Run, Running! Adding -ing to Verbs

About This Resource

A free Grade 2 ESL spelling worksheet on the three rules for adding -ing: just add -ing (play, playing), drop the e (make, making) and double the last letter (run, running). Children sort verbs by rule, write -ing forms, fix spelling mistakes and use the words in present continuous sentences. Includes a timed lesson plan, an editable Word version and an answer key.

Overview

Children often know how to say running and making but are not sure how to spell them. This worksheet teaches three simple rules. Most verbs just add -ing. Verbs that end in a silent e drop the e. Short verbs with one vowel and one last consonant double the last letter. Children sort verbs, write the -ing forms, spot mistakes and use the words in sentences about what people are doing now.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Adding -ing to Verbs
Category: Writing
File Type: PDF
File Size: 288.7 KB
Published: 13 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 2 ESL (ages 7–8), A1 35 minutes Spelling writing grammar

Student Task

Mime actions and ask: "What am I doing?" Write the answers on the board.
Teach the three rules with examples, then do activities 1 and 2 together.
Children complete activities 3 to 5. Answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Charades: a child mimes; the class writes the -ing word on mini whiteboards.
Rule detectives: children find -ing words in a storybook and decide which rule each one follows.
Three corners: label corners add, drop the e and double; call a verb and children walk to the right rule.

Differentiation

Support: work with one rule at a time and give a picture for each verb. Challenge: children write a short paragraph about a picture using five -ing words.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 to 4 check spelling (answer key included). Activity 5 shows whether children can use -ing forms in sentences.

Learning Objectives

Add -ing to verbs using the three spelling rules.
Spot and correct -ing spelling mistakes.
Use -ing verbs in present continuous sentences.

Teacher Tips

For the doubling rule, keep it simple at this level: short words with one vowel and one consonant at the end (run, sit, swim, hop). Words ending in w, x or y never double: snowing, fixing, playing.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (4 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (5 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)