Contextualization

Introduction and theoretical concepts

Verbs are words that express actions, states, natural phenomena, among others. They are essential for constructing sentences and have different tenses and moods that help define the context in which they are being used. Verb tenses express when the action occurs (past, present, or future), while verb moods express the speaker's attitude towards the action (indicative, subjunctive, or imperative). In the Portuguese language, we have two types of tenses: primitive and derived. Primitive tenses are those that give rise to other tenses. They are: present indicative, past perfect indicative, and infinitive. Derived tenses are formed from the primitives.

The correlation between verb moods and tenses is what allows for agreement among the verbs in the same sentence or context. This means that verbs from the same period should be in the same tense and mood to maintain discourse coherence. Lastly, uniformity of treatment refers to how we address the interlocutor throughout a text or conversation. We need to maintain the same form (you, sir, we, us, etc.) throughout the communication.

Contextualization and its importance

Studying verbs and their variations is essential for effective and correct communication. Imagine if, when telling a story, we changed the tense in every sentence? Or if, when writing a formal letter, we constantly changed the form of address? This would make communication confusing and incoherent. Furthermore, knowing this subject well is important for interpreting texts, as the use of verb tenses and moods can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

The ability to master the Portuguese language, in all its nuances, is valuable not only in academic environments but also in the job market. Whether in a project proposal, a report, or an email, the ability to express oneself clearly and correctly is a differential.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Verb Hunt"

Project Objective:

The objective of the activity is to provide students with a playful experience that allows them to understand in a practical way the concepts of primitive and derived tenses, the correlation between verb moods and tenses, and uniformity of treatment.

Detailed Project Description:

In this activity, groups of students (3 to 5 per group) will be challenged to create an original story. However, to make the process more interesting and involve the concept of verbs, they will receive a set of verbs in primitive tenses that must be incorporated into the story. In addition, students must derive other verb tenses from the provided primitive verbs while maintaining uniformity of treatment and correlation of moods and tenses.

Required Materials:

• Paper and pen for each group.
• Computer or smartphone with internet access (for research and consultation).
• List of verbs in primitive tenses provided by the teacher.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Activity:

1. Group formation: Students must form groups of 3 to 5 members.
2. Delivery of the verb list: Each group will receive a list of verbs in primitive tenses to be used in the story.
3. Story creation: Groups must create an original story that uses all the provided verbs. Additionally, they must derive other verb tenses from the primitive verbs provided, maintaining uniformity of treatment and correlation of moods and tenses.
4. Writing the story: After creating the story, the group must divide to write the story. The writing can be done collaboratively, with each student responsible for a section of the story.
5. Revision: After writing the story, students must review the work, checking if all verbs were used correctly, and if there was the proper correlation of mood and tense, as well as uniformity of treatment.
6. Presentation: Finally, each group must present their story to the class, explaining the choices of verb tenses and the correlation of moods and tenses.

Project Deliverables:

In addition to the oral presentation, each group must submit a written report containing the following topics:

• Introduction: Contextualization of the theme, its relevance, and the project's objective.
• Development: Explanation of the theory of primitive and derived tenses, correlation of verb moods and tenses, and uniformity of treatment. Description of the activity, including the methodology used and presentation of the created story, discussing the choices of verb tenses and moods.
• Conclusion: Recap of the main points, explanation of the learnings obtained, and conclusions about the project.
• Bibliography: Indication of the sources consulted during the project, such as books, websites, videos, etc.

Students should use this project to apply the theory learned about verbs while practicing socio-emotional skills, such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking.