Mastering 'Ing Words' for Kids' Speech and Language

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding ‘Ing’ Words: More Than Just an Ending
3. The Building Blocks: How Kids Learn ‘Ing’ Words
4. Practical Strategies for Teaching ‘Ing’ Words to Kids
5. Common ‘Ing’ Words for Kids
6. Spelling Rules for ‘Ing’ Words (Simplified for Parents)
7. Speech Blubs: Your Partner in Learning ‘Ing’ Words
8. Getting Started with Speech Blubs Today!
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Have you ever noticed how quickly a simple verb can spring to life when you add just three letters to its end? Suddenly, “run” becomes “running,” bursting with energy, and “play” transforms into “playing,” brimming with joy. These “ing” words are far more than just a grammatical suffix; they are dynamic tools that unlock a world of expressive communication for children, enabling them to describe ongoing actions, connect ideas, and build richer sentences. Yet, for many young learners, mastering these versatile words can be a subtle but significant hurdle in their speech and language development journey.

At Speech Blubs, we understand that every child’s path to clear and confident communication is unique, and sometimes, those little linguistic nuances like the “-ing” ending can make a big difference. Our mission is to empower children to speak their minds and hearts, and we know that understanding and using “ing” words correctly is a crucial step in that process. This post will delve into the multifaceted world of “ing” words, explaining their importance, breaking down how children learn them, and offering practical, engaging strategies for parents and caregivers. We’ll also show how our unique approach, blending scientific principles with joyful, “smart screen time,” can provide invaluable support. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to help your child embrace the power of “ing” words, transforming their passive observations into active, vibrant communication.

Introduction

Imagine trying to tell a story without expressing any ongoing actions. “He run,” “She play.” It sounds choppy, doesn’t it? The little “-ing” suffix is the secret ingredient that brings dynamism and continuity to our language, painting vivid pictures of actions happening right now, or turning those actions into powerful descriptive words or even nouns. For children, understanding and correctly using “ing” words is a cornerstone of developing fluid, expressive language. It helps them move beyond simple, one-word utterances to build more complex sentences, articulate their observations, and participate more fully in conversations.

This blog post is your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of “ing” words for kids. We’ll explore what these words are, why they are so vital for language development, and the simple yet effective strategies you can use at home to encourage their mastery. From fun games to everyday conversational tips, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools to support your child’s communication journey. We’ll also reveal how Speech Blubs, built from the personal experiences of our founders who faced their own speech challenges, offers a unique and engaging way to practice these essential linguistic building blocks, turning screen time into smart, interactive learning. Get ready to discover how these three letters can unlock a new level of confidence and clarity in your child’s speech.

Understanding ‘Ing’ Words: More Than Just an Ending

The “ing” suffix is incredibly versatile in English, serving multiple grammatical functions that are crucial for fluent and descriptive communication. For young learners, grasping these distinctions might seem complex, but by introducing them through context and consistent exposure, children naturally begin to understand their different roles.

What are ‘Ing’ Words? The Basics

At their core, “ing” words are verbs that have been transformed by adding the “-ing” suffix. This modification allows them to function in several powerful ways:

• Present Participles (Ongoing Actions): This is perhaps the most common way we encounter “ing” words. When combined with forms of “to be” (is, am, are, was, were), they create continuous tenses, describing actions that are happening or were happening. Think: “She is singing,” “They were playing.” This is how children learn to express what’s unfolding in real-time.
• Gerunds (Verbs as Nouns): Sometimes, an “ing” word acts like a noun, referring to an activity or concept. For example, in ” Swimming is fun,” “swimming” is the subject of the sentence, not an ongoing action. Or, “I love reading,” where “reading” is the object. This function adds a layer of sophistication to a child’s understanding of language, allowing them to talk about activities themselves.
• Adjectives (Describing Words): “Ing” words can also describe a noun, expressing how something makes you feel or what quality it possesses. “That was an exciting game!” or “The sparkling water.” These words add color and detail, making speech more engaging.

The Magic of “-ing”: Why It Matters for Young Learners

For children, especially those needing speech support, mastering the “-ing” suffix is a huge leap forward in linguistic development. It’s not just about learning a new ending; it’s about gaining new ways to express themselves and comprehend the world around them.

