Printable Present Tense -ing Verbs Worksheet | Grade 1

Mastering the present continuous tense is vital in first-grade grammar. This worksheet helps students identify and form present tense verbs by adding the "-ing" suffix. By completing these exercises, learners develop a concrete understanding of how to describe actions happening right now, improving their writing and communication skills.

At a Glance

• Grade: 1 · Subject: English Language Arts
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.E — Use verbs to convey a sense of past, present, and future in sentences
• Skill Focus: Present tense verb conjugation with the -ing suffix
• Format: 3 pages · 15 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent grammar practice and formative assessment
• Time: 15–20 minutes

The resource is structured into three pages to avoid overwhelming learners. It begins with a "Remember" box defining the rule for present actions. Part 1 features eight tasks adding the "-ing" ending to base verbs. Part 2 offers seven fill-in-the-blank sentences for applying verbs like wash, eat, and fly.

This worksheet requires under two minutes of teacher preparation. Step 1: Print the PDF. Step 2: Distribute copies and read the example box together. Step 3: Review using the answer key. Its clear layout makes it an ideal choice for sub plans or bell-ringer activities.

This resource aligns primarily with `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.E`, which requires students to use verbs to convey a sense of time. By focusing on the present continuous form, the worksheet also supports `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1`, the broader standard for demonstrating command of standard English grammar conventions. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Use this during the "You Do" phase of a lesson. Have students complete Part 1 to verify understanding of suffix addition. Use the sentences as a formative assessment to observe subject-verb agreement. Completion time is usually 15 to 20 minutes.

This set is for first-grade students or as an intervention for second graders. It pairs well with "Now" vs. "Then" anchor charts. ELL students benefit from the sentence frames that provide context, helping bridge the gap between vocabulary and functional grammar usage.

The acquisition of morphological awareness, specifically the ability to manipulate suffixes like "-ing," is a critical predictor of later reading comprehension and writing fluency. According to the RAND AIRS 2024 report on primary literacy, structured practice with inflectional endings helps Grade 1 students move beyond simple word recognition to understanding how word structure influences sentence meaning. By isolating the present tense conjugation in a "no-prep" format, this worksheet provides the high-frequency repetition necessary for mastery without the cognitive load of complex instructions. Fisher & Frey (2014) emphasize that such targeted practice is most effective when students are given immediate feedback, a process facilitated here by the included answer key. This resource ensures that learners solidify their grasp of `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.E` while building the linguistic stamina required for more advanced multi-tense narratives in subsequent grades.