Learning English grammar can sometimes feel challenging for young learners — especially when it comes to verb tenses. But teaching the past simple tense doesn’t have to be boring or confusing. With the right approach, your child can easily learn how to talk about past events, describe what happened yesterday, and build confidence in speaking and writing.
At Learnlink, we believe that language learning should be joyful, interactive, and meaningful. In this article, you’ll discover:
- A clear explanation of the past simple tense
- The difference between regular and irregular verbs
- Step-by-step ways to introduce new grammar
- Fun and engaging activities for kids
- Digital tools and apps that support learning
- Expert tips to help your child master the past simple
Let’s dive in!
Why Understanding the Past Simple Tense Matters for Kids
The past simple tense is one of the most important building blocks of English grammar. It allows children to describe actions that happened and finished in the past — whether it was just a moment ago or many years back.
When kids learn how to use the past simple correctly, they gain:
- Better storytelling skills
- Improved reading comprehension
- Stronger communication abilities
- Confidence in both spoken and written English
This skill helps them connect with others by sharing their own experiences, asking questions about what happened, and understanding stories read aloud.
Understanding how to teach the past simple to kids starts with showing its relevance in everyday life. Whether they're describing their weekend, explaining what they did at school, or retelling a story, the past simple plays a central role in helping them express themselves clearly.
What Is the Past Simple Tense?
Put simply, the past simple tense is used to talk about actions that are already finished. It often answers the question “What did you do yesterday?” or “What happened at the weekend?”
For example:
- I played football.
- She ate an apple.
- They went to the park.
You can explain it like this:
“We use the past simple when something happened before now — and it’s not happening anymore.”
Children will start using the past simple naturally once they understand how it connects to their daily life. This is where teaching the past simple becomes more than just memorising rules — it becomes part of how they see and share the world.
Step-by-Step Guide to Introducing Past Simple Verbs
Introducing new grammar concepts to children should always follow a gentle and logical path. Here’s how you can teach the past simple step by step:
- Step 1: Start with the Present
Before jumping into the past, make sure your child understands the present tense. Use real-life examples:
- “I eat breakfast.”
- “She plays with her toys.”
Once they’re comfortable with the present, introduce the idea of time passing.
- Step 2: Explain the Concept of Time
Use visual tools like timelines or calendars to show the difference between:
- Now (present)
- Before (past)
- Later (future)
Ask questions like:
- “What did you do today?”
- “What happened yesterday?”
This helps them connect grammar with real experiences.
- Step 3: Introduce One Verb at a Time
Don’t overwhelm them with too much information. Start with one action and its past form:
- eat → ate
- play → played
- go → went
Repeat often and use pictures or gestures to reinforce meaning.
- Step 4: Use Stories and Real-Life Examples
Tell short stories using past tense verbs and ask your child to repeat sentences after you. For example:
- “Yesterday, I walked to the park.”
- “I saw a dog.”
- “It ran fast!”
This builds familiarity and makes grammar feel natural.
Fun Activities to Teach the Past Simple Tense
Children learn best when they're engaged and having fun. Here are some playful ways to teach the past simple tense:
1. Timeline Game – What Happened First, Next, and Last?
Use picture cards showing different actions (e.g., wake up, brush teeth, eat breakfast). Ask your child to arrange them in order and describe each event using the past simple.
2. Yesterday’s Routine – Talk About Daily Life in the Past
Encourage your child to talk about what they did yesterday using full sentences:
- “I got up at seven.”
- “I brushed my teeth after breakfast.”
This builds confidence and reinforces structure.
3. Picture Prompts – Describe What Happened in the Image
Show a drawing of a scene and ask questions like:
- “What happened here?”
- “Who was there?”
- “Did he run or walk?”
Let them write or say short sentences using the past tense.
4. Past Tense Charades – Act Out Events from Yesterday
One player acts out an action (e.g., swim, dance, jump), and the others guess using the past form: “You swam!”
