~ Marge Bloom~ - Brevard Public Schoolselementarypgms.sp.brevardschools.org/Home/Writing Documents...the Common Core State Standards in Language ... follows one of the relative pronouns

What do you notice? Where is the verb?

What makes this sentence Masterfully superb?

What do you notice? See what its parts do.

Which words make this sentence Appeal to you?

Look at the sentence;

Observe its construction. Consider each word

And study its function.

Look closely to see How the writer places

Each of the words, The clauses and phrases.

Now imitate the pattern

With your words, one by one; And build your own sentence.

Now wasn’t that fun?

~ Marge Bloom~

Developing Sentence Imitation Page 2

Tab le of Conten ts

Rationale ~ Implementation of Sentence Imitation 4

Sentence Types 5

Parts of Speech 6-8

Common Core State Standards ~ Conventions 9-11

The Mystery of the Missing Lunch by Johanna Hurwitz 12-17

A Walk in the Dessert by Rebecca L. Johnson 18-22

Animals Come Home to Our National Parks by Time for Kids 23-27

The Astronaut and the Onion by Ann Cameron 28-32

The Raft by Jim LaMarche 33-37

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe 38-42

Mighty Jackie, The Strike-out Queen by Marissa Moss 43-47

My Diary, From Here to There by Amanda Irma Perez 48-52

Stealing Beauty by Time for Kids 53-57

How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer 58-62

Dear Mr. Winston by Ken Roberts 63-67

Bobby Versus Girls by Lisa Yee 68-72

Roadrunner’s Dance by Rudolfo Anaya 73-77

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris 78-82

Kid Reporter at Work by Time for Kids 83-87

Mystic Horse by Paul Goble 88-92

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin 93-97


Goonie Bird Green by Lois Lowry 98-102

Dear Mrs. LaRue by Mark Teague 103-107

The Blind Hunter by Kristina Rodanas 108-112

The Power of Oil by Time for Kids 113-117

Adelina’s Whales by Richard Sobol 118-122

At Home I the Coral Reef by Katy Muzik 123-127

The Hundred Day Secret by Tracy Barrett 128-132

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo 133-138

Ranita, the Frog Princess by Carmen Agra Deedy 139-143

Exploring the Undersea Territory by Time for Kids 144-148

Me and Uncle Romie Claire Hartfield 149-153

Wild Horses by Cris Peterson 154-158

The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy 159-163

The Gold Rush Game by William F. Wu 164-168

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden 169-173

Meet a Bone-ified Explorer by Time for Kids 174-178

My Brothers’ Flying Machine by Jane Yolen 179-183

The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci 184-188

The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary by Candace Fleming 189-193

Acknowledgements 194


Deve loping Sentence Imita tion

Rationa le • This book was designed to provide quick daily lessons in grammar, conventions,

and craft by noticing sentence patterns from literature and imitating those patterns in writing.

• Each lesson works in conjunction with daily grammar lessons in the reading series. For example, Day 1 of Unit 1 may teach subjects and predicates. Therefore this book’s first lesson would also point out subjects and predicates. If a lesson was about semicolons, then the mentor sentence used in this book would be one that showcases semicolons.

• For Week 6, the review week, popular chapter books were used, pulling sentences to review the prior five weeks of lessons in that unit.

• Regardless of whether you use the reading series or not, the sentences reflect the Common Core State Standards in Language (conventions, vocabulary).

• Please note – There is no need to “parse” each sentence down to its individual parts of speech. The “What Do You Notice” section of each page does provide a more extensive list of notable phrases, clauses, parts of speech, skills, etc. but does so in order to encompass all that might be noticed. The point of “noticing” each sentence is to see how grammar and conventions are used.

Implementing Sentence Imitation

1. Put the sentence from literature on the doc cam (top sentence of the page). 2. Ask the students, “What do you notice about the sentence?” 3. Students may notice everything from conventions, grammar, skills, and tone, to

craft. 4. Since each sentence follows the reading series and the skills correspond to the

ones being taught in the series, you might lead your students to notice the skill that you want them to imitate.

5. After students have pointed out what they have noticed, show the “imitation” sentence (either the one provided for you in this book or one of your own) and ask them, “What do you notice about this sentence?”

6. Finally, ask the students to write their own sentence based on this pattern.


Sentence Types

Simple

1 Independent clause

Maurice swims in the summer.

Maurice and Billy swim at the pool in the summer.

Yesterday after school, Maurice and Billy

swam and played in the pool.

Compound

Independent clause +

Coordinating conjunction +

Independent clause

Maurice took skiing lessons, but Billy took swimming lessons.

OR

Independent clause

+ ; (semicolon)

+ Independent clause

Maurice took skiing lessons; Billy took swimming lessons.

Complex

Dependent clause,+ Independent clause

When Maurice took skiing lessons, Tom

took swimming lessons.

OR Independent clause,+

Dependent clause

OR Split independent clause, +

Dependent clause,+ Split independent clause

Maurice, who longed to ski, took lessons.

Compound-Complex

Independent clause,+ Dependent clause,+

Coordinating conjunction (or ;)+ Independent clause

Independent Clause

Maurice worked toward the goal that he formulated as a child, and

he learned to ski.

Dependent clause

Independent Clause


Parts of Speech Clause – a syntactic construction, containing a subject and predicate, forming part of a sentence or constituting a whole simple sentence. Dependent Clause (Subordina te Claus es )

Noun Claus e – a subordinate clause that functions as a noun and has a subject and verb and follows one of the words in the chart below:

how, however where, whether whom, whomever that which, whichever whose

what, whether who, whoever why, when Adjective Clause – a subordinate clause that functions as an adjective and has a subject and verb that follows one of the relative pronouns in the chart below:

who whose whom which that when where

Adverb Clause – a subordinate clause that functions as an adverb and has a subject and verb and follows one of subordinating conjunctions in the chart below (these are used most often - AAAWWWUBBIS):

as after although when whenever while until because if since

Phrase - a sequence of two or more words that does not contain a finite verb or a subject (e.g. Prepositional phrase -After many months and many wrinkled papers, …) Func tions of a Noun

1. subject 2. direct object 3. indirect object 4. predicate nominative 5. object of the preposition 6. appositive 7. object compliment

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/verb�


P ronouns Subjective (Nominative) Objective Possessive

I me my, mine he him his she her her, hers

it it its we us our, ours you you your, yours they them their, theirs who whom whose

Demonstrative

this that these those

Indefinite Singular Plural Either

another everyone other both all anybody everything one few any anyone neither somebody many most anything nobody someone ones none

each no one something others some everybody nothing several

Reflexive

Singular Plural myself ourselves

yourself yourselves himself, herself, itself themselves

Relative

who whose whom which that when where


Verbs Linking Verbs

am are be been being is was were Helping Verbs

am are is was were be being been have had has have did do does can could may might must shall should will would

The verbs in this row may act as linking verbs (stand alone) or as helping verbs (with another verb). Verbals Gerund – verb acting as a noun (Skiing offers John a sense of freedom.) Infinitive – to + verb (To exercise regularly promotes wellness.) Participle – verb acting as an adjective (Driving wildly, Daren sped down the road.) Conjunctions Coordinating - FANBOYS – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so Subordinating - AAAWWWUBBIS – as, although, after, when, whenever, while, until, because, before, if, since Coorelative - both…and, not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor, not…but, whether…or Prepositions Note – prepositional phrases always have an object (pronoun, noun) of the preposition (e.g. Aboard the bus, we took our seats.) aboard before during onto underneath about behind except out until above below for outside unto across beneath from over up after beside in past upon against besides inside since with along between into through within amid but (except) near till around by of to as concerning off toward at down on under

*

*

*


Common Core Sta te S tandards

~ Conventions ~

Second grade – Red

Third grade – Red, Green

Fourth Grade – Red, Green , Blue

Nouns

• Plural (orally by adding /s/ or /es/) • Common, proper, possessive • Noun ~ verb agreement • Collective nouns (e.g. group) • Irregular plural nouns • Abstract nouns (e.g. childhood)

P ronouns

• Personal (I, we, you, he she, it, they), possessive (his, hers, my, theirs, ours, yours, mine), indefinite (some, somebody, anybody, nobody…)

• Reflexive pronouns (myself, ourselves…) • Relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, which, that) • Pronoun ~ antecedent agreement

Verbs

• Tenses – past, present, future • Irregular verbs (e.g. sat, hid, told) • Subject ~ verb agreement

Adjectives

• Comparative • Superlative • Order according to conventional patterns (e.g. a small red bag instead of a red

small bag)


Adverbs • Comparative (e.g. quicker, faster,…) • Superlative (e.g. quickest, fastest, …)

Conjunctions

• Coordinating (FANBOYS - for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) • Subordinating (AAAWWWUBBIS – as, although, after, when, whenever, while,

until, because, before, if, since) Determiners

• Articles (an, a, the) • Demonstratives (this, that, these, those, none, neither)

Prepositions

• Words • Phrases

Modal Auxiliaries

• (e.g. can, may, must) Types of Sentences

• Declarative • Interrogative • Imperative • Exclamatory

• Simple • Complex • Compound

Spelling

• Spell simple words phonetically • Spelling patterns and generalizations • Conventional spelling for high-frequency words • Suffixes added to base words


Punctuation • Ending punctuation • Dates • Series of commas • Greetings, closing of letters • Addresses • Quotation marks in dialogue • Before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence • Choose for effect • Apostrophes

o Contractions o Possessives

Capitalizations

• First word in a sentence • Pronoun “I” • Dates • Names of people • Holidays • Product names • Geographic names • Appropriate words in a title

Vocabulary

• Relate words to their opposites (antonyms) • Use affixes and inflections • Shades of meaning among verbs (e.g. look, peek, glance, stare, glare, …) • Adverb intensity (e.g. large, gigantic) • Closely related adjectives and adverbs • Degrees of mind (e.g. knew, believed, suspected, heard, wondered) • Distinguish literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g.

take steps) • Similes • Metaphors • Adages/Proverbs (two wrongs don’t make a right, a watched pot never boils) • Synonyms


His mom had made him his favorite sandwich - salami - and he knew he hadn’t forgotten it.

The Mystery of the Missing Lunch by Johanna Hurwitz

What do you notice?

• Mom is the subject, and the verb is had made in the first independent clause.

• He is the subject of the second independent clause and knew is the verb.

• Mom is not capitalized because it is not used as a name.

• Hyphens are used to set out a word for emphasis.

• Hadn’t is a contraction for had not.

• This is an example of a statement (declarative).

• Common nouns: mom, sandwich, salami

• His is a possessive pronoun.

• He is a singular subjective pronoun.

• Him is an objective pronoun.

• This is a compound complex sentence (two independent clauses joined by the

conjunction and, and a dependent clause, (that, which is understood), (that) he

hadn’t forgotten it).

• The hyphen takes the place of a comma.

Possible Teacher Imitation

His brother had made him his favorite snack -

cookies - and he knew he hadn’t eaten them.


