30 Verbs for Kids: Fun Examples and Easy Definitions

Kids use verbs every day, even if they don’t realize it. Learning verbs helps them build stronger sentences and express ideas more clearly. In this blog, “30 Verbs for Kids: Fun Examples and Easy Definitions,” we’ll explore what verbs are, share fun examples, and learn simple ways to teach them.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschooler, these tips will help your young ESL learners grow their vocabulary and confidence.

What Is a Verb?

If you can act it out, it’s probably a verb! Verbs are action words like run, jump, or eat. They tell us what someone or something is doing. Learning verbs is important for kids because it helps them speak and write more clearly.

For example, when you walk, drink, or play, you’re doing something—these are all verbs. Verbs can also show how someone feels, like want or love. Every sentence needs a verb. Without one, we wouldn’t know what is happening!

Here are quick examples of verbs in action:

🧒 I run at recess.

🍎 We eat lunch together.

🐶 The dog barks loudly.

Once kids learn how verbs work, they can build stronger, clearer sentences and express themselves with more confidence.

3 Common Types of Verbs for Kids

When teaching verbs to kids, it helps to start with the three most common types: action verbs, helping verbs, and linking verbs. These verb types create the foundation for everyday communication.

1. Action Verbs
   Action verbs show what someone or something is doing. These are the easiest verbs for kids to learn.
   • Examples: jump, run, dance
   • Sample sentence: The dog runs fast. She jumps on my bed.
2. Helping Verbs
   Helping verbs work with other verbs to show time or possibility. They help describe what’s happening.
   • Examples: is, are, was
   • Sample sentence: He is playing soccer. We are eating lunch.
3. Linking Verbs
   Linking verbs connect the subject to more information. They don’t show action, but they describe a state or feeling.
   • Examples: seem, become, feel
   • Sample sentence: She seems tired. I feel happy today.

Understanding these three types helps kids build stronger sentences. With simple practice, children will learn to spot and use them with confidence.

List of 30 Common Verbs for Kids

To make it easier, we’ve grouped these 30 common verbs for kids into simple, everyday themes. These action words are fun to use and easy to practice!

📚 At School

• write – I write my name on the paper.
• read – They read a book every day.
• draw – They draw pictures with crayons.
• ask – We ask questions in class.
• listen – She listens to the teacher.
• learn – I learn new words in English.
• color – He colors the picture in his notebook.
• spell – We spell simple words out loud.
• count – I count the markers on my desk.
• cut – We cuts paper with scissors.

🏠 At Home

• eat – I eat breakfast with my mom.
• sleep – She sleeps in her bed at night.
• clean – We clean our rooms every week.
• cook – Dad cooks dinner in the kitchen.
• wash – I wash my hands before I eat.
• play – We play board games together.
• help – I help my mom fold clothes.
• sit – We sit on the couch to watch TV.
• drink – He drinks a glass of water.
• open – I open the door for my sister.

🌳 Outside

• run – I run fast in the park.
• jump – I jump over puddles.
• kick – We kick the soccer ball hard.
• throw – He throws the ball to his friend.
• ride – I ride my bike to school.
• swim – She swims at the pool in summer.
• climb – They climb the jungle gym at recess.
• skip – We skip down the sidewalk.
• shout – We shout with joy during games.
• catch – He catches the football with both hands.

Fun Activities to Teach Verbs to Kids

Learning verbs doesn’t have to be boring. With the right activities, kids enjoy themselves while improving grammar and communication skills. Here are a few simple games to help kids recognize and use verbs in their daily life.

1. Simon Says (with Verbs)
   This classic game is a great way to teach action verbs. Say things like “Simon says jump” or “Simon says clap.” Kids move, listen, and learn how verbs show action—all while having fun.
2. Verb Charades
   Write a list of action verbs on cards. Let children take turns acting out the word while others guess. This activity builds confidence, encourages movement, and helps them remember verbs by doing them.
3. Verb Sorting Worksheets
   Create worksheets with a mix of words: verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Ask children to circle or sort only the verbs. It helps them understand how verbs function in sentences.
4. Draw the Verb
   Say a verb and let the child draw it. For example, if you say “run,” they might draw someone running. This activity connects creativity with vocabulary, making each word easier to remember.

🎓 Want to improve your own English skills too?

At OHLA Schools, we offer award-winning English programs for students aged 16 and up. Whether you’re preparing for university, work, or everyday communication, our in-person and online classes are designed to help you succeed with confidence.

Study at the Best English School in Florida with 25+ years of experience. Learn more about our programs at www.ohla.com and get in touch with one of our many Student Advisors who will help you every step of the way.

Want to read more? Check out 5 Essential Tips for Moving Abroad with Kids.