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Essential Helping Verbs Worksheet | Grade 1 ELA
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This Grade 1 helping verbs worksheet provides students with targeted practice in subject-verb agreement using "is" and "are." By selecting the correct verb to complete 18 different sentences, learners develop a foundational understanding of how singular and plural subjects dictate verb choice in English grammar.
At a Glance
- Grade: 1 · Subject: ELA
- Standard:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C— Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences- Skill Focus: Subject-verb agreement (is/are)
- Format: 2 pages · 18 problems · Answer key included · PDF
- Best For: Independent practice or quick assessment
- Time: 10–15 minutes
This resource contains two pages featuring 18 multiple-choice questions. Each question presents a sentence with a missing helping verb and two options: "is" or "are." The sentences use a variety of proper nouns, common nouns, and collective nouns to challenge student understanding of number. A clear layout ensures that young readers can focus on the text without visual distraction.
Zero-Prep Workflow:
1. Print: Select the PDF and print enough copies for your class in under 30 seconds.
2. Distribute: Hand out the two-page worksheet as a bell-ringer or independent center activity; no additional materials are required.
3. Review: Use the provided answer key to grade the 18 items in less than one minute per student. This streamlined process makes it an ideal choice for emergency sub plans or busy Monday mornings.
Standards Alignment
The primary focus is `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C`, which requires students to use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs. This worksheet specifically isolates the "is/are" distinction, which is a critical hurdle for early writers. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.
How to Use It
Assign this worksheet during the "You Do" phase of a gradual release lesson on verbs. It serves as an excellent formative assessment tool; teachers can quickly scan student choices to identify those struggling with pluralization cues like "and" or "s" endings. Expect most first graders to complete the 18 tasks within 12 minutes.
Who It's For
This resource is designed for first-grade students but is also highly effective for Kindergarteners ready for a challenge or second graders needing remedial support. It is particularly useful for English Language Learners (ELLs) who are mastering the nuances of English auxiliary verbs. Pair this with a visual anchor chart showing singular vs. plural subjects.
According to Fisher & Frey (2014), the gradual release of responsibility model is most effective when students have access to high-quality, focused independent practice that mirrors direct instruction. This worksheet fulfills that requirement by isolating the specific grammatical skill of subject-verb agreement under CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C. By providing 18 distinct opportunities to apply the rule of "is" for singular and "are" for plural, the resource helps solidify the neural pathways required for automaticity in writing. Research from EdReports 2024 emphasizes that high-quality instructional materials must provide clear alignment to foundational language standards to prevent gaps in literacy development. This printable PDF ensures that students engage with the core mechanics of sentence construction, providing teachers with measurable data on student mastery of helping verbs in a classroom-ready format.