“Awww,” grumbled all the students together. The Mystery of the Missing Lunch by Johanna Hurwitz

What do you notice?

• The onomatopoeia is in quotes.

• The comma is always inside the quote.

• Grumbled is a past tense verb.

• Students is a common noun and the subject of this sentence.

• This is an example of a statement (declarative).


“Shhh,” whispered all the girls together.


Ramon sighed deeply. His chances of solving this case were getting slimmer and slimmer.


What do you notice?

• Two simple sentences with beginning words capitalized and periods as ending

punctuation marks.

• His is a singular, possessive pronoun that takes the place of the name Ramon.

• Ramon is the subject in the first sentence.

• Sighed is the simple verb in the first sentence.

• Chances is the simple subject. The complete subject is His chances of solving

this case.

• The simple verb is were getting.

• Deeply is an adverb.

• Slimmer is an adjective modifying the word chances.


Billy laughed loudly. His chances of going home

were getting better and better.


Immediately, he noticed that there were ink markings on the papers.


What do you notice?

• The sentence begins with an adverb…immediately,

• He is the subject and is a singular subjective pronoun.

• Noticed is the verb.

• That is a demonstrative pronoun.

• On the papers is the prepositional phrase.

• Common nouns – markings, papers.

• Immediately is an adverb.

• This is a complex sentence, that there were ink markings on the papers is a

dependent clause.


Suddenly, she noticed that there were chocolate

pieces on the floor.


“You stole my lunch!” Ramon scolded the cat, but he was smiling.


What do you notice?

• The quotation marks are outside the exclamation mark.

• Ramon really wasn’t mad because he was smiling.

• The quotation is followed by a compound sentence.

• The compound sentence is connected with a conjunction, but.

• A comma along with a conjunction separates each independent clause, Ramon

scolded the cat / He was smiling.

• Common nouns - lunch, cat

• Proper noun - Ramon

• Exclamatory sentence followed by a declarative sentence (statement).


“You snatched my purse!” Sally scolded the puppy,

but she was laughing.


In the cafeteria, while he was eating the soggy tuna fish sandwich he had bought, Ramon wrote again in his notebook.


What do you notice?

• The sentence begins with a prepositional phrase In the cafeteria,

• A subordinating conjunction begins the dependent clause, while he was eating

the soggy tuna fish sandwich

• (that - an understood relative pronoun) he had bought is also a dependent clause

• Commas separate clauses.

• Soggy is an adjective.

• Common nouns - cafeteria, tuna fish sandwich, notebook

• Proper nouns - Ramon

• The subject is Ramon and the verb is wrote in the independent clause.

• In the cafeteria is the prepositional phrase.

• This is a complex sentence.


In the classroom, while she was taking a test she

had studied, Susan wrote again in the test booklet.


It shuffles slowly along and stops often to rest. A Walk in the Desert by Rebecca L. Johnson

What do you notice?

• Compound verbs - shuffles , stops

• Simple predicates (present tense verbs): shuffles / stops

• It is the subject and is also a singular subjective pronoun.

• Slowly and often are adverbs that describe the verbs shuffles and stops.

• It’s a declarative sentence.

• This is a simple sentence.


It hops happily along, and scoots often to race.


Birds, lizards, and other daytime animals retreat to snug nests and safe hiding places.

A Walk in the Desert by Rebecca L. Johnson

What do you notice?

• Compound subject - birds, lizards, animals

• The verb is retreat and is plural because the subjects are plural.

• Commas separate each subject because there are more than two.


• Adjectives: daytime, snug, safe hiding

• Common nouns: birds, lizards, animals, nests, places



Dogs, cats, and other small animals scamper to safe

dwellings and warm cozy beds.


The kangaroo rat and the kit fox are nocturnal. A Walk in the Desert by Rebecca L. Johnson

What do you notice?

• Compound subject - kangaroo rat, kit fox

• The plural verb are is used because there is a compound subject.


• Are is a linking verb.



The attentive boy and the studious girl are smart.


Their tough, scaly skin seals water inside their bodies and keeps them from drying out.


What do you notice?

• Compound verbs - seals, keeps

• The subject is skin.

• Tough and scaly are adjectives.

• Their is a possessive pronoun.

• Them is an objective pronoun.

• Inside their bodies, from drying out are prepositional phrases.


• It is a simple sentence.


Their hard, rigid shell protects their bodies and

keeps them from being attacked.


A biome’s climate, soil, plants, and animals are all connected this way.


What do you notice?

• Compound subject - climate, soil, plants, animals

• The plural verb are is used because there is a plural subject.

• Commas separate each subject.

• Biome’s has an apostrophe because of ownership (possessive noun).


• The verb is are connected.



A teacher’s papers, pencils, books, and iPad are all

connected this way.


It’s all part of the natural balance - and that’s exactly what wildlife researchers like to see.

Animals Come Home to Our National Parks by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• Compound complex sentence - two independent clauses joined by the

conjunction and, and a dependent clause - what wildlife researchers like to see

• The independent clauses are joined by a hyphen (instead of a comma) and the

conjunction and

• It’s is a contraction for It is.

• That’s is a contraction for that is.

• It is the subject of the first independent clause and that is the subject of the

second independent clause.

• Is is the verb in both clauses.


It’s all part of the jury selection - and that’s exactly

what the justice system likes to see.


It was a cold morning in January; twenty-eight elk had finally completed a long journey.

Adapted from Animals Come Home to Our National Parks by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• This is a compound sentence: two independent clauses.

• The independent clauses are joined by a semi-colon instead of a comma and a

conjunction.

• January is capitalized because it’s a proper noun.

• It is the subject of the first independent clause and was is the verb.

• Elk is the subject of the second independent clause and had completed is the

verb.

• Finally is the adverb that describes the verb.

• Twenty-eight is hyphenated.


It was a sweltering day in June: thirty-seven children

had finally completed a long swim.


They had traveled 2,500 miles by truck from Elk Island National Park in Canada to the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.


What do you notice?

• Capitalized names of places (proper nouns) - Elk Island National Park and Great

Smoky Mountains National Park

• Capitalized name of country (Canada) and name of state (North Carolina).

• They is the subject.

• Had traveled is the verb.

• Numbers are written out in numerical form (2,500) because they are larger than a

single digit number (however, numbers can be written out as a word in order to

maintain consistency and must be written out as a word if it starts a sentence).

• Prepositional phrases: by truck, from Elk, in Canada, to the Great Smoky

Mountains National Park, in North Carolina



They had traveled 1,000 miles by car from Taylor

Park in Cocoa to Forest Hill Park in Virginia.


When settlers came in the 1800s, they hunted these wild animals.


What do you notice?

• Complex sentence - dependent clause (When settlers came in the 1800s) with

an independent clause (they hunted these wild animals)

• The dependent clause and the independent clause is joined with a comma.

• The decade 1800s does not have an apostrophe. An apostrophe is used when a

portion of the number is missing i.e. ‘80s, ‘90s.

• When is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBISS).

• They is the subject and a pronoun referring to settlers (antecedent).

• Hunted is the verb.

• Common nouns - settlers, animals

• Adjective - wild


When students graduated in the 1900s, they studied

these various subjects.


Now Yellowstone is howling with life once again, and nature is taking its course.


What do you notice?

• Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by the conjunction and

• Yellowstone is capitalized because it’s a proper noun.

• Yellowstone is the subject of the first independent clause and is howling is the

verb.

• Nature is the subject of the second independent clause and is taking is the verb.

• Its is a possessive pronoun.


Now Marine World is clamoring with sea life once

again, and nature is taking its course.


She smiled at me, and I smiled back. The Astronaut and the Onion by Ann Cameron

What do you notice?

• Compound sentence - two independent clauses (She smiled at me, I smiled

back)

• The two independent clauses are joined with a comma and a conjunction (and).

• She is the subject of the first clause, and I is the subject of the second clause.

• Smiled is the verb of the first clause and second clause.

• Me is the object pronoun.


He frowned at me, and I frowned back.


If I opened my eyes, I would see the store manager and all the broken jars.

The Astronaut and the Onion by Ann Cameron

What do you notice?

• This is a complex sentence - a dependent clause (If I opened my eyes) and an

independent clause (I would see the store manager and all the broken jars)

• The two clauses are joined with a comma.

• Opened is the verb of the dependent clause.

• I is the subject of both clauses.

• Would see is the verb of the independent clause.

• The common nouns are eyes, manager, and jars.

• If is the subordinating conjunction in the dependent clause.


If I closed my mouth, I would taste the sweet

watermelon and all the crunchy seeds.


She had brown eyes with a sparkle in them, and her hair was in shiny black ringlets.


What do you notice?

• This is a compound sentence - two independent clauses (She had brown eyes

with a sparkle in them, Her hair was in shiny black ringlets)

• The two clauses are joined with a comma and the conjunction and.

• She is the subject of the first clause, and hair is the subject of the second clause.

• Had is the verb in the first clause, and was is the verb in the second clause.

• Common nouns - eyes, hair, ringlets

• Adjectives - brown, shiny, black

• Prepositional phrases - with a sparkle in them, in shiny black ringlets


She had gray eyes with a dullness in them, and her

hair was in droopy oily strings.


Maybe the people in line behind us thought Dr. Street and I were mother and daughter having a

serious conversation because they left some space around us.


What do you notice?

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause (Maybe the people in line

behind us thought) and two dependent clauses- (that) Dr. Street and I were

mother and daughter having a conversation and because they left some space

around us.

• People is the subject. and thought is the verb of the independent clause.

• The common nouns are people, line, mother, daughter, conversation, and space.

• The adjective is serious.

• The prepositional phrases are in line, behind us, and around us.

• The participial phrase is having serious conversation.


Maybe the people in line behind us thought Mrs.

Smith and I were teacher and student having a

serious discussion, because they listened intently.


To pass the time, I started tossing my onion from hand to hand.


What do you notice?

• This is a simple sentence - an independent clause (I started tossing my onion

from hand to hand) that begins with an infinitive phrase (to pass the time).

• A comma separates the infinitive phrase from the independent clause.

• I is the subject.

• Started is the verb.

• The prepositional phrase are from hand and to hand


To pass the time, I started throwing my ball from

base to base.


It drifted downstream, closer and closer, until finally it bumped up against the dock.

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

What do you notice?

• It is the subject and drifted is the verb of the independent clause.

• Closer and closer is set out with commas and acts as an interrupter (adverb

phrase) describing where it drifted.

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause (It drifted downstream,

closer and closer) with a dependent clause (until finally it bumped up against the

dock).

• Until is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS).


It stomped uphill, louder and louder, until finally it

dropped out of sight.


I must have fallen asleep because I was awakened by loud chirping and chattering.


What do you notice?

• I is the subject.

• Have fallen is the verb.

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause (I must have fallen

asleep) and a dependent clause (because I was awakened by loud chirping and

chattering).

• Because is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS).

