Ser and Estar are confusing for students learning Spanish because both words are translated as ‘to be’ in English. But the use and conjugation patterns of each verb are different.
- SER is used for permanent or long-lasting qualities, such as nationality, professions, physical characteristics, time, and dates.
- ESTAR is used for temporary states or conditions, such as emotions, locations, and physical conditions.
The verb ESTAR can be used to express some permanent states that are subject to change, such as opinions, attitudes, or situations.
Below are Spanish lesson plans, songs, materials, and a resource sheet for you to teach SER and ESTAR.
SER and ESTAR Lesson Plans and Resources
Check out these Spanish lesson plans and resource sheet to help you teach SER and ESTAR:
Adjective Agreement, SER vs ESTAR – Physical and Personality Traits Lesson Plan for Spanish 1 – Through reviewing educational videos on a website, students review the uses of ser & estar and their conjugations in the present tense. They learn common vocabulary words that describe physical and personality traits and review adjective agreement rules. They apply all these learnings through a guided class exercise and a fashion critique oral presentation.
Verbs SER and ESTAR Video Lesson for Spanish 1 – A 3-minute introductory video about the present tense conjugation of the verbs ser and estar. Use it to review with your students the two ways of saying to be in Spanish. This is a Speaking Latino original video and includes the video transcript.
Verb SER in the Present Printable Poster and Handout – Decorate your classroom with this colorful poster of the verb SER in the Present tense. Then, print copies of the black and white handout for your students. The poster and handout version include the verb conjugation in singular and plural. Plus, examples on when to use the verb SER in Spanish.
Verb ESTAR in the Present Printable Poster and Handout – Decorate your classroom with this colorful poster of the verb ESTAR in the Present tense. Then, print copies of the black and white handout for your students. The poster and handout include verb conjugation in singular and plural. Plus, examples on when to use the verb ESTAR in Spanish.
Present VENIR SER ESTAR – My City Lesson Plan for Spanish 2 – Students learn about the present tense conjugation of these verbs. They will be able to use them to talk about themselves and others to tell where they are coming from (venir), who they are (ser) and where they are (estar).
SER vs ESTAR Meaning Changes in Preterite and Imperfect – The Arts Lesson Plan for Spanish 3 – Students learn about the differences between Ser vs. Estar with a biography text from a famous singer. They will use authentic biographical information in Spanish of important personalities from different art fields to do role plays using Ser and Estar.
7 Spanish Song Activities to Practice SER and ESTAR:
- Te pido perdón by Tito el Bambino – Verbs SER and ESTAR
- Tres mil millones de latidos by Jorge Drexler – Verbs SER and ESTAR
- Si no estás by Area 305 – Spanish Song to Practice the verb ESTAR in the Present
- Eres by Café Tacuba: Verb SER
- Amigos by Juan Luis Guerra: Verb SER and Friendship Vocabulary
- La complicidad: Song to Practice the Verb SER in the Present and Singular
- De colores by Justo Lamas: Verb SER and Personal Pronouns
