Group Share Tell a small group the information you learned from reading the selection. Ask questions about your classmates’ new knowledge. Use present and past tense verbs depending on the time of the action.
What did you learn about schools during this time period?
I learned that schools were segregated and that people tried to change them.
Study the Models When you write about an event that happened in the past, you need to be consistent so you don’t confuse your readers. Choose verbs that make it clear that the events happened in the past, not in the present.
Add Sentences Think of two sentences to add to the OK model above. Be consistent in showing that the events happened in the past.
WRITE ON YOUR OWN Imagine you are one of the “Little Rock Nine” and the year is 1957. Write about what your school day was like yesterday. Use words that make it clear that the events happened in the past.
Check your past tense verbs for correct spelling.
• If a verb ends in silent e, drop the e before you add -ed.
rule + -ed = ruled
• If the verb has one syllable and ends in one vowel and one consonant, double the consonant.
stop + p + -ed = stopped