• Chirping and chattering is the parallel object of the preposition by.

• A comma separates the independent clause from the dependent clause.


I must have been wide awake because I was

surprised by loud honking and ringing.


“How did you know…?” I started. The Raft by Jim LaMarche

What do you notice?

• You is the subject of the quote.

• Did know is the verb of the quote.

• I started is a “tag.”

• The ellipsis indicates that the person talking trailed off instead of coming to an

abrupt end to what was said.

• Quotation marks go outside what is spoken and after the ending punctuation

mark.

• A period ends the tag, which is also a complete sentence with a subject (I) and a

verb (started).

• The quote ends with a question mark (interrogative).


“What did you see…?” I asked.


The birds kept us company the whole time, soaring, swooping, singing.


What do you notice?

• Birds is the subject.

• Kept is the verb.

• Soaring, swooping, singing are participles (-ing verbs) that evoke action.

• Commas are used between the participles.

• The writer purposefully chose not to add and before the last participle, so as not

to break the momentum of the participles.

• A comma is used before the list of participles, although a dash could also be

used here.


The dogs kept us company the whole time, barking,

running, howling.


I felt tears starting again, but I blinked hard and looked out the window.


What do you notice?

• This is a compound sentence: two dependent clauses joined with a comma and

the conjunction but.

• The subject of the first clause is I and the verb is felt; the subject of the second

clause is I and the verb is compound - blinked, looked.

• The prepositional phrase is out the window.


I felt laughter starting again, but I stopped and gazed

out the window.


I looked puzzled.

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe

from page 29

What do you notice?

• I is a singular subjective pronoun.

• Looked is a past tense verb and the predicate.

• Puzzled is an adjective.

• This is a simple, declarative sentence.


She sat quietly.


This particular evening, I stationed myself on Toby’s stomach.


from page 37

What do you notice?

• I is a subjective pronoun and the subject of the independent clause.

• Stationed is the past tense verb (predicate).

• Myself is a reflexive pronoun.

• On Toby’s stomach is a prepositional phrase.

• Toby’s is a possessive proper noun.

• This is a demonstrative pronoun.

• Particular is an adjective.

• Evening is a singular noun.



This peculiar evening, I plopped myself in my

teacher’s chair.


I put my paws around his throat.


from page 46

What do you notice?

• I is a subject pronoun.

• Put is a past tense verb. (predicate)

• My is a possessive pronoun.

• Paws is a common plural noun.

• Around his throat is a prepositional phrase.

• This is a simple declarative sentence.


She placed her lunchbox on her desk.


The next morning, I was awakened by a scream.


from page 53

What do you notice?

• I is the subjective pronoun.

• Was awakened is the verb. (predicate)

• By a scream is a prepositional phrase.

• The is an article.

• Next is an adjective.

• Morning is a noun.



That afternoon, I feel asleep on the soft, plush

leather couch.


The whole family rushed through the doors.


from page 37

What do you notice?

• Family is a noun and the subject of this sentence.

• Rushed is the past tense verb. (predicate)

• Through the doors is a prepositional phrase.


• Whole is an adjective that describes the family.

• Doors is a plural common noun.



The little baby crawled through the house.


She ran bases; she swung the bat.

Adapted from Mighty Jackie The Strike-out Queen by Marissa Moss

What do you notice?

• She is a singular subject pronoun. It takes the place of the proper noun Jackie

and is the subject of both independent clauses.

• Ran is a past tense verb of the first clause and swung is the past tense verb of

the second clause.

• The word bases is a common plural noun and a direct object of the verb ran.


• Bat is a singular, common noun.

• A semicolon is used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.


She caught the ball; she threw it to first base.


It was April 2, 1931, and something amazing was about to happen.

Mighty Jackie The Strike-out Queen by Marissa Moss

What do you notice?

• April is a proper noun because it is the name of a month.

• It is a singular pronoun and the subject of the first independent clause.

• Was is a past tense linking verb of the first and second independent clause.

• And is a coordinating conjunction, and it combines two independent clauses with

a comma.

• Amazing is an adjective.

• Something is the subject of the second independent clause.

• This is a declarative, compound sentence.

• There is a comma between the day and the year.


It was February 14, 2012, and something peculiar

was about to happen.


The other was the Chattanooga Lookouts, a small team, a nothing team, except for the pitcher, Jackie Mitchell.


What do you notice?

• Proper Nouns (Chattanooga Lookouts, Jackie Mitchell)

• Some proper nouns contain more than one word. Each important word begins

with a capital letter. (Chattanooga Lookouts, Jackie Mitchell)

• Common nouns (team, pitcher)

• This is a declarative sentence, which ends in a period.

• The subject is other.

• The verb is a linking verb (was).

• Adjectives are used to describe the team. (small, nothing)

• Except for the pitcher is a prepositional phrase.

• A small team, a nothing team are appositives describing the Chattanooga

Lookouts, and Jackie Mitchell is an appositive describing (or naming) the pitcher.


Disney World is my favorite theme park, a whimsical

park, an entertaining place, despite the expense.


By the time she was eight years old, Dazzy Vance, the star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodger’s, had taught her how to pitch.


What do you notice? • The subject is Dazzy Vance and the verb is had taught.


• By the time is a prepositional phrase.

• (That) she was eight years old is a dependent clause.

• The star pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodger’s is an appositive, which is set off with

commas.

• Proper nouns - Dazzy Vance, Brooklyn Dodgers

• Common nouns - time, pitcher

• It’s a declarative sentence which ends in a period.

• Star is an adjective describing pitcher.

• She is a singular, subject pronoun. (She is referring to Jackie.)

• Her is an objective pronoun. Her refers to Jackie.


By the time she was ten years old, Carrie

Underwood, the star singer from American Idol, had

taught her how to sing.


Babe Ruth glared at the umpire and threw the bat down in disgust.


What do you notice?

• The past tense, compound verbs are glared and threw.

• Babe Ruth is a proper noun because it is a name of a specific person and is the

subject of this sentence.

• At the umpire and in disgust are the prepositional phrases.

• Bat is a singular common noun.

• Down is an adverb because it describes where.



Mighty Jackie smiled at the umpire and pitched the

next ball with confidence.


Her sisters and father work in the U.S.

My Diary from Here to There by Amanda Irma Perez

What do you notice?

• Her is a possessive, singular pronoun.

• Sisters is a plural noun. Notice how an –s was added to the singular form (sister)

to make the word plural.

• And is a coordinating conjunction.

• Father is a singular noun.

• The compound subject is sisters, father.

• Work is the present tense verb and is plural because the subject is plural.

• In the U.S. is a prepositional phrase.

• U.S. is an abbreviation for the proper noun United States.



Her brothers and father play football.


Mama and Papa keep talking about all of the opportunities we’ll have in California.

My Diary from Here to There by Amanda Irma Perez

What do you notice?

• The singular form of opportunities is opportunity. Notice how the y was changed

to an i and an –es was added to make this word plural.

• Mama and Papa is a compound subject of the independent clause, Mama and

Papa keep talking about all of the opportunities.

• Keep is the verb of the independent clause.

• Talking is a gerund in this sentence ( an -ing verb acting as a noun)

• About all, of the opportunities, in California are prepositional phrases.

• We’ll is a contraction for we will.

• California is a proper noun.

• (That) we’ll have in California is a dependent clause.



The teachers and principal keep addressing all of

the opportunities we will have after graduation.


There is a man here in the fields named Cesar Chavez, who speaks of unions, strikes,

and boycotts. My Diary from Here to There by Amanda Irma Perez

What do you notice? • A comma tells a reader to pause between the words it separates.

• Commas are used to separate three or more words in a series: unions, strikes,

and boycotts.

• Is is the verb.

• A is an article.

• Named Cesar Chavez is a (past) participial phrase.

• Man is a singular noun and the subject of this sentence.

• Here is an adverb because it tells where.

• In the fields; of unions, strikes, and boycotts are prepositional phrases.

• Fields is a plural noun.

• Who is a relative pronoun and begins the dependent clause, who speaks of

unions, strikes, and boycotts.

• The independent clause is There is a man here in the fields named Cesar

Chavez.


• Unions, strikes, and boycotts are all plural nouns.


There is a P.E. teacher here at our school named

Mr. Sporty, who teaches us rules, games, and

sports.


Papa says we might go back for the holidays in a year or two. My Diary from Here to There by Amanda Irma Perez

What do you notice?

• Papa is the subject of the sentence and is a proper noun because it’s used as a

name.

• Says is a present tense verb.

• We is a plural, subjective pronoun.

• Back is an adverb because it tells where.

• For the holidays and in a year or two are prepositional phrases.

• Or is a conjunction.

• Holidays is a plural noun that follows the rule of only adding an –s to make the

word plural because a is a vowel followed by a y.


• Papa says is the independent clause and (that) we might go back for the holidays

in a year or two is the dependent clause.


Jane says we might go to the movies today or

tomorrow.


Sometimes freight trains rumble past our house like little earthquakes. My Diary from Here to There by Amanda Irma Perez

What do you notice?

• Sometimes is an adverb because it tells when.

• Freight is an adjective because it describes trains.

• The word trains is a plural noun and is the subject.

• Rumble is the verb.

• Past our house is a prepositional phrase.

• Our is a plural, possessive pronoun.

• House is a singular noun.

• Like little earthquakes is a simile because it is comparing the sound of the freight

trains to the sound of little earthquakes, and is a prepositional phrase.

• Little is an adjective because it describes earthquakes.

• The word earthquakes is a plural noun.



Often children scurry through the halls like quiet

mice.


In Cambodia thieves ripped out carved faces of gods from an eleventh-century site. Stealing Beauty from Time For Kids

What do you notice?

• Cambodia is a proper noun.

• The word thieves is an irregular, plural noun. It is also the subject. (One kind of

plural comes from singular words that end in –f or –fe. Many of these words

change the f to a v and add –es, such as thieves.)

• Ripped is the past tense verb.

• Carved is an adjective.

• The word faces is a plural noun.

• The word gods is a plural noun.

• In Cambodia, of gods, from an eleventh century-site are prepositional phrases.

• Eleventh-century is hyphenated because it acts as one word.


In Wyoming wolves roam freely in the woods.


It has become difficult to make a living from farming sheep. Stealing Beauty from Time For Kids

What do you notice?

• In this sentence the word sheep is a noun. The plural and singular forms of the

word sheep do not change.

• It is a pronoun and the subject of this sentence.

• Has become is the verb.

• Difficult is an adjective.

• The prepositional phrase is from farming sheep.

• To make a living is an infinitive phrase.


I have become more responsible by taking care of

all of my fish.


Many people believe that stealing artwork is like stealing a country’s history and culture. Stealing Beauty from Time For Kids

What do you notice?

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause (Many people believe)

and a dependent clause (that stealing artwork is like stealing a country’s history

and culture).

• That is a relative pronoun.

• Many is an adjective.

• The word people is an irregular, plural noun and the subject of the sentence.

