Adverb Lesson for Elementary

Following are some examples of an adverb lesson for elementary school. These will introduce adverbs, explain what kind of words they modify, and the different ways they modify words. The main objective is that the students will be able to identify adverbs. 

Adverb Lesson for Elementary School

In this lesson, adverbs will be introduced and their function will be examined. The students will be able to identify adverbs and demonstrate their function.

Introduction:  Explain that an adverb gives more information about a word and changes it slightly. Tell the students that an adverb can modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb. Write each of the following sentences on the board. Read each one aloud and underline the adverbs. Tell the students which word the adverb is modifying and in what way. Then ask the students to think of other words like the adverb in the sentence.

• “He ran quickly to the park.” Explain that “quickly” tells how he ran and that many adverbs explain how something happened. Ask for examples of other adverbs.
• “I came to school yesterday.” Explain that “yesterday” tells when and ask for examples.
• “We can play inside.” Explain that “inside” tells where and ask for examples.
• “That was very nice of you.” Explain that “very” tell how much and ask for examples.

Summarize by going over the four categories of adverbs: how, when, where, and how much.

Student Practice Sheet

This practice sheet accompanies the adverb lesson for elementary school and will show the student understands what an adverb is and what it does.  

Instructions: Circle the adverbs in the following sentences. HINT: There are two adverbs in each sentence.

A. These sentences have adverbs which tell HOW something was done.  

      1. She sang joyfully but he sang sadly.

      2. He quickly finished so he could slowly eat his dessert.

B. These sentences have adverbs which tell WHEN something was done.

      3. Yesterday I called the store so I could pick up my order today.

      4. We can go now or we can go later.

c. These sentences have adverbs which tell WHERE something happened.

      5. The bird is flying here and there.

      6. Walk forward and sit there.

D. These sentences have adverbs which tell HOW MUCH.

      7. He was extremely brave and very smart.

      8. She was totally surprised and almost fainted.

ANSWERS: 1. joyfully, sadly, 2. quickly, slowly, 3. yesterday, today, 4. now, later, 5. here, there, 6. forward, there, 7. extremely, very, 8. totally, almost  

Adverb Review Lesson

As a final adverb lesson for elementary school, here is a lesson to review and assess the student’s understanding of adverbs. Go over adverbs and their categories: how, when, where, and how much. Explain that adverbs tell you more about the word they modify.  

Write the following four adverbs on the board and have students make up sentences using them: loudly, never, away, and really. Then, have them complete the review sheet.

Review Sheet for Adverbs

A. Instructions: Underline the adverb in each sentence and answer each question by filling in the blank.

1. She played the tuba loudly. How did she play the tuba? __________
2. I never eat meat. When do you eat meat? __________
3. He lives upstairs. Where does he live? __________
4. They are totally confused. How much are they confused? __________
5. Sarah waited patiently. How did Sarah wait? __________
6. The plane is flying away. Where is the plane flying? __________
7. I graduated from college recently. When did you graduate? __________
8. Tom is slightly irritated. How much is Tom irritated? __________
9. They walked briskly to the park. How did they walk? __________
10. He washes the car weekly. When does he wash the car? __________

B. Instructions: Write five sentences using each adverb listed. Don’t forget to capitalize the first word and use the proper end punctuation.

1. (now)
2. (everywhere)
3. (quite)
4. (cheerfully)
5. (lazily)