Past Simple Dominoes – Regular & Irregular Verbs (A1–A2 ESL Resource)

This engaging domino-style matching game helps learners recognize and practice English verbs in the past simple tense.
Designed for beginner (A1) and elementary (A2) learners following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the activity provides hands-on practice to reinforce both regular and irregular verb forms through play.

What’s Included
The resource consists of three complete domino sets (30 pieces each):

- Set 1 – Regular Verbs Only (A1)

• Focus: forming and pronouncing regular past tense verbs (play → played, dance → danced, study → studied).
• Ideal for introducing the -ed ending rules.
• Supports accuracy and spelling practice.

Set 2 – Irregular Verbs Only (A2)

• Focus: memorizing common irregular past forms (go → went, see → saw, make → made).
• Builds recognition and recall through pattern repetition.
• Great for consolidating key vocabulary.

Set 3 – Mixed Verbs (Regular + Irregular)

• Designed for review, pair work, or mixed-ability classes.
• Encourages students to differentiate between regular and irregular verbs independently.
• Perfect for consolidation or informal assessment.

Pedagogical Notes

- CEFR Alignment:

• A1: Introduction of regular past tense verbs.
• A2: Expansion to irregular verbs.

- Best Teaching Sequence:

• Start differentiated (regulars → irregulars).
• Use mixed sets later for review or communicative games.

Learning Goals:

• Recognize base vs. past tense verb forms.
• Reinforce spelling and pronunciation of -ed endings.
• Build automaticity with high-frequency irregular verbs.

How to Use

• Print, cut, and laminate for classroom reuse.
• Students play in small groups, matching the base form of a verb to its past simple form (e.g., go → went).
• Can be used as:
  • Warm-up or review activity
  • Grammar practice station
  • Pair or group competition

Perfect for:

• ESL / EFL classrooms
• CEFR-aligned courses (A1–A2)
• Cambridge English Starters, Movers, Flyers support
• Adult beginner classes or secondary ESL learners