• Believe is the verb.

• People, artwork, history, and culture are common nouns.


• Country’s is a singular possessive noun. An apostrophe is used to show

ownership.


Many children believe that receiving good grades on

a report card is like winning a gold medal in the

country’s Olympics.


Some people in these countries, however, see looting as a way to get rich. Stealing Beauty from Time For Kids

What do you notice?

• Some is an adjective.

• The word people is an irregular, plural noun and the subject of this sentence.

• In these countries, as a way, are prepositional phrases.

• To get is an infinitive (to + verb).

• However is an adverb.

• See is a present tense verb.

• Looting is a noun.

• Rich is a noun.

• The subject is people, and the verb is see.


Some students in school, however, see extra silent

reading time as an award.


Many people in China eat shrimp.

Stealing Beauty from Time For Kids

What do you notice?

• Many is an adjective.

• People is an irregular, plural noun, and the subject of this sentence.

• In China is a prepositional phrase.

• China is a proper noun.

• Eat is a present tense verb.

• Shrimp is a noun that is written the same in its singular and plural forms.


Some people in Florida hunt deer.


People all over Europe and America loved Ben’s glass armonica.

How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer

What do you notice?

• The word people is the subject of the sentence and is an irregular plural noun.

• Loved is a past tense verb.

• Europe, America, and Ben’s are all proper nouns.

• Glass is an adjective that describes armonica.

• Armonica is a noun.

• Ben’s is a possessive singular noun. Notice how an apostrophe is used to show

ownership. The glass armonica belongs to Ben.


Children all over America enjoy Disney’s thrilling

ride, Space Mountain.


His post office was the first to deliver

mail straight to people’s houses.


What do you notice?


• Post office is a noun and is the subject of the sentence.

• Was is a past tense linking verb.


• Prepositional phrases- to people’s houses

• To deliver is an infinitive.

• Mail is a singular noun.

• People’s is a plural, possessive noun. To form the possessive of a plural noun that

does not end in s, add an apostrophe and an –s. A few nouns have the same plural

and singular form. (people’s)

• Houses is a plural noun.



Her book was the first to be shelved in the school’s

media center.


The title of this story is, “How Ben Franklin

Stole the Lightning.”


What do you notice?

• The is an article adjective.

• Title is the subject.

• Of this story is a prepositional phrase.

• The word is is a linking verb.

• Ben Franklin is a proper noun.

• “How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning” is the title. All important words are

capitalized.

• Quotation marks are put around the title because it is a short story.


Another popular book that Benjamin Franklin

penned is, Poor Richard’s Almanac.


Anyone trying to remove the king’s gold paper crown was in for a shock!

How Ben Franklin Stole The Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer

What do you notice?

• Anyone is a singular, indefinite pronoun and the subject.


• King’s is a singular possessive noun.

• Gold and paper are adjectives describing crown.

• Crown is a singular noun.

• Shock is a noun.

• Trying to remove the king’s gold paper crown is a participial phrase.

• This is an exclamatory sentence.


Everyone attempting to achieve supreme honor roll

is in for a lot of hard work!


Ben’s most famous invention of all was the lightning rod.


What do you notice?

• Ben’s is a singular, proper possessive noun.

• Most is a superlative adjective.

• Invention is a noun and the subject of the sentence.


• Lightning rod is a singular noun.



Brian’s most prized possession of all was his

baseball glove.


Did the flowers arrive? Dear Mr. Winston by Ken Roberts

What do you notice?

• Flowers is the subject of this interrogative sentence.

• Did arrive is a verb.


• Flowers is a common plural noun. (A plural noun names more than one person,

place, or thing.)

• Add –s to most nouns to form the plural.


Do you think Mr. Winston was afraid of snakes?


If the snake is not in Mr. Winston’s clothes, it might have crawled out.

Dear Mr. Winston by Ken Roberts

What do you notice?

• Add an apostrophe (‘) and –s to a singular noun to make it possessive. (A

possessive noun shows who or what owns or has something.)

• Snake is a common singular noun. It is also the subject of this sentence.

• Is is the verb.

• In Mr. Winston’s clothes is a prepositional phrase.

• Mr. Winston’s is a singular, possessive proper noun.

• Might have crawled is the verb phrase.

• Out is an adverb because it tells where.

• If is a subordinating conjunction. (AAAWWWUBBIS)

• This is a complex sentence with a dependent clause (If the snake is not in Mr.

Winston’s clothes) and an independent clause (it might have crawled out).


If the book is not on the teacher’s shelf, someone

might have borrowed it.


I told my parents something that I didn’t get a chance to remind you about before the

ambulance took you from the school’s library. Dear Mr. Winston by Ken Roberts

What do you notice?

• I is a singular, subjective pronoun.

• Told is a past tense verb.

• Parents is a plural noun.

• Didn’t is a contraction for did not.

• Ambulance and library are the singular noun..

• School’s is a singular possessive noun.

• Something is an indefinite pronoun.

• This is a complex sentence. The independent clause is I told my parents

something. The dependent clauses are that I didn’t get a chance to remind you

about…and before the ambulance took you from the school’s library.

• That is a relative pronoun that begins the first dependent clause.

• Before is a subordinating conjunction that begins the second dependent clause.

• The prepositional phrase is from the school’s library.

• To remind you about is an infinitive phrase.


I reminded my teacher something I forgot to tell her

before we left the school’s auditorium for lunch.


There are no snakes on the show because it takes place in space.


What do you notice?

• There is a pronoun.

• Are is a linking verb in the independent clause.

• No is an adjective.

• Snakes is a common, plural noun and the subject of the independent clause.

• Show is a singular noun.

• On the show is a prepositional phrase.

• There are no snakes on the show is the independent clause.

• Because is a subordinating conjunction and begins the dependent clause, because

it takes place in space.

• It is a singular subjective pronoun.

• In space is a prepositional phrase.

• Space is a singular noun.



There are no children on the playground because it

is raining outside.


Cara’s snake only belonged to her for an hour.


What do you notice?

• Cara’s is a singular, possessive, proper noun.

• Snake is a noun and is the subject of the sentence.

• Only is an adverb.

• Belonged is a past tense verb.

• To is a preposition.

• Her is a singular objective pronoun.

• To her, for an hour are prepositional phrases.

• This is a declarative, simple sentence.


Bailey’s hamster only runs on its wheel at night,

because it is nocturnal.


The bulletin board featured photos of famous people like Barack Obama, Albert

Einstein, and Sally Ride, the first woman astronaut.

Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) by Lisa Yee

from page 37

What do you notice?

• Bulletin board is the subject.

• Featured is a past tense verb.

• Common singular nouns- bulletin board, astronaut

• Photos is a common, plural noun.

• People is an irregular plural noun.

• Proper nouns- Barack Obama, Albert Einstein, Sally Ride.

• A comma is used after Sally Ride because the first woman astronaut is an

appositive.



The book contained information about famous

inventors like Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin,

and Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the

telephone.


The whole town of Rancho Rosetta, California, turned out for the annual

Labor Day Fiesta at Wild Acres. Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) by Lisa Yee

from page 3

What do you notice?

• Town is a singular, common noun and it is the subject of this sentence.

• Whole is an adjective because it describes the town.

• Rancho Rosetta, California is a singular, proper noun. A comma is used to

separate the city and the state.

• Turned is the verb.

• Singular proper nouns- Labor Day Fiesta, Wild Acres

• Prepositional phrases- of Rancho Rosetta,California, for the annual Labor Day

Fiesta, at Wild Acres

• Annual is an adjective.



The whole town of Melbourne, Florida arrived for the

festive Christmas parade at Wickham Park.


A small group of people stood at the booth, watching the donuts being made.


from page 10

What do you notice?


• Small is an adjective that describes the group of people.

• Of people, at the booth are prepositional phrases.

• People is an irregular, plural, common noun and the subject of the sentence.

• Stood is the verb..

• Watching the donuts and being made are participial phrases.


• Donuts is a common plural noun.



A large group of students sprinted to the field,

waiting for Field Day to begin.


No girls were allowed at the boys’ table.


from page 21

What do you notice?

• No is an adjective because it describes how many girls.

• Girls is the subject and a plural common noun.

• Were allowed is the verb.

• At the boys’ table is a prepositional phrase.

• Boys’ is a possessive plural noun. An apostrophe is used to show ownership, the

table belongs to the boys.

• Table is a singular, common noun.



No students are allowed in the teachers’ lounge.


Bobby squeezed his eyes shut and imagined himself holding a plate piled

high with glazed buttermilk donuts. Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) by Lisa Yee

from page 104

What do you notice?

• Bobby is the subject of this sentence.

• Squeezed and imagined are the past tense verbs.

• His is a singular possessive pronoun.

• Eyes is a plural common noun.

• And is a coordinating conjuction.

• Himself is a reflexive pronoun.

• Holding is a present tense participial.

• A is an article adjective.

• Plate is a singular common noun.

• High is an adverb.

• With glazed buttermilk donuts is a prepositional phrase.

• Adjectives- glazed, buttermilk

• Donuts is a plural noun.



Jillian gripped her mother’s hand and held on for

dear life as the roller coaster plummeted down the

rickety track.


He bared his fangs and frightened a family walking home from the cornfield.

Roadrunner’s Dance by Rudolfo Anaya

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the sentence and a singular subjective pronoun

• Compound verb - bared, frightened


• The word and is a coordinating conjunction.


• Walking home from the cornfield is a participial phrase.

• Compound word - cornfield

• This is a simple sentence


She chomped her pretzels and slurped her soda

while ambling home from the ball field.


The surprised turtle lumbered away, and Roadrunner crashed to the ground.


What do you notice?

• This is a compound sentence: two independent clauses, the surprised turtle

lumbered away and Roadrunner crashed to the ground.

• The coordinate conjunction is and.

• Turtle is the subject of the first independent clause and Roadrunner is the subject

of the second independent clause.

• The verbs are lumbered and crashed.

• The prepositional phrase is to the ground.

• This is a declarative sentence.

• The word surprised is an adjective.

• The word away is an adverb.


The astonished beetle scurried away, and the

toddler tumbled to the floor.


Rattlesnake shouted, hissing so loud the desert mice trembled with fear.


What do you notice?

• Rattlesnake is the subject of the independent clause, Rattlesnake shouted.

• Shouted is the verb of the independent clause.

• The phrase hissing so loud is a participial phrase.

• (That) the desert mice trembled with fear is a dependent clause. The subject is

mice and the verb is trembled.

• The prepositional phrase is with fear.


• Rattlesnake shouted is personification.



Dog shrieked, barking so insistently the

neighborhood cats fled in fear.


He went racing down the road until his sharp eyes spied Rattlesnake hiding under a tall yucca

plant. Roadrunner’s Dance by Rudolfo Anaya

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the sentence and a singular subjective pronoun.

• The verb is went.

• Rattlesnake is a proper noun.

• The prepositional phrases are down the road and under a tall yucca plant.