• Expressing Ongoing Actions: This is fundamental. Without “ing,” children might struggle to articulate what’s happening now (“Dog run” vs. “Dog is running“). The ability to form continuous tenses is vital for narrating events, describing observations, and engaging in dynamic conversations.
• Turning Verbs into Nouns: Understanding gerunds allows children to talk about activities as entities. They can say “I like drawing” instead of just “I like to draw,” which expands their sentence structures and vocabulary.
• Describing Emotions or Situations: “Ing” adjectives empower children to articulate how things make them feel or to describe the characteristics of objects and events more precisely. Instead of “That game was fun,” they can say, “That game was exciting!”
• Building Confidence and Reducing Frustration: When a child can effectively communicate what they see, do, and feel, their confidence soars. Conversely, struggling with grammatical markers like “ing” can lead to frustration when their message isn’t fully understood. Empowering them with these tools fosters a love for communication and self-expression.

At Speech Blubs, we leverage our unique “video modeling” methodology to bring these concepts to life. Children learn by watching and imitating their peers performing various actions, which naturally integrates the “ing” form into their understanding. For instance, in our app, a child sees other children jumping, eating, or singing. This visual and auditory input helps them connect the action with the sound of the “-ing” ending in a meaningful, contextual way. This approach, backed by scientific principles, places us in the top tier of educational apps worldwide for our effectiveness in encouraging natural speech development.

The Building Blocks: How Kids Learn ‘Ing’ Words

Children typically acquire grammatical markers like “-ing” gradually, through consistent exposure, imitation, and active participation. It’s a developmental process that starts with simple recognition and moves towards spontaneous, correct usage.

Early Exposure and Imitation

From infancy, children are natural imitators. They mimic sounds, gestures, and eventually, words and phrases. This is where the journey to “ing” words often begins.

• From Simple Actions to Complex Sentences: Initially, a child might point and say “run!” As they develop, they hear “He is running!” from adults. Over time, through repeated exposure, they start to internalize the pattern. Our app, Speech Blubs, taps into this natural imitative instinct. We provide a screen-free alternative to passive viewing (like cartoons) by offering a “smart screen time” experience where children are prompted to interact. They don’t just watch; they participate, mimicking their peers who are eating, sleeping, playing, and talking, making the learning active and engaging.
• The Role of Observation: Children observe actions constantly. Narrating these actions with the “-ing” form helps them connect the verb ending to real-world continuous events. “Look, the dog is wagging its tail!” or “You are building a tall tower!” This consistent input is crucial.

Phonological Awareness

Beyond grammar, understanding the sound of “-ing” is also important.

• Focus on the /ɪŋ/ Sound: Helping children hear and produce the distinct /ɪŋ/ sound is a foundational step. This often involves emphasizing the sound in words and playing with rhyming.
• Rhyming Words with “ing”: Words like sing, ring, king, wing, bring, swing, thing, and sting are excellent for helping children recognize the consistent sound pattern. These simple, rhythmic words make the “-ing” ending familiar and fun to articulate.

Grammar Foundations: Simplified for Parents

While you don’t need to teach your child formal grammar rules, understanding these distinctions helps you model correct usage.

• Understanding Continuous Tenses: This is the most direct application. Focus on using “is,” “am,” “are,” “was,” “were” with “ing” words. “I am eating,” “You are playing,” “She is sleeping.” This helps children describe things happening now.
• “Ing” as a Gerund (Noun): When an activity becomes the topic of discussion, use the “ing” form. ” Reading is my favorite hobby,” or “Let’s go swimming!” This shows them that actions can also be subjects or objects in a sentence.
• “Ing” as an Adjective (Descriptive): Introduce descriptive “ing” words to enrich their vocabulary. “That was an amazing story,” or “What an interesting picture!”

For a parent whose child struggles with expressive language and often points instead of vocalizing, our “What Am I Doing?” section, where peers demonstrate actions like running, eating, or sleeping, provides a clear visual and auditory model. This encourages imitation, transforming passive observation into active participation and helping them grasp the “ing” concept by directly mimicking the actions and sounds. We believe in harnessing screen time for good, creating a powerful tool for family connection through co-play and guided learning. To see how our approach can transform your child’s learning journey, we invite you to create your account and begin your 7-day free trial today.

Practical Strategies for Teaching ‘Ing’ Words to Kids

Making learning fun and integrating it into daily routines is the most effective way to help children master “ing” words. Here are some hands-on, engaging strategies:

Everyday Conversations

The easiest and most natural way to introduce “ing” words is through constant, mindful conversation.

