Grade 1Englisheasy
Naming Words and Action Words
This worksheet helps students identify nouns (naming words) and verbs (action words) in simple sentences.
Download Free PDF
No signup required — instant download
grammarnounsverbsfirst gradenaming wordsaction wordssentence structure
Worksheet Preview
What Your Child Will Learn
- Identify naming words (nouns) such as people, animals, and objects in simple sentences
- Recognize action words (verbs) that show what someone or something is doing
- Distinguish between naming words and action words when both appear in the same sentence
- Circle or underline naming words and action words correctly when given visual cues
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Read each sentence aloud together, pointing to each word as you read it
- Step 2: Ask your child 'What person, animal, or thing do you see in this sentence?' to help them find the naming word
- Step 3: Next ask 'What is someone or something doing?' to help them identify the action word
- Step 4: Have your child circle the naming word with one color crayon and the action word with a different color
- Step 5: Review each answer together by reading the sentence again and confirming why each circled word is a naming word or action word
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Use concrete examples your child can see: point to objects around the room as naming words (table, book, dog) and act out action words (jump, run, eat) to make the concept physical and memorable
Watch for students confusing describing words (big, red, happy) with naming words - remind them that naming words are things they can touch or people they can see, not words that tell us 'what kind'
If your child struggles with action words, ask 'What is happening?' or 'What is someone doing?' when reading each sentence - this question helps them focus on the verb
Start with one type at a time: practice finding only naming words in sentences first, then only action words, before mixing both together
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between naming words and describing words for first graders?
Naming words are people, animals, or things you can point to (cat, mom, ball). Describing words tell us what something looks like or feels like (big, soft, red). Help your child by asking 'Can I touch this or point to this?' - if yes, it's likely a naming word.
My child thinks every word ending in -ing is an action word. How do I help them?
While many -ing words are action words (running, jumping), focus on the meaning rather than the ending. Ask 'Is someone DOING this action right now?' Words like 'thing' or 'ring' end in -ing but aren't actions. Always check if it shows what someone is doing.
Should I teach my first grader the terms 'noun' and 'verb' or stick with 'naming words' and 'action words'?
Start with 'naming words' and 'action words' as these terms are more concrete and easier for 6-year-olds to understand. Once they master the concept, you can introduce 'noun' and 'verb' as the grown-up words for the same ideas.
What if my child can't find any action words in a sentence?
Some simple sentences might have action words that don't seem like movement (is, has, sees). Teach your child that action words also include 'being' words - ask 'What is this person or thing doing, even if they're not moving?' For example, in 'The cat is sleeping,' 'sleeping' is still an action.
How can I make identifying naming words and action words more fun for my reluctant learner?
Act it out! When you find an action word, do the action together. When you find a naming word, find that object in your house or draw a quick picture. You can also use different voices - a robot voice for naming words and a superhero voice for action words.
Related Worksheets
More English Worksheets
Related Articles
Reading Comprehension Strategies for First Graders: A Parent's Complete Guide
Discover proven reading comprehension strategies for first graders — from retelling and predicting to hands-on activities and printable worksheets that build real understanding.
CVC Words Worksheets for Kindergarten: Building Phonics Skills Step by Step
A complete parent's guide to teaching CVC words at home — with step-by-step phonics strategies, fun activities, printable worksheets, and a full CVC word list organized by vowel sound.
Teaching Sight Words at Home: Proven Strategies for Early Readers
Learn effective methods to teach sight words at home — from flashcard techniques and multisensory activities to printable worksheets and progress tracking strategies.
Get Free Worksheets in Your Inbox
Subscribe for new worksheets and homeschool tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.