• Hiding under a tall yucca plant is a participial phrase.


• Until is a subordinating conjunction and begins the dependent clause until his

sharp eyes spied Rattlesnake hiding under a tall yucca plant.



He meandered slowly down the street until his keen

eyes spotted Tate snooping around an old, wooden

shed.


The people and the animals heard the ruckus and drew close to watch.


What do you notice?

• The sentence has a compound subject - people, animals

• The compound verbs are heard and drew.

• To watch is an infinitive.


• The word ruckus is a noun.

• Close is an adverb.



The teachers and the students heard the helicopter

and fled wildly to watch.


They called me Christine, and like three peas in a pod, we grew together.

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris

What do you notice?

• This is a compound sentence

• The subject in the first independent clause is they and the past tense verb is

called.

• The subject in the second independent clause is we and the past tense verb is

grew.

• Grew is an irregular verb.

• Like three peas in a pod is a simile and a prepositional phrase.

• Christine is a proper noun.


• Plural subjective pronouns in the sentence are they and we.

• Me is a singular objective pronoun.


• Together is an adverb.


They named me Candy, and like M&M’s in a jar, we

were always sweet to one another.


I remember days sitting at her feet as she and Aunt Ida filled us with grand memories

of their childhood and read to us about all the wonderful places in the world.


What do you notice?

• I is the subject of the sentence and a singular, subjective pronoun.

• The present tense verb in the sentence is remember.

• As is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS).

• The subordinate clause is as she and Aunt Ida filled us with grand memories of

their childhood and read to us about all the wonderful places in the world.

• Aunt Ida is a proper noun.

• The possessive pronouns are their and her.

• Us is a plural objective pronoun and she is a singular nominative pronoun.


• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause (I remember days sitting

at her feet) and a dependant clause (as she and Aunt Ida…).

• At her feet, with grand memories, of their childhood, and in the world are

prepositional phrases.


I recall afternoons lounging at the beach, as she and

Uncle Tom filled us with fascinating stories of their

travels and showed pictures to us of astonishing

sites.


I am a man, and until you call me one, I will not listen to you.


What do you notice?

• I is the subject of the sentence and a subjective pronoun.

• Am is a present tense linking verb.

• Man is a noun.




• The prepositional phrase is to you.

• Until is a subordinating conjunction.

• This is a compound-complex sentence: an independent clause (I am a man), a

subordinate clause (until you call me one), and an independent clause (I will not

listen to you).


I am a puppy, and until you train me, I will not walk

on a leash.


These stories were as nourishing as the food that was set before us.


What do you notice?

• The subject in the sentence is stories (plural).

• The verb is were.

• There is subject-verb agreement because both are plural-stories were

• Stories were as nourishing as the food that was set before us is a simile.

• These is an adjective.

• The prepositional phrases are as nourishing, as the food, and before us


• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause, these stories were as

nourishing as the food, and a dependent clause, that was set before us (that is a

relative pronoun that acts as a subject).


This book was as thrilling as the roller coaster,

Space Mountain that was at Disney World.


Daddy was the minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church.


What do you notice?

• The subject of the sentence is Daddy (singular).

• Was is the linking verb.

• Subject verb agreement-Daddy was


• Minister is a common noun.

• Ebenezer Baptist Church is a proper noun and shows specificity.

• At Ebenezer Baptist Church is a prepositional phrase.


.


Momma was the teacher at Sunshine Elementary

School.


These enterprising kids are not professional journalists, but like adult reporters they still

have to show they are qualified for the job. Kid Reporters At Work by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• This is a compound complex sentence: two independent clauses joined by a

coordinating conjunction (but), and a dependent clause (that) they are qualified.

• There is subject verb agreement: kids are, they are, and they have.

• Are is a linking verb.

• These is a demonstrative pronoun.

• Enterprising, professional, and adult are adjectives.

• Kids, journalist, reporters, and job are common nouns.

• For the job and like adult reporters are prepositional phrases

• The word but is a coordinating conjunction.

• Not and still are adverbs.

• They is a plural, subjective pronoun.

.


These industrious students are not teachers, but like

certified teachers they still have to demonstrate they

are capable of peer tutoring.


However, they have some strong similarities.

Kid Reporters At Work by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• They is the subject of the sentence and a plural subjective pronoun.

• Have is the verb.

• However is a conjunctive adverb.

• Some and strong are adjectives.

• Similarities is a noun.



Therefore, we have few if any disagreements.


The U.N. is working hard to help improve children’s lives.

Adapted from Kid Reporters at Work by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• U.N. is an abbreviation for United Nations.

• The subject is U.N. and the verb is is working.

• Is is the helping verb.

• To help is an infinitive.

• There is an apostrophe in the word children’s to indicate that it is a possessive

noun.



The U.S. is working hard to improve families’ lives.


In 2002, however, she had the chance to meet people from all over the world without

traveling very far at all. Kid Reporters At Work by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• She is a singular, subjective pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• Had is the verb.

• The adverbs are however, far, and very.

• The prepositional phrases are in 2002, from all over the world, without traveling,

and at all.

• Chance, people, world, and traveling are common nouns.


• To meet people is an infinitive phrase.


In 2011, however, he had the opportunity to greet

people from all over the city without leaving

Wal-Mart.


Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at two TFK reporters and two of the stories they

covered for the magazine. Kid Reporters At Work by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• Here’s is the contraction for here is.

• Look is the subject.

• The verb is is (‘s) from the contraction here’s.

• The prepositional phrases are at two TFK reporters, and (at) two, of the stories,

and for the magazine.


• Behind-the-scenes is a hyphenated word acting as an adjective.

• This is a complex sentence because the dependent clause is (that) they covered

for the magazine and the independent clause is Here’s a behind-the-scenes look

at two TFK reporters and two of the stories.


Here’s an in-depth look at three SLE students and

three of the Quality Literature books they submitted

for their school.


Traveling with the people were an old woman and her grandson.

Mystic Horse by Paul Goble

What do you notice?

• Woman and grandson is the compound subject.

• Were traveling is the verb.

• Woman and grandson are common nouns.


• An is an article adjective.

• Old is an adjective.

• Her is a possessive pronoun.

• With the people is a prepositional phrase.


.


Walking with the puppy was a mother and her

four-year old daughter.


Their only shelter was made of sticks and a patchwork of pieces of old tipi covers which

people had thrown away. Mystic Horse by Paul Goble

What do you notice?

• Shelter is the subject of the independent clause: Their only shelter was made of

sticks and patchwork of pieces of old tipi covers.

• Was made is the verb of the independent clause.

• The prepositional phrases are of sticks and a patchwork, of pieces, and of old tipi

covers.


• Which is a relative pronoun.

• Which people had thrown away is a dependent clause; the subject is people and

the verb is had thrown.

• Their is a plural possessive pronoun.

• Only is an adjective

• Patchwork is a common noun.


.


Their bedroom tent was made of blankets and a

conglomeration of old sheets which had

accumulated over the years.


He was sad for his horse, and angry with himself that he had not done what his

mysterious horse had told him. Mystic Horse by Paul Goble

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the sentence and a singular, subjective pronoun.

• Himself is a singular reflexive pronoun.

• Him is a singular objective pronoun.

• The compound verb is was.

• The prepositional phrases are for his horse and with himself.




• This is a complex sentence: an independent clause (He was sad for his horse,

and angry with himself), dependent clauses (that he had not done, and what his

mysterious horse had told him).



She was downcast for her dog, and livid with herself

that she had not done what her mom had told her.


They were poor, living alone without any relatives at the edge of the village.

Mystic Horse by Paul Goble

What do you notice?

• They is the subject of the sentence and a plural, subjective pronoun.

• The verb is were (linking verb).

• Living alone is a participial phrase.

• The prepositional phrases are without any relatives, at the edge, and of the

village.

• Poor is an adjective.


.


They were wealthy, living grandly with many children

at the edge of the city.


He was terribly thin, with sores on his back. Mystic Horse by Paul Goble

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the sentence and a singular, subjective pronoun.

• Was is a linking verb.

• The prepositional phrases are with sores and on his back.

• Thin is an adjective.

• Terribly is an adverb.


.


He was horribly injured, with road rash from head to

toe.


He watched snowflakes fall on his mittens, on the dried grass of Vermont farm fields, on the

dark metal handle of the barn door.

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

What do you notice?


• Watched is the verb.

• The prepositional phrases are on his mittens, on the dried grass, of Vermont farm

fields, on the dark metal handle, and of the barn door.

• Vermont is a proper noun.

• The word and has purposefully been omitted from the series in order to maintain

a fluid series of sites.

• The author started each phrase with the word on for emphasis.



She watched raindrops drip on her shoes, on the

green grass of the yard, on the bronze metal handle

of the front door.


When his mother gave him an old microscope, he used it to look at the flowers, raindrops, and

blades of grass.


What do you notice?

• When is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS).

• When his mother gave him an old microscope is a dependent clause.

• Prepositional phrase-at the flowers, raindrops, and blades of grass

• He is the subject of the independent clause and a singular, subjective pronoun.

• The verb is used.

• This is a complex sentence: a dependent clause (when his mother gave him an

old microscope) and an independent clause (he used it to look at the flowers,

raindrops, and blades of grass).

• To look is an infinitive.


When his dad gave him an old telescope, he used it

to gaze at the stars, moon, and the lights of

airplanes flying over.


Willie’s mother knew he would not be happy until he could share what he had seen.


What do you notice?

• Mother is the subject of the independent clause.

• Knew is the verb of the independent clause.

• The verbs knew and seen are irregular verbs.

• Willie’s is a possessive, proper noun acting as an adjective.

• He is a singular, subjective pronoun.

• Until is a subordinating conjunction.

• Until he could share what he had seen is a dependent clause.

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause, Willie’s mother knew,

and two dependent clauses, (that) he would not be happy, and until he could

share what he had seen.

.


Hailey’s dad knew she wouldn’t be elated until she

could share what she had found.


Children and adults sat on the grass and watched while Willie projected his slides onto a

sheet hung over a clothesline.


What do you notice?

• The compound subject is children and adults.

• The compound verb is sat and watched.



• Willie is a proper noun.

• While is a subordinating conjunction.

• While Willie projected his slides onto a sheet hung over a clothesline is a

dependent clause.

• The prepositional phrases are on the grass, onto a sheet, and over a clothesline.

• This is a complex sentence: independent clause (children and adults sat on the

grass and watched) and a dependent clause (while Willie projected his slides

onto a sheet hung over a clothesline).

.


Boys and girls sat at their desks and watched while

Miss Thompson modeled her sentence on the doc

cam from the stand.


He wrote about snow and published his pictures in magazines.


What do you notice?


• The compound verbs are wrote (irregular) and published.



• The prepositional phrases are about snow and in magazines.


.


He wrote about animals and published his articles

online.


She sat down at the desk Mrs. Pidgeon provided, right smack in the middle of

everything, and began doing second grade work.

Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry

from page 3

What do you notice?