• Narrating Actions: Be a commentator on your child’s world! Describe what they are doing, what you are doing, and what others are doing. “You are building with blocks.” “Daddy is cooking dinner.” “The cat is sleeping.” This provides continuous, real-time examples.
• Asking “What are you doing?” Questions: This simple question is gold. When your child is engaged in an activity, ask, “What are you doing?” Prompt them to respond with an “ing” word. If they say “Play!” you can model, “Yes, you are playing!” or “Are you playing?” Gradually, they will begin to incorporate the “ing” on their own.
• “I Spy” with Actions: Instead of “I spy with my little eye something red,” try “I spy with my little eye someone eating,” or “something spinning.”

Action-Oriented Play

Play is a child’s natural language, and it’s a perfect vehicle for learning “ing” words.

• Charades with ‘Ing’ Words: Write down simple “ing” action words (e.g., jumping, dancing, clapping, waving, singing, sleeping) on cards. Have your child pick one and act it out. You can guess, “Are you jumping?” Then switch roles. This makes the connection between the action and the word tangible.
• Singing Songs with Action Verbs: Many children’s songs incorporate action verbs. “The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round” can be adapted to focus on other “ing” actions. Make up silly songs that highlight different “-ing” words.
• Describing What Toys are “Doing”: Use toy animals, dolls, or action figures to act out scenes. “The bear is hugging the doll.” “The car is driving fast.” This helps generalize the concept beyond people.
• Movement Games: Play “Simon Says” using “ing” commands: “Simon says, ‘Start walking!'” “Simon says, ‘Stop running!'”

Storytelling and Reading

Books are a treasure trove of language, and they offer a fantastic opportunity to reinforce “ing” words.

• Identifying ‘Ing’ Words in Books: As you read together, pause on “ing” words. “Look, the bunny is hopping!” Point to the picture and emphasize the action. Ask, “What is the bunny doing?”
• Creating Sentences with ‘Ing’ Words Based on Pictures: When looking at picture books, encourage your child to describe what they see using “ing” words. “The boy is laughing,” “The girl is drawing.”
• “Story Time” Action Prompts: If a story describes someone running, encourage your child to run in place. If a character is sleeping, prompt them to pretend to sleep. This physical engagement helps solidify the meaning.

Creative Activities

Hands-on activities can make learning memorable.

• Drawing and Describing: Have your child draw a picture, then describe what the people or objects in the picture are doing using “ing” words. “I am drawing a big sun, and a girl is swimming in the pool.”
• “Ing” Word Bingo or Sorting Games: Create Bingo cards with various “ing” words. Call out an action or a definition, and your child marks the word. For sorting, create categories like “Things I Am Doing” vs. “Things I Like Doing” and have them sort word cards.

Remember, the key is consistency and making it enjoyable. Keep these interactions positive and encouraging, celebrating every small step forward.

Common ‘Ing’ Words for Kids

To make it easier for parents and caregivers, we’ve compiled lists of common “ing” words, categorized for easy introduction and practice with children. These words are frequently encountered in daily life and children’s literature, making them excellent starting points.

Short and Sweet ‘Ing’ Words (3-5 Letters)

These words are great for phonological awareness and early vocabulary building due to their simplicity.

• Rhyming Words:
  • Sing
  • Ring
  • Wing
  • King
  • Bring
  • Swing
  • Thing
  • Sting
  • Cling
  • Fling

Action Verbs (6+ Letters)

These are crucial for describing what’s happening and forming continuous tenses.

• Running
• Jumping
• Playing
• Eating
• Drinking
• Sleeping
• Reading
• Writing
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Climbing
• Walking
• Talking
• Laughing
• Smiling
• Crying
• Waiting
• Sitting
• Standing
• Bugging
• Waving
• Drawing
• Cooking
• Baking
• Helping
• Looking
• Making
• Giving
• Taking
• Hugging

Descriptive Words (Adjectives ending in ‘ing’)

These words add richness and detail to a child’s expressive language.

• Exciting
• Amazing
• Boring
• Interesting
• Sparkling
• Shining
• Challenging
• Confusing
• Frustrating
• Surprising
• Charming
• Soothing
• Thrilling
• Puzzling
• Calming

Introducing these words through context – in stories, during play, or when describing daily activities – is the most effective method. For example, if you’re watching a child running in the park, say, “Look at that boy running!” If a movie is captivating, you might say, “This movie is so interesting!”

Spelling Rules for ‘Ing’ Words (Simplified for Parents)

While young children don’t need to memorize spelling rules, understanding them can help parents model and explain word formation as their child progresses towards literacy. These rules simplify how a base verb changes when “-ing” is added.