5. Memory Lane Box – Collect Objects and Tell Short Stories
Create a “Memory Box” with small objects or drawings representing things your child did last week. Let them pull out an item and tell a story using past tense verbs.
These games make grammar practice feel more like play than study — which is exactly what young learners need.
Teaching Regular and Irregular Verbs Made Easy
One of the trickiest parts of the past simple tense is learning the difference between regular and irregular verbs.
Regular Verbs
Most verbs follow a pattern: just add -ED to the base form.
- play → played
- watch → watched
- walk → walked
Use flashcards and matching games to help your child remember these endings.
Irregular Verbs
Some verbs don’t follow the rules — and these are often the most common ones:
- go → went
- have → had
- see → saw
- eat → ate
- take → took
- make → made
- come → came
- do → did
- say → said
- get → got
These need to be learned by heart — but you can make it fun!
Try singing songs or using memory aids:
- “Yesterday, I ate a cake!”
- “Yesterday, she ran so fast!”
Repetition helps children recall past tense forms without feeling pressured.
Time Markers That Go With the Past Simple
To help your child understand when to use the past simple, teach them time markers — words or phrases that often appear with this tense. These make it easier to identify and use correctly.
Knowing these past simple time markers helps children choose the right verb form and build correct sentences naturally.
How to Practise the Past Simple Every Day
The key to mastering any grammar point is consistency. Here are simple ways to include past simple practice in everyday life:
Turn Mealtime into a Language Moment
Ask questions like:
- “What did you do today?”
- “Did you play with your friends?”
- “What did you eat for lunch?”
Make it a habit to encourage full sentences.
Read Together and Point Out Past Tense Words
Choose books with simple narratives and highlight past tense verbs as you read. Ask your child to repeat the sentence or use the word in another context.
Create a Word Wall with New Past Tense Verbs
Write new verbs on sticky notes and place them around the house. For example:
- "ate" near the kitchen
- "walked" near shoes
- "watched" near the TV
Seeing the words regularly helps them remember.
Common Mistakes Kids Make — and How to Help Them Fix It
It’s perfectly normal for children to make mistakes when learning the past simple tense. Here are some common errors and how to gently correct them:
Instead of correcting harshly, model the correct usage:
- If they say “eated,” respond with “Yes! You ate a banana!”
Over time, they’ll begin to self-correct.
Digital Tools and Apps That Support Past Simple Learning
Technology can be a powerful ally in teaching grammar. There are many online resources designed specifically for children learning English.
Here are some top picks:
- Learnlink: Offers online classes with expert tutors who turn grammar into fun, interactive lessons
- Duolingo Kids: Engaging mini-games that focus on vocabulary and verb tenses
- Starfall: Interactive phonics and grammar exercises perfect for early learners
- ABCmouse: A full curriculum for ages 2–8, including past tense games
- Oxford Owl: Free reading materials and grammar worksheets
These sites allow children to explore and learn at their own pace — making the past simple feel less intimidating and more exciting.
How Learnlink Makes Learning the Past Simple Fun and Effective
At Learnlink, we know that every child learns differently — and that’s why our approach is tailored to suit each learner’s needs. Our live classes are led by experienced teachers who use storytelling, games, and interactive exercises to make grammar come alive.
With Learnlink, your child will:
- Play engaging vocabulary and grammar games
- Build confidence through positive reinforcement
- Practice the past simple in real-life conversations
Whether your child is just starting out or ready to build on existing knowledge, our courses are designed to keep them motivated and excited to learn.
Ready to get started?
Final Tips for Parents and Teachers
Teaching the past simple tense is all about patience, repetition, and making grammar relevant to your child’s world. Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
- Be Patient — Grammar Takes Time to Sink In
Children absorb language at their own pace. Don’t rush them — let them explore and experiment with words.
- Praise Effort, Not Just Accuracy
Celebrate every attempt. Even if the verb isn’t correct, saying “That’s a great try!” encourages them to keep going.
- Make It Relevant — Connect Grammar with Real-Life Stories
Talk about your day, ask about theirs, and help them describe past experiences. This makes learning personal and meaningful.