• She is the subject of the independent clause (She sat down at the desk, right

smack in the middle of everything, and began doing second grade work) and a

singular subjective pronoun.

• The compound irregular verbs of the independent clause are sat and began.


• Mrs. Pidgeon is a proper noun.

• The prepositional phrases are at the desk, in the middle, and of everything.

• Doing second grade work is a participial phrase.


• (That) Mrs. Pidgeon provided is a dependent clause. The subject is Mrs. Pidgeon

and the verb is provided.


He plopped down at the table Mr. Jackson offered,

smack dab in the middle of the room, and began

doing a Suduko puzzle.


Mrs. Pidgeon nodded and stepped aside so that there was room for Gooney Bird to

stand in front of the class. Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry

from page 13

What do you notice?

• Mrs. Pidgeon is the subject of the sentence and a proper noun.

• Nodded and stepped is the past tense, compound verb.


• So that is a subordinating conjunction.

• So that there was room for Gooney Bird to stand in front of the class is the

dependent clause.

• Aside is an adverb.

• Gooney Bird is a proper noun.

• This is a complex sentence: independent clause (Mrs. Pidgeon nodded and

stepped aside), dependent clause (so that there was room for Gooney Bird to

stand in front of the class)

• Prepositional phrases-for Gooney Bird, to stand, in front, of the class

.


Miss Egret winked and shuffled over so that there

was space for Molly McGee to talk in front of her

classmates.


A cow chewing a purple flower looked curiously at it and then wandered away.


from page 32

What do you notice?

• Cow is the subject of the sentence and a common noun.

• Chewing a purple flower is a participial phrase.


• Looked and wondered is the past tense compound verb.

• Curiously and away are adverbs.


.


A dog gnawing a squeaky chew toy snarled

aggressively at it and then ambled away.


When Gooney Bird and her parents were finally reunited, everyone, including two

policemen, a TV reporter, and the gas station owner, hugged and kissed and did the tango.


from page 33

What do you notice?

• When is a subordinate conjunction that begins the dependent clause, when

Gooney Bird and her parents were finally reunited.

• Everyone is the subject of the independent clause.

• Hugged and kissed is the past tense compound verb.


• Policemen, reporter, owner, and tango are common nouns.

• Two, TV, and gas station are adjectives.

• Everyone is a singular indefinite pronoun.

• This is a complex sentence with a dependent clause and an independent clause,

everyone, including two policemen, a TV reporter, and the gas station owner,

hugged and kissed and did the tango.

.

Possible Teacher Imitation When Molly McGee and her best friend were

amazingly reunited, everybody, including their

parents, the fourth grade teachers, and the bus

driver high-fived and fist pounded and did a little jig.


The station wagon drove on, around a curve in the road.


from page 32

What do you notice?

• Station wagon is a noun and the subject of the sentence.


• Drove is the irregular verb.

• On is an adverb.

• Prepositional phrases are around a curve and in the road.


.

Possible Teacher Imitation The mini van sped on, down the street in the neighborhood.


They were being a bit melodramatic, don’t you think?

Dear Mrs. LaRue by Mark Teague

What do you notice?

• You is the subject and the singular subjective pronoun of the independent clause.

• The verb is do think of the independent clause, don’t you think?

• Not (n’t) from the contraction don’t is an adverb.

• (That) They were being a bit melodramatic is a dependent clause because there

is an understood relative pronoun that that should begin this clause, and the

independent clause is You don’t think, which is the inverted version of Don’t you

think. In essence, you are flipping the sentence to read –You don’t think that they

were being a bit melodramatic?

• They is a pronoun referring to the cats in the story.

• This is an example of an interrogative sentence.



They were being a bit selfish, don’t you think?


It’s hard to believe they were really sick for three whole days, but you know cats.


What do you notice?

• This is a compound-complex sentence with two independent clauses, it’s hard to

believe, you know cats, and a dependent clause, (that) they were really sick for

three whole days.

• It is the singular pronoun and the subject of the first independent clause and is

(‘s) is the verb.

• You is the subject of the second independent clause, and know is the verb.

• A comma separates the dependent clause and the second independent clause.

• But is a coordinating conjunction and also separates the clauses.

• The prepositional phrase is for three whole days.

• To believe is an infinitive.

• They is a pronoun referring to the cats in the story.



It’s hard to believe they were really ecstatic for

several days, but you know kids.


It started in my paw, causing me to limp all day.


What do you notice?

• It is the subject and the pronoun.

• Started is the verb.

• Causing me to limp all day is the participial phrase beginning with causing which

is a participle. Participial phrases act as adjective modifiers.


• Me is a objective pronoun.




It started in my room, causing me to clean all day.


You would scarcely believe the misery I’ve endured.


What do you notice?

• You is the subject of the independent clause, You would scarcely believe the

misery.

• You is a second person pronoun.

• Would believe is the verb of the independent clause.

• Scarcely is an adverb.

• I’ve is the contraction for I have.

• I is a subjective pronoun.



• (That) I’ve endured is a dependent clause. I is the subject and have endured is

the verb.


You would hardly believe the fun I’ve enjoyed.


Does anybody care that the other dogs disturb ME?


What do you notice?

• Anybody is the subject.

• Does care is the verb.

• Anybody is an indefinite, singular pronoun.

• Me is an objective pronoun.

• This is an interrogative sentence.

• ME is capitalized to add emphasis.

• That is a relative pronoun and begins the dependent clause that the other dogs

disturb ME?

• This is a complex sentence because it has an independent clause, Does

anybody care and a dependent clause, that the other dogs disturb me.


Does anyone care that the cat scratched ME?


As he worked he sang sweet songs, and birds of many colors flew out of the trees

just to hear him sing. The Blind Hunter by Kristina Rodanas

What do you notice?

• He is the singular, subjective pronoun.

• Him is the singular, objective pronoun.

• The sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction As. As he worked is the

dependent clause.

• The subject of the first independent clause is he (he sang sweet songs) and the

subject of the second independent clause is birds (birds of many colors flew

out…).

• The verb in the first independent clause is sang. The verb in the second

independent clause is flew.

• This is a compound-complex sentence.


• The prepositional phrases are of many colors and of the trees.

• The sentence elicits a tone of gaity and infers that the singing was enjoyable.


As she moved she danced beautiful steps, and

students in many rooms raced out into the courtyard

just to see her dance.


When children came to visit, he always stopped what he was doing, so he could

laugh with them and listen to their stories. The Blind Hunter by Kristina Rodanas

What do you notice?

• He is the singular, subjective pronoun.

• Them is the plural, objective pronoun.


• When is a subordinating conjunction.

• This is a compound-complex sentence.

• The two independent clauses (he always stopped and so he could laugh with

them and listen to their stories) are separated with the coordinating conjunction

so, which is preceded by a comma.

• The first dependent clause is When children came to visit and the second

dependent clause is what he was doing.

• The subject of the first independent clause is he and the verb is stopped.

• The subject of the second independent clause is he and has compound verbs:

could laugh and listen.

• The sentence infers that Chirobo was kind and thoughtful.


When parents came to visit, he always stopped what

he was teaching, so he could talk to them and listen

to their concerns.


Everyone in the village liked this gentle man with the warm smile.

The Blind Hunter by Kristina Rodanas

What do you notice?

• Everyone is a singular, indefinite pronoun.


• Everyone is the subject.

• Liked is the verb.

• Prepositional phrases-in the village, with the warm smile


• The word choice (adjectives) – gentle, warm - supports the fact that people of the

village liked Chirobo.


Everyone in school liked this kind teacher with the

hardy laugh.


Alone, he fell to his knees and placed his hands upon the ground himself.

Adapted from The Blind Hunter by Kristina Rodanas

What do you notice?



• Himself is a singular, reflexive pronoun.

• Alone is an adverb.

• The subject of the sentence is he.

• The compound verb is fell and placed.

• Prepositional phrases-to his knees, upon the ground



Alone, she skidded down the hall and slid her feet

along the floor herself.


His mind made up, he quickly switched the thin bird for the plump one.

The Blind Hunter by Kristina Rodanas

What do you notice?


• He is a singular subjective pronoun.

• He is the subject and switched is the verb.

• Prepositional phrase-for the plump one

• This is a simple sentence that begins with an *absolute phrase (His mind made

up) and an independent clause (he quickly switched the thin bird for the plump

one).

• Quickly is an adverb.

* An absolute phrase is a noun followed by a participial phrase.


His mind made up, he hurriedly dropped the rough

stick for the smooth one.


Oil is a very important fuel because it helps power cars, trucks, trains, planes, factories, and

electrical plants. The Power of Oil by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• Oil is the subject.

• The state of being verb is is.

• Both oil and is are singular.

• The pronoun antecedent for it is oil and is singular.

• This is a complex sentence because it has the subordinating conjunction

because beginning the subordinate clause: because it helps power cars, trucks,

planes, factories, and electrical plants. Since the subordinating conjunction

because is within the sentence it does not have a comma.

• Common nouns are oil, fuel, cars, trucks, trains, planes, factories, and plants.

• Commas separate the items in a series.


Dogs are very important pets because they help

entertain children, parents, grandparents, and

friends.


They are raving about the performance of their cars and feeling good about making the

responsible choice. The Power of Oil by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• They is the plural, subjective pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• Are raving and feeling is the compound verb.


• The prepositional phrases are about the performance and about making the

responsible choice.



She is raving about the grade on her report card and

feeling good about making the right choices.


They’re bad for our health and our planet. The Power of Oil by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• They is the subject and the plural, subjective pronoun.

• The verb is are (‘re) from the contraction they’re.

• Since the subject is plural, so is the verb.

• The compound prepositional phrases are for our health and our planet.


• Bad is an adjective.


She’s bad for our teacher and our principal.


The United States produces oil, but it also buys about 59% of what it needs.

The Power of Oil by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• United States is the subject of the first independent clause and it is the subject of

the second independent clause.

• Produces is the verb in the first independent clause and buys is the verb in the

second independent clause.

• Both the subject and verb are singular in the first and second clause.

• It refers to the United States; therefore it is the antecedent of the United States.

• This is a compound sentence with two independent clauses separated by a

coordinating conjunction.


Sarah bakes cookies, but she also buys about 50%

of what she needs.


They turned into a mighty black brew that we use to make fuels.

Adapted from The Power of Oil by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• They is the subject of the independent clause, they turned into a mighty black

brew.

• They is a plural, subjective pronoun and refers to an earlier reference to decayed

plants and animals.

• Turned is the verb.

• That is a relative pronoun and begins the dependent clause, that we use to make

fuel.

• Brew is a noun.

• Adjectives-mighty, black

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause, they turned into a mighty

black brew, and a dependent clause, that we use to make fuels.

• Into a mighty black brew is a prepositional phrase.

• To make is an infinitive.


It turned into a mighty grand gravy that we use to

enhance turkey.


She is a bright ten-year-old girl.

