals with speech and language disorders.
Our guide on irregular plurals offers more information on teaching strategies, or explore sequencing questions examples to enhance critical thinking skills.
Frequently asked questions
Why is teaching past tense important for language learners?
Past tense helps learners describe events, tell stories, and discuss experiences. It’s foundational for building narrative skills and understanding time sequences. For example, saying 'I went to the store' instead of 'I go to the store' clarifies when the action happened, which is critical for clear communication.
What common mistakes do students make with past tense verbs?
Students often confuse irregular verbs like 'go-went' or 'eat-ate' with regular ones like 'walk-walked.' They might also mix up simple past ('I ate') with past continuous ('I was eating'). Regular practice with mixed verb lists and context clues helps correct these errors.
How can teachers make past tense exercises engaging?
Use real-life scenarios, like recounting a weekend or creating a class timeline. Role-playing historical events or famous stories makes grammar feel dynamic. For example, asking students to describe a character's actions in a fairy tale reinforces past tense in a fun, memorable way.
What’s an effective way to assess past tense comprehension?
Assign short written narratives or oral presentations where students describe past events. Include a mix of regular and irregular verbs to test accuracy. For instance, asking students to write about their summer vacation ensures they practice past tense in a meaningful, personal context.