Context

Learning English is an essential skill in a globalized world. A fundamental part of learning this language is understanding and correctly applying verb tenses. The simple past is used to express actions that happened at a defined moment in the past. In English, there are two categories of verbs when it comes to the simple past: regular verbs and irregular verbs.

Regular verbs follow a general rule for forming the past: the suffix -ed is added to the end of the infinitive verb. For example, the verb 'play' becomes 'played' in the past. Irregular verbs, on the other hand, do not follow this rule and must be learned individually as they change form in a unique way. For instance, the verb 'go' becomes 'went' in the past.

Our native language, Portuguese, also has regular and irregular verbs, but the rules for forming the past are different from English. Therefore, learning past tense verbs in English can be a challenge, but with practice and study, you will be able to master this topic.

The ability to correctly use the simple past in English is crucial for effective communication in this language. It will allow you to tell stories, describe past experiences, and understand English texts and conversations.

This project aims to help you understand and practice the use of verbs in the simple past in English, both regular and irregular. It will be an opportunity to learn by collaborating with each other and applying knowledge in real-life situations.

The resources below are suggestions to assist in the project development:

1. Cambridge Dictionary

2. Duolingo

3. Book: 'Gramática da Língua Inglesa' - Author: Celso Cunha

Practical Activity

Title: Journey Through Time - The Verb Conquest

Project Objective:

The objective of this project is to practice using verbs in English in the simple past, both regular and irregular, by creating a story narrated on a timeline using the online tool 'TimeToast' or similar.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group will be responsible for developing a cohesive and coherent narrative that takes place in a specific period of the past using regular and irregular verbs in the simple past. The story should be presented in the form of a timeline created on the TimeToast platform or similar.

The stories should be creative, engaging, and make the use of the simple past clear and illustrative. Each event on the timeline should be accompanied by a description that employs the use of regular and irregular verbs in the simple past.

In practical terms, the activity will allow students to apply their knowledge of English verbs in the past, work in teams, exercise creativity, improve idea organization, and meet deadlines.

Required Materials:

• Internet access
• Free account on the TimeToast platform or similar
• English dictionary
• List of regular and irregular verbs in the simple past in English

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Completion:

1. Students should divide into groups of 3 to 5 participants.
2. Each group should select a specific period of the past as the theme for their story (e.g., the Viking era).
3. Using the list of regular and irregular verbs in the simple past in English, groups must create a narrative that takes place in that period of time, with the mandatory use of at least 20 different verbs (10 regular and 10 irregular).
4. Using the TimeToast platform or similar, groups must create a timeline for the narrative, including an event for each use of a verb in the past.
5. Each event on the timeline should be described with a brief passage that clearly illustrates the use of the verb in question in the past.
6. The group should review the timeline to check for grammatical accuracy, story consistency, and appropriateness of verb use in the past.
7. Finally, the group must submit their timeline to the teacher and share it with the class, allowing all students to see the creative ways of using verbs in the past.

Project Submission and Written Document:

At the end of the practical activity, each group will have to submit the timeline created on the TimeToast platform or similar.

Additionally, students must write a four-part report document: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography:

1. Introduction: Explain the chosen theme, the importance of using verbs in the simple past in English, and the project's objective.
2. Development: Describe the theory of regular and irregular verbs in the simple past, explain the methodology of creating the story and the choice of verbs used, and present the created timeline.
3. Conclusions: Analyze the difficulties encountered during the activity, the lessons learned, and possible improvements for future projects. It is important to revisit the objectives outlined in the introduction and indicate if they were achieved.
4. Bibliography: List the sources used during the work, such as books, websites, videos, etc.

This reporting process will allow students to critically reflect on the activity carried out, the challenges faced, the successes achieved, and the lessons learned.