Adelina’s Whales by Richard Sobol

What do you notice?

• She is the subject.

• She is a singular subjective pronoun.

• The state of being verb is is.

• Ten-year-old is hyphenated because it acts as one word.

• Both bright and ten-year-old act as adjectives modifying girl.



He is an athletic eleven-year-old boy.


Simply by taking a deep breath through her nose, she can smell the clams and seaweed.

Adapted from Adelina’s Whales by Richard Sobol

What do you notice?

• She is a singular subjective pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• The verb is can smell.

• By taking a deep breath and through her nose are prepositional phrases.

• Simply is an adverb.




Simply by taking a deep breath through his nose, he

can smell the cinnamon buns and bread.


As she has always known they would, the gray whales have come again to visit.


What do you notice?

• As she has always known they would is the dependent clause making this a

complex sentence and begins with the subordinating conjunction As

(AAAWWWUBBIS).

• The gray whales have come again to visit is the independent clause.

• The two clauses are separated by a comma.

• Whales is the subject and have come is the verb.


• They is a plural subjective pronoun.


As they had always known they would, the

persistent relatives have come again to visit.


Adelina smiles and returns to her sleep, comforted by the sounds of whales breathing

and snoring outside her window. Adelina’s Whales by Richard Sobol

What do you notice?

• Adelina smiles and returns to her sleep is the independent clause.

• Comforted by the sounds of whales breathing and snoring outside her window is

a (past tense) participial phrase, not a dependent clause, so this is an example of

a simple sentence.

• A comma separates the phrase from the independent clause.

• Adelina is the subject and smiles and returns is the compound verb.



Billy smiles and returns to his sleep, comforted by

the sounds of crickets chirping and singing outside

his window.


Raising their massive heads up out of the water, they come face-to-face with people.


What do you notice?

• Raising their massive heads up out of the water is a participial phrase (raising is

the participle, a verb that ends in ing and acts like a modifier).

• They come face-to-face with people is the independent clause.

• The phrase and clause are separated by a comma.

• They is the subject and come is the verb.


• They is the subjective pronoun.

• Face-to-face is hyphenated because it acts as one word.



Raising her curious face up over the crowd, she

comes face-to-face with her friend.


Because it is so shallow, the waves break and crash into the reef.

At Home in the Coral Reef by Katy Muzik

What do you notice?

• Because is a subordinating conjunction and begins the dependent clause.

• A comma separates the dependent clause from the independent clause.

• The subject is waves, and the compound verbs are break and crash.

• The prepositional phrase is into the reef.

• The independent clause is the waves break and crash into the reef.

• This is an example of a complex sentence.


Because it is so deep, the water pools and dips

deep at the center.


Watch out for those hungry wrasses!


What do you notice?

• This is an imperative sentence. An imperative sentence is a command or

suggestion. It does not become an exclamatory sentence just because it ends in

an exclamation mark.


• The subject, you, is implied. The verb is watch.

• Those is a demonstrative pronoun.

• Hungry is the adjective that modifies wrasses.


Look out for those scary sharks!


Without living coral, the fish and other animals will leave.


What do you notice?

• Without living coral is a prepositional phrase.

• The subject is compound: fish, animals.

• The verb is will leave.



Without tasty lunches, the student and other

classmates will starve.


Their roots grow out and hang down right into the ocean.


What do you notice?



• The subject is roots and the compound verbs are grow and hang.

• Into the ocean is the prepositional phrase.


Their plants grow out and hang down right into the

porch.


Zillions of coral animals have been adding their skeletons to the reef for over 8,000 years.


What do you notice?


• Zillions is the subject and the verb is have been adding.


• Prepositional phrases-of coral animals, to the reef, for over 8,000 years

• Coral is an adjective that modifies animals.


Millions of fish have been darting through the ocean

in the Caribbean for over 8,000 years.


He either didn’t hear her or was ignoring her, so she pushed back her chair and flew after

the two figures. Adapted from The 100-Year-Old Secret by Tracy Barrett

from page 14

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the first independent clause and a singular subjective

pronoun.

• The compound verbs in the first independent clause are did hear and was

ignoring.

• So is a coordinating conjunction separating the two independent clauses.

• She is the subject of the second independent clause and is a singular subjective

pronoun.

• Pushed and flew is the compound verb in the second clause.

• Prepositional phrase-after the two figures

• This is a compound sentence.


She either didn’t hear her or was ignoring her, so

she jumped out of bed and dashed after the two

puppies.


He closed his eyes in concentration, shutting out all sound except his own breathing.

The 100-Year-Old Secret by Tracy Barrett

from page 21

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the independent clause and a singular, subjective pronoun.

• The verb is closed.


• Shutting out all sound except his own breathing is the participial phrase that

begins with the participle shutting.



They opened their eyes in astonishment, taking in all

the sights except their own shadows.


A little farther down was a sketch of a dragon that seemed to be curled up on itself.

Adapted from The 100-Year-Old Secret by Tracy Barrett

from page 39

What do you notice?

• Sketch is the subject.

• The verb is was.

• Itself is a singular reflexive pronoun.

• This sentence begins with an adverb phrase, A little further down.


• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause, a little further down was

a sketch of a dragon, and a dependent clause, that seemed to be curled up on

itself.

• The prepositional phrases are of a dragon and up on itself.

• To be is an infinitive.


A little further down was a sketch of a sugar glider

that seemed to be curled up on itself.


When he died, he was really poor, so his wife decided to sell some of his paintings.

The 100-Year-Old Secret by Tracy Barrett

from page 44

What do you notice?

• He is the subject of the first independent clause (he was really poor) and wife is

the subject of the second independent clause (his wife decided to sell some of

his paintings).

• The verb is was in the first independent clause and decided in the second

independent clause.

• The coordinating conjunction between the two independent clauses is so.



• When is a subordinating conjunction and begins the dependent clause-, when he

died.

• This is an example of a compound-complex sentence.


When they moved, they were really excited, so their

mom decided to decorate some of their rooms.


The tour ended in the same room where it

had started. The 100-Year-Old Secret by Tracy Barrett

from page 65

What do you notice?

• Tour is the subject.

• The verb is ended.

• It is a singular, subjective pronoun.

• It is the antecedent for tour.

• This is a complex sentence because the word where is a subordinating

conjunction and begins the dependent clause, where it had started.


The field trip ended in the same building where it

had started.


She looked sad and old and wrinkled.

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

What do you notice?

• The adjectives are sad, old, and wrinkled.

• She is the subject and is a singular, subjective pronoun.

• Looked is the verb.

• And is a conjunction.

• Use of and is purposefully repetitive and joins the adjectives.

• It is declarative, simple sentence.


He looked young and happy and energetic.


She is a very small, very old woman with short gray hair, and she was the first friend I made in

Naomi. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

What do you notice?

• Adjectives-small, old, gray, short

• She is the subject of both independent clauses.

• The sentence is a compound-complex sentence.

• The first independent clause is present tense, but the second independent clause

is past tense.

• Naomi is a proper noun.

• The verb in the first independent clause is is, and the verb in the second

independent clause is was.

• Use of very is purposefully repetitive.

• The prepositional phrase is in Naomi.

• (That) I made in Naomi is a dependent phrase with a relative pronoun (that)

which is implied.


He is a very smart, very wise old man with a quick

friendly smile, and he showed me the fossils at the

Melbourne Science Center.


“Then I became aware of a very peculiar smell, a very strong smell,” said Miss Franny. Adapted from Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

What do you notice?

• The quotation is a past tense, simple sentence.

• I is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• Became is the verb.

• Then is an adverb.

• Very, peculiar, strong are adjectives.

• A very strong smell is repeated to add emphasis.

• Smell is a noun.

• The sentence is a direct quotation with the comma inside the quotation marks.

• Miss is a title used to describe a woman who is not married.

• Miss Franny is a proper noun.


“Then I became frightened by the very big, very loud

bear,” said Mrs. Phillips.


He put his big nose up in the air and sniffed and sniffed as if he was trying to decide if a

little-miss-know-it-all librarian was what he was in the mood to eat.


What do you notice?

• The sentence is past tense.

• He is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• The compound verb is put and sniffed.

• The adjectives are big and little-miss-know-it-all.

• Common nouns are nose, librarian, and mood.

• This is a complex sentence: the independent clause is, he put his big nose up in

the air and sniffed and sniffed, and the first of three dependent clauses is as if he

was trying to decide. Another dependent clause is if a little-miss-know-it-all

librarian was. The third dependent clause is what he was in the mood to eat.

• Prepositional phrases are up in the air and in the mood.

• To decide is an infinitive.


She put her ear to the door and listened and listened

as if she was trying to hear all of the tiny noises in

the room next door.


“It’s a fine talent,” Miss Franny said, “a very fine talent.”

Adapted from Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

What do you notice?

• The quotation is a present tense, simple sentence.

• Miss Franny is a proper noun.

• Miss is a title used to indicate that a woman is not married.

• Is (‘s) is the verb from the contraction it’s (it is).

• Adjectives-fine, very

• Nouns-talent

• The sentence is a direct quotation.

• The speaker is indicated by a tag in the middle of the direct quote.

• The final phrase in quotes is used for emphasis.


“It’s an excellent essay,” said Mrs. Janes, “A truly

excellent essay.”


I would like something even more difficult to read now, because I am an advanced reader.


What do you notice?

• I is a pronoun and the subject of the independent clause.

• The verb of the independent clause is would like.

• This is a complex sentence. I would like something even more difficult to read

now is the independent clause, and because I am an advanced reader is the

dependent clause.

• The subject of the dependent clause is I and the verb is am.

• Reader is a noun.

• Something is an indefinite pronoun.

• The adjectives are more, difficult, and advanced.

• Because is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

dependent clause.


I would like something even more sweet to eat,

because I have a very sweet tooth.


In a forest clearing, men are frantically searching the ground.

Ranita The Frog Prince by Carmen Agra Deedy

What do you notice?

• The verb phrase, are searching, is present tense.


• Men is a plural noun and the subject of the sentence, and are searching is the

verb.

• The prepositional phrase is In a forest clearing.

• A comma separates the prepositional phrase from the independent clause.

• The adverb is frantically.

• The article/adjectives are a and the.


In a classroom, students are happily writing

sentences.


You were expecting a Mayan princess, perhaps?


What do you notice?

• The verb phrase, were expecting, is past tense.

• You is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence and the verb is were expecting.

• Mayan is a proper noun acting as an adjective.

• A comma separates the adverb, perhaps, from the independent clause.



• The author using exaggeration to add humor.


You were hoping for a king’s feast, perhaps?


He is probably feeding the birds.


What do you notice?

• The verb phrase, is feeding, is present tense.

• He is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• The verb phrase is is feeding.

• The article/adjective is the.

• The plural noun is birds.

• Probably is an adverb.



She is probably chopping the trees.


Hey, I’ve just had an idea.

Adapted from Ranita The Frog Prince by Carmen Agra Deedy

What do you notice?