1. Simply Add “-ing”:
   • For most verbs, you simply add “-ing” to the end.
   • Examples:
     • Play → Playing
     • Read → Reading
     • Talk → Talking
     • Sing → Singing
     • Walk → Walking
2. Drop the Silent “e” Before “-ing”:
   • If a verb ends in a silent “e,” drop the “e” before adding “-ing.”
   • Examples:
     • Make → Making
     • Write → Writing
     • Come → Coming
     • Dance → Dancing
     • Hide → Hiding
3. Double the Consonant Before “-ing”:
   • This rule applies to short verbs that have one syllable, end with a single vowel followed by a single consonant (CVC pattern), and the stress is on the last syllable. You double the final consonant before adding “-ing.”
   • Examples:
     • Run → Running (r-u-n)
     • Sit → Sitting (s-i-t)
     • Swim → Swimming (s-w-i-m)
     • Hop → Hopping (h-o-p)
     • Stop → Stopping (s-t-o-p)
4. Verbs Ending in “ie”: Change “ie” to “y” before “-ing”:
   • This is a less common but important rule.
   • Examples:
     • Lie → Lying
     • Die → Dying
     • Tie → Tying

When your child is ready to start writing or spelling, you can introduce these rules playfully. For instance, when you see the word “make,” you can say, “Look, ‘make’ has an ‘e’ at the end, so when we add ‘ing,’ the ‘e’ goes away! M-A-K-I-N-G.” This informal introduction makes learning spelling fun and less intimidating.

Speech Blubs: Your Partner in Learning ‘Ing’ Words

At Speech Blubs, we are deeply committed to empowering children to communicate effectively and joyfully. Our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech problems and created the tool they wished they had. We understand the challenges and frustrations that can come with speech development, which is why we’re dedicated to providing an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support.

Smart Screen Time: A Unique Approach

In a world where screen time is prevalent, we’ve innovated to make it productive. Speech Blubs offers “smart screen time” experiences, moving away from passive viewing (like cartoons) to highly interactive, engaging activities. Our unique “video modeling” methodology is central to this. Children learn complex communication skills, including the proper use of “ing” words, by watching and imitating their peers. This natural, observational learning process taps into mirror neurons in the brain, making imitation a powerful tool for speech acquisition.

How Speech Blubs Supports ‘Ing’ Word Mastery:

• Contextual Learning: Our app features thousands of exercises organized into themed sections like “Animal Kingdom,” “Wonderful World,” and “Living Colors.” Within these sections, children see their peers performing a wide array of actions, labeled with the correct “-ing” form. For example, a child might see peers running like a cheetah, jumping like a frog, or singing a song. This visual context helps children connect the action with the “ing” word far more effectively than isolated flashcards.
• Active Imitation: Instead of passively watching, children are prompted to imitate the actions and sounds they see. This active participation strengthens the neural pathways for speech production, helping them to not only understand but also produce “ing” words correctly.
• Building Foundational Skills: While focusing on “ing” words, our app simultaneously works on a wide range of foundational speech and language skills. These include articulation, vocabulary expansion, sentence structure, and sound production, all of which contribute to a child’s ability to use “ing” words accurately and confidently.
• Fostering Confidence and Reducing Frustration: Our playful, encouraging environment helps children feel comfortable experimenting with new sounds and words. Success in imitation, even small steps, builds their confidence and reduces the frustration that can arise from communication difficulties.
• A Tool for Family Connection: We advocate for adult co-play and support. Speech Blubs is designed to be a powerful tool for family connection, encouraging parents and children to learn and play together, creating joyful shared learning moments.
• Empathetic Expertise: We never overpromise guaranteed outcomes. Instead, we focus on the incredible benefits of the process: fostering a love for communication, building self-assurance, developing key foundational skills, and creating memorable family learning experiences. Speech Blubs is a powerful supplement to your child’s overall development plan and, when applicable, professional therapy. If you’re wondering if your child could benefit from speech and language support, take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener to get a simple assessment and a free 7-day trial.

Don’t just take our word for it; see what other parents are saying about their children’s progress with Speech Blubs. We believe every child deserves the chance to express themselves fully, and we’re here to help them find their voice.

Getting Started with Speech Blubs Today!

Ready to empower your child’s communication skills and watch them confidently use “ing” words in their everyday speech? Speech Blubs is designed to be an accessible, engaging, and scientifically-backed resource for your family. We offer clear, transparent pricing to ensure you find the best plan for your needs.

