If you’ve ever heard your child say, “I am playing!” or “She is dancing!” – congratulations! They’re already using the present continuous tense without even realising it. But how can you help them understand why we say “I am learning English” instead of “I learn English” right now? And more importantly, how can you make mastering this essential part of English grammar feel like play, not pressure?
At Learnlink, we’ve spent years helping children across Europe and beyond fall in love with English – one verb at a time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the present continuous for kids, from simple rules to playful practice ideas. Whether you’re a parent supporting your child at home or a teacher looking for fresh classroom strategies, you’ll find practical, confidence-boosting tips that actually work.
And yes – by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to help your child use the present continuous tense correctly, avoid common mistakes, and even enjoy the process!
How to Form the Present Continuous – Easy Rules for Children
The present continuous tense (also known as the present progressive) is all about actions happening right now – at this very moment of speaking. It’s perfect for describing what someone is doing as we speak, not what they usually do.
The good news? The structure is wonderfully consistent and easy to remember – even for young learners.
Every sentence in the present continuous form follows this pattern:
Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing
Let’s break it down:
- “Am” goes with I → I am jumping.
- “Is” goes with he, she, it → She is reading a book.
- “Are” goes with you, we, they → They are playing football.
This combination of the auxiliary verb (am/is/are) and the present participle (-ing form of the verb) creates the full present continuous verb form.
Now, let’s see how this works in different types of sentences.
Affirmative Sentences: Saying What’s Happening Now
Affirmative sentences tell us what is happening. These are the most common and easiest for kids to grasp.
Examples:
- I am drawing a rainbow.
- He is eating an apple.
- We are watching a cartoon.
- The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
- My sister is brushing her hair.
- You are wearing your blue jumper.
- The birds are singing in the garden.
- Dad is cooking spaghetti for dinner
Notice how each sentence uses am/is/are + verb-ing to show an action in progress. These aren’t habits – they’re things happening right now.
Negative Sentences: How to Say “Not Happening Right Now”
To say something is not happening, simply add “not” after am/is/are.
Structure: Subject + am/is/are + not + verb + -ing
Examples:
- I am not doing my homework. (Maybe I’m playing instead!)
- She is not listening to music.
- They are not running – they’re walking slowly.
- He is not watching TV right now.
- We are not going to the park today.
- The dog is not barking – it’s quiet!
In everyday speech, we often use contractions:
- I’m not
- He’s not / She’s not / It’s not
- We’re not / You’re not / They’re not
Tip for parents: Encourage your child to act out both the action and the “not” version. “Show me you are dancing… Now show me you are not dancing!” This builds understanding through movement and fun.
Questions in Present Continuous: Asking What’s Going On
Want to know what someone is doing? Flip the am/is/are to the front!
Structure: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb + -ing?
Examples:
- Are you playing outside?
- Is Mum cooking dinner?
- Am I holding the pencil correctly?
- Is the baby sleeping?
- Are they building a sandcastle?
- Is your brother doing his maths?
These questions are perfect for games like “Guess What I’m Doing” – a fantastic way to practise the present continuous while laughing together.
Remember: Always answer with a full sentence to reinforce structure:
- “Yes, I am playing.”
- “No, she is not cooking – she’s reading!”
Present Continuous Examples Kids Can Relate To
Children learn best when grammar connects to their world. Here are real-life present continuous examples your child will instantly recognise:
- Look! The dog is barking at the postman!
- I am brushing my teeth before bed.
- My brother is building a LEGO spaceship!
- We are singing our favourite song in the car.
- The teacher is writing on the whiteboard.
- Mum is watering the plants in the garden.
- My friend is sending me a funny video.
- The rain is falling softly outside.
These aren’t abstract rules – they’re snapshots of daily life. When kids see grammar in action, it sticks.
How to Use the Present Continuous?
Not every action uses the present continuous tense. So when should your child use it?
