Action verbs are a huge part of speech and language therapy. We target them for vocabulary growth, sentence structure, grammar, describing, and overall expressive language. But even when students know a verb, using it accurately and consistently can still be challenging.
One thing that often makes action verbs easier to understand and use is how they’re visually represented. That’s where real photos can be especially helpful.
Instead of relying on abstract drawings or cartoon-style images, real action verb photos show students exactly what is happening. There’s no guessing, no interpreting exaggerated drawings, and no confusion about what the action actually looks like in real life.
This post shares why real photos work well for action verbs in speech therapy and simple, flexible ways to use them with students.
Why Use Real Photos for Action Verbs?
Real photos provide a clear, concrete visual that connects directly to everyday experiences. When students see a person actually running, pouring, cutting, or jumping, the action feels familiar and meaningful.
For many learners, this makes it easier to understand the verb, recall it later, and use it in a sentence. Real photos also support students who struggle with abstract language or symbolic representations. A photo doesn’t require extra interpretation — it shows the action exactly as it happens in real life.
This is especially useful when working on action verbs for speech therapy, present progressive verbs, describing pictures, sentence expansion, and expressive language goals.
Action Verb Pictures for Speech Therapy Sessions
I created this Action Pictures for Speech Therapy resource to give therapists flexible visuals that work across multiple goals. It includes both large action photos and smaller picture cards, making it easy to adjust how you use them depending on your students and session structure.
Because the images are real photos, they work well with a wide range of ages and ability levels — from early language learners to older students who still need support with verbs and sentence structure.
Ways to Use Action Verb Real Photos in Speech Therapy
Below are practical, low-prep ways to use action verb pictures during therapy sessions. These ideas work in individual sessions, small groups, and teletherapy.
Target action verbs and verb naming
Start simple by having students identify or name the action:
“What is he doing?”
“What is happening in this picture?”
“Show me the picture of running.”
This works well for students who are building expressive vocabulary or learning new verbs.
Practice present progressive verbs
Use the photos to model and practice present progressive verb forms:
“He is running.”
“She is pouring water.”
“They are playing outside.”
You can support students by modeling first, providing sentence starters, or having them fill in the verb.
Build longer sentences and sentence expansion
Once students can name the action, encourage them to add details:
who is doing it
what they are doing
where they are
what they are using
For example:
“The boy is running.”
“The boy is running outside.”
“The boy is running fast outside.”
This supports expressive language development while keeping the activity simple and visual.
Support describing goals
Use the action photos to work on describing without overwhelming students. Ask open-ended prompts such as:
“What do you see?”
“Tell me about this picture.”
“What is happening?”
The real-life details in the photos naturally support more detailed responses.
Work on following directions
The smaller action picture cards are helpful for receptive language and following directions:
“Find the picture where the girl is sitting.”
“Give me the picture of pouring.”
“Put the running picture next to the jumping picture.”
You can increase difficulty by adding more steps or details as needed.
Use for sequencing and simple narratives
Have students choose two or three action pictures and create a short sequence:
“First he is walking.”
“Then he is opening the door.”
“Last he is sitting.”
This helps students practice using verbs across connected sentences.
Pair with AAC and core vocabulary
Real action photos work well for AAC users because the visuals are clear and meaningful. You can model short phrases using core words such as he, she, they, is, and are while referencing the picture.
What’s Included in the Action Verb Photo Resource
This resource is designed to be easy to use and flexible across a variety of language goals. Inside, you’ll find:
20 high-frequency action verbs shown in real photos
Large, clear action pictures that work well for group instruction or visual prompts
Smaller labeled action picture cards for matching, sorting, and hands-on activities
A sentence starter page to support present progressive verb use
2 open-ended prompt sheets that encourage describing and sentence expansion
Each component can be used on its own or combined depending on student needs, making it easy to adapt for different ages, goals, and therapy settings.
Easy to Use in Print or Digital Therapy
These action verb pictures can be used in print, laminated, or digitally for teletherapy. Because the same photos can target multiple goals, they’re easy to reuse across sessions without feeling repetitive.
Final Thoughts
Using real action verb photos in speech therapy helps keep language activities clear and functional. When students understand what they are seeing, they are more likely to talk about it. Real photos provide a simple, flexible way to support meaningful language practice with minimal prep.
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