You have two main options to access our comprehensive app:

1. Monthly Plan:
   • Price: $14.99 per month.
   • This plan provides full access to Speech Blubs’ core features on a month-to-month basis.
2. Yearly Plan (Best Value!):
   • Price: $59.99 per year.
   • This breaks down to an incredible value of just $4.99 per month!
   • Savings: You save a significant 66% compared to the monthly plan.
   • Exclusive Benefits with the Yearly Plan:
     • 7-Day Free Trial: Dive into the app and explore all its features before committing.
     • Bonus Reading Blubs App: Get access to our companion app designed to support early reading skills.
     • Early Access to New Updates: Be among the first to experience our latest features and improvements.
     • 24-Hour Support Response Time: Get quick assistance whenever you need it.

The Monthly plan does not include the 7-day free trial, the Reading Blubs app, early access to updates, or the priority support response time. For the most comprehensive experience and the best value, the Yearly plan is the clear choice.

To start your child’s journey to clearer, more confident speech and language development, we highly recommend choosing the Yearly plan. This ensures you get the full suite of features, including your free trial, and enjoy significant savings.

Don’t wait to give your child the gift of confident communication. Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play to get started, or create your account directly on our website and select the Yearly plan to unlock all the amazing benefits!

Conclusion

The journey to confident communication is filled with exciting milestones, and mastering “ing” words is undoubtedly one of them. These three simple letters add depth, dynamism, and clarity to a child’s speech, transforming simple utterances into expressive narratives and allowing them to fully participate in the world around them. From describing ongoing actions to creating vivid descriptions, “ing” words are fundamental building blocks that empower children to speak their minds and hearts.

We’ve explored practical, engaging strategies that you can integrate into your daily routines, from narrating everyday activities to playing interactive games. Remember, consistency, patience, and making learning fun are the most powerful tools in your toolkit.

At Speech Blubs, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our unique “video modeling” methodology, rooted in scientific principles and delivered through joyful, interactive “smart screen time,” provides a powerful supplement to your efforts. By allowing children to learn by imitating their peers, we help them build confidence, reduce frustration, and develop the foundational speech and language skills they need to thrive. We are committed to offering an immediate, effective, and joyful solution for families, turning every screen moment into a step forward in your child’s communication journey.

Ready to see the incredible difference Speech Blubs can make? Don’t miss out on the full suite of features and the best value. Download Speech Blubs today and choose the Yearly plan to unlock all features, including your free trial and the Reading Blubs app! Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together and empower your child to speak their fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are ‘ing’ words and why are they important for my child?

“Ing” words are verbs with the “-ing” suffix, and they serve several crucial functions in language. They allow children to describe ongoing actions (e.g., “She is running“), turn actions into nouns (e.g., “Swimming is fun”), or act as adjectives to describe something (e.g., “It was an exciting game”). For children, mastering “ing” words is vital for building complex sentences, expressing what’s happening in real-time, expanding vocabulary, and ultimately, communicating more clearly and confidently, which reduces frustration and fosters a love for language.

Q2: How can Speech Blubs help my child learn ‘ing’ words?

Speech Blubs utilizes a unique “video modeling” methodology where children learn by watching and imitating their peers performing various actions. This “smart screen time” transforms passive viewing into active learning. The app presents “ing” words in context, such as children jumping, eating, or singing, providing strong visual and auditory cues. This interactive approach helps children connect the action with the “ing” word, encouraging imitation and strengthening their ability to both understand and produce these words correctly in a fun, engaging, and confidence-building environment.

Q3: What are some simple ways to practice ‘ing’ words at home?

Practicing “ing” words at home can be fun and easy! Narrate your daily activities and your child’s actions using “ing” words (e.g., “I am cooking dinner,” “You are playing with blocks”). Ask “What are you doing?” questions frequently. Play action charades where you act out “ing” words like dancing or sleeping. Read books together and point out characters who are running or eating. Make it a game to identify things that are sparkling or stories that are interesting. Consistency and making it playful are key.

Q4: Does the Speech Blubs app offer a free trial, and what’s the best plan?

Yes, Speech Blubs offers a 7-day free trial exclusively with our Yearly plan! The Yearly plan is our best value at $59.99 per year (saving you 66% compared to monthly payments, breaking down to just $4.99/month). Beyond the free trial and significant savings, the Yearly plan also includes the bonus Reading Blubs app, early access to new updates, and 24-hour support response time. Our Monthly plan, priced at $14.99 per month, does not include these additional benefits. For the most comprehensive learning experience and the best value for your family, we highly recommend choosing the Yearly plan on our website or when you download Speech Blubs today.