Use the present continuous to talk about:
✅ Actions happening right now, at the moment of speaking
✅ Temporary situations (“I am staying with my grandparents this week”)
✅ Future plans that are already arranged (“We are going to the zoo tomorrow!”)
But don’t use it for:
❌ General truths (“The sun rises in the east” – not “is rising”)
❌ Habits or routines (“I play football every Saturday” – that’s present simple)
❌ Thoughts, feelings, or senses that aren’t active actions (“I know the answer,” not “I am knowing”)
Understanding the difference between present simple and present continuous is key – and something we focus on in our Learnlink lessons through stories, songs, and interactive games.
Methods to Teach Present Continuous for Kids
Forget boring drills! At Learnlink, we believe learning English should feel like play. Here’s how to make the present continuous come alive:
Charades with a Twist
Write verbs on cards (“dance,” “eat,” “swim”). Kids pick one and act it out while others guess: “You are swimming!”
“What’s Happening?” Photo Game
Take silly photos of family members mid-action (brushing hair, making tea, jumping). Ask: “What is Dad doing?” Great for speaking practice!
Sing Along
Use songs like “What Are You Doing?” (to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”) – kids love repeating “I am clapping my hands!”
Draw & Describe
Have your child draw a busy scene (a park, a kitchen, a playground), then label it: “The boy is flying a kite,” “Mum is pouring juice.”
These activities don’t just teach grammar – they build confidence in speaking, listening, and writing.
Common Mistakes Kids Make
Even bright learners stumble sometimes. Here are frequent errors – and how to gently correct them:
Forgetting the -ing:
❌ “She is dance.”
✅ “She is dancing.”
→ Remind them: “The verb must wear its -ing hat!”
Using present continuous for habits:
❌ “I am going to school every day.”
✅ “I go to school every day.” (That’s routine – use present simple!)
→ Ask: “Is this happening right now, or every day?”
Wrong auxiliary verb:
❌ “He are playing.”
✅ “He is playing.”
→ Use a chant: “I am, you are, he/she/it is!”
Adding -ing to non-action verbs:
❌ “I am loving ice cream.”
✅ “I love ice cream.”
→ Explain: Some verbs (like love, know, want) describe states, not actions – so no -ing!
The key? Patience, repetition, and positivity. Mistakes are part of learning – and at Learnlink, we celebrate every attempt.
Tips for Parents and Teachers to Support Present Continuous Learning
You don’t need to be a grammar expert to help! Here’s how to support your child:
- Model the language naturally: Say “I am making lunch” instead of “I make lunch” when you’re actually doing it.
- Ask open questions: “What are you doing?” “What is the dog doing?”
- Praise effort, not perfection: “Wow, you remembered the -ing! Great job!”
- Keep it visual: Use timers, photos, or live demonstrations to show “now” vs. “always.”
- Read together: Picture books are full of present continuous (“The bear is climbing a tree!”).
And remember: consistency beats intensity. Just 10 minutes of playful practice a day builds lasting skills.
Ready to See Your Child Speak English with Confidence?
Understanding the present continuous tense is more than just grammar – it’s a stepping stone to fluent, natural English. When children can describe what’s happening around them in real time, their confidence soars. They start speaking, listening, and thinking in English – not just memorising rules.
At Learnlink, we’ve helped children across Europe, and beyond unlock their English potential through engaging, age-appropriate online lessons. Our certified teachers specialise in teaching the present continuous (and all key tenses) through stories, songs, games, and real conversation – no boring textbooks!
Our small-group classes (max 4 students) ensure your child gets personal attention. And with flexible scheduling, it fits seamlessly into your family routine.
Don’t let grammar stress hold your child back.
Book a FREE trial lesson today and see the Learnlink difference!
Final Thought:
The present continuous isn’t just a tense – it’s a window into your child’s world. “I am learning English!” isn’t just a sentence. It’s a declaration of growth, curiosity, and joy. And with the right support, every child can say it – and mean it.
Welcome to Learnlink. Where grammar comes alive, and every child finds their voice.