• I is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• I’ve is a contraction for “I have.”

• The verb is have had from the contraction (‘ve).

• The article/adjective is an.

• Hey is an interjection and is separated with a comma.

• Idea is a noun.



Hey, I’ve just gotten a photograph of an elephant to

hang on my wall.


You must make the leap from there.


What do you notice?

• You is a (second person) pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• The verb is make.


• Must is a modal auxiliary.

• The prepositional phrase is from there.

• This is a simple, imperative sentence.


You may take the candy from the jar.


She based her work on her belief that ignorance is the greatest threat of all to this

resource that is so valuable to life on Earth.

Exploring the Undersea Territory by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• The verb, based, is past tense.

• She is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence and the verb is based.


• Valuable is an adjective.

• Greatest is a superlative adjective.

• The nouns are work, belief, ignorance, resource and life.

• So is an adverb.

• Earth is a proper noun.


• The prepositional phrases are on her belief, to this resource, to life, and on Earth


• This is a complex sentence because it has an independent clause, she based

her work on her belief, and a dependent clause, that ignorance is the greatest

threat of all to this resource that is so valuable to life on Earth.


She based her story on the idea that humor is the

greatest writing skill an author can use in a story.


Over the course of Earle’s career of more than fifty years, she spent more than 6,000

hours under water.

Exploring the Undersea Territory Exploring the Undersea Territory by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• The verb, spent, is past tense.


• She is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence and the verb is spent.


• More is a superlative adverb.

• The nouns are career, hours, years, and water.

• Over the course, of Earle’s career, and of more than fifty years are prepositional

phrases.

• Earle’s is a possessive proper noun.


Over the period of Theresa’s school day of more

than seven hours, she spent more than two hours

writing her story.


Robert Ballard is best known as the explorer who located the wreck of the luxury

steamship Titanic.


What do you notice?

• Robert Ballard is a proper noun and the subject of the independent clause and

the verb phrase is is known.


• Best is a superlative adjective.

• The nouns are explorer, wreck, and steamship.

• Titanic is a proper noun.

• Who is a relative pronoun.

• This is a complex sentence: the independent clause is Robert Ballard is best

known as the explorer and the dependent clause is who located the wreck of the

luxury steamship Titanic.


William Lamb is best known as the architect who

designed the tallest building in New York City in

1929.


Why are scientists devoting their lives to learning about the least explored territory on

Earth - the ocean?


What do you notice?

• The subject of the sentence is scientists.

• The verb phrase, are devoting, is present tense.



• Least is a superlative adjective.

• Explored is an adjective.

• Earth is a proper noun.

• Their is a possessive, plural pronoun.

• The author chose to use a dash instead of a comma to create a dramatic pause.

• To learning, about the least explored territory, and on earth are prepositional

phrases.


Why are teachers dedicating their lives to teaching

the future leaders of the United States – the

students?


“We know more about Mars than we know about the oceans,” she said.

Adapted from Exploring the Undersea Territory Exploring the Undersea Territory

by Time for Kids

What do you notice?

• The quote is present tense with the comma inside the quotation marks.

• We is the subject of the quote, and know is the verb.

• She said is a tag.


• More is a comparative adverb.

• Oceans is a noun.

• Mars is a proper noun.

• We and she are subjective pronouns.


“I know more about Earth than I know about the

stars,” he said.


He looked scarier than a bald-headed, fierce-eyed giant.

Adapted from Me and Uncle Romie by Claire Hartfield

What do you notice?

• This verb looked is past tense.

• He is a pronoun and the subject of the independent clause, and looked is the

verb.

• Scarier is a comparable adjective.

• The adjectives are bald-headed, fierce-eyed (both are hyphenated compound

words acting as one word)

• Giant is a noun.

• The article/adjective is a.


• The dependent clause is than a bald-headed, fierce-eyed giant (did). Did is

implied.


She looked happier than a fluffy-faced, bouncy

puppy.


Then my belly felt tighter and I was sleepier.


What do you notice?

• The compound verbs, felt and was, are past tense.


• The subject is belly and the verb is felt in the first independent clause. The

subject is I and the verb is was in the second independent clause.

• The comparative adjectives are tighter and sleepier.

• This is a compound sentence because it has two independent clauses, then my

belly felt tighter, and, I was sleepier, that are connected with the coordinating

conjunction and.


Then my shoes felt lighter and I was running faster.


“Well, it’s a little more complicated than

that, James,” Aunt Nanette said.


What do you notice?

• The verb, is, is present tense.

• It’s is a contraction for it is.

• It is the subject of the sentence and is (‘s) is the verb.

• More is a comparative adjective.

• Well is an interjection.

• The direct quotation with the comma inside the quotation marks is a simple

sentence.

• James and Aunt Nanette are proper nouns.

• James is offset with a comma to show that he is being addressed directly.


“Ugh, my book is a little more difficult than I

thought,” said Grandmother Jane.


Then there was one that was different with smaller houses, flowers, and trains.


What do you notice?

• This verb, was, is past tense.

• The subject of the independent clause is one, and the verb is was.

• Smaller is a comparative adjective.

• One is a singular noun.

• Houses, flowers, and trains are plural nouns.

• Then is an adverb.

• This is a complex sentence that contains an independent clause, Then there was

one, and a dependent clause that was different with smaller houses, flowers, and

trains.

• A list is separated by commas.

• With smaller houses is a prepositional phrase.


Then there was one that was smaller with tiny

zippers, buttons, and tabs.


He sounded happier and said how they all missed me.


What do you notice?

• The compound verbs, sounded and said, are past tense.

• He is a singular, subjective pronoun and the subject of the independent clause.

• Sounded and said is the compound verb of the independent clause.

• Happier is a comparative adjective.

• The pronouns are they (plural subjective) and me (singular objective).


• He sounded happier and said is the independent clause and how they all missed

me is a dependent clause.


She sounded sadder and said how they all wished I

was there.


She loves to stand on the highest rock-strewn spot with her face to the wind.

Wild Horses by Cris Peterson

What do you notice?

• This verb loves is present tense.

• The subject is she and the verb is loves.

• Highest is a superlative adjective.


• The article/adjective is he.


• The prepositional phrases are on the highest spot, with her face, and to the wind.

• Rock-strewn (hyphenated compound word) is an adjective.



He likes to sit on the highest grassy hill with his face

tilted up to the sun.


On a smaller neighboring island, the Chincoteague ponies graze.

The Wild Ponies of Chincoteague by Gregory Searle

What do you notice?

• This verb graze is present tense.

• The subject is ponies and the verb is graze.

• Smaller is a comparative adjective.

• Chincoteague is a proper noun acting as an adjective.

• Island is a noun.


• The prepositional phrase is On a smaller neighboring island.



In the larger bordering town, the African elephant

roams free.


In the deepest, darkest part of the night, shadowy shapes emerge and tiptoe to the

Cheyenne River. Adapted from Wild Horses by Cris Peterson

What do you notice?

• This verbs, emerge and tiptoe are present tense.


• The subject is shapes.

• Deepest and darkest are comparative adjectives.

• Cheyenne River is a proper noun.

• The Article/adjectives is the.

• The prepositional phrases are In the deepest,darkest part; of the night; and to the

Cheyenne

• Shadowy is an adjective.


In the darkest, highest part of the jungle, furry

creatures arise and swing to their nests in the Kabob

tree.


Painted Lady’s pure white coat is splashed with brown spots; she always seems to

know where the sweetest grasses are.


What do you notice?

• The subject is coat and the verb is is splashed in the first independent clause

(Painted Lady’s pure white coat is splashed with brown spots).

• The subject is she and the verb is seems in the second independent clause (she

always seems to know).

• Superlative adjective-sweetest

• Painted Lady’s is a proper possessive noun acting as an adjective.

• The sentence is a compound-complex sentence with two independent clauses

joined with a semicolon and one dependent clause, where the sweetest grasses

are.

• The nouns are coat, spots, and grasses.

• The article/adjectives is the.

• The adjectives are pure, white, brown, and sweetest.

• The prepositional phrase is with brown spots.

• She is a subjective pronoun.

• To know is an infinitive.


Dr. Little’s pure white lab coat is covered with little

mice; he always seems to know how to cheer his

patients up.


Dayton’s worst fear was that the horses would charge through the fence,

scattering across the prairie like dry leaves in a whirlwind.


What do you notice?


• The subject of the independent clause (Dayton’s worst fear was) is fear and the

verb is was.

• The dependent clause is that the horses would charge through the fence.

• Worst is a superlative adjective.

• Dayton’s is a proper, possessive adjective.

• Scattering across the prairie like dry leaves in a whirlwind is a simile.

• The article/adjective are the and a

• Through the fence, across the prairie, like dry leaves, and in a whirlwind are



Charlie’s worst nightmare was that the monster

would creep out of his closet, slipping across the

room like a shadow.


I doubt Ash could have looked more skeptical if I’d told him the woods were full of talking

purple dinosaurs. The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy

from page 82

What do you notice?

• I is a singular subjective pronoun and the subject of the independent clause, and

doubt is the verb.

• I’d is a contraction for “I had.”



• The nouns are woods and dinosaurs

• Purple is an adjective.

• Ash is a proper noun.

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause, I doubt, and two

dependent clauses, (that) Ash could have looked more skeptical and if I’d told

him the woods were full of talking purple dinosaurs.


I doubt Penelope could have looked more frightened

if I’d told her that the woods were alive with snarling

grey wolves.


If I was back in science class, then I’d unned a lot more time than I’d planned.

The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy

from page 84

What do you notice?


• I is a singular, subjective pronoun.

• I’d is a contraction for “I had.”

• The subject is I and the verb is had unned of the independent clause, then I’d

unned a lot more time than I’d planned.

• The dependent clause is If I was back in science class.

• If is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS).



• The nouns are class and time.

• Science is an adjective.


If I was already in the grocery store, then I’d

accomplished a lot more that day then I’d thought

possible.


I had my hand wrapped around the greatest power any human being had ever held.

Adapted from The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy

from page 84

What do you notice?

• This is a complex sentence with an independent clause, I had my hand wrapped

around the greatest power, and a dependent clause (that) any human being had

ever held.

• I is a pronoun and the subject of the independent clause.

• Had wrapped is the verb phrase of the independent clause.

• Greatest is a superlative adjective.

• Around the greatest power is a prepositional phrase.



I had my feet wrapped around the warmest puppy

any human being had ever felt.


In the bright light of day, it looked even more homemade than it had the night before.


from page 66

What do you notice?


• It is a singular, subjective pronoun and the subject of the independent clause (it

looked even more homemade).

• Looked is the verb of the independent clause.

• The dependent clause is than it had the night before.

• The prepositional phrases are In the bright light and of day.

• Nouns are light, day and night.

• Adjectives are bright light (open compound word) and homemade.



In the dark dusty bedroom, it smelled even more

sweet than it had before.


It seemed like a much safer and more honest way to help than using the unner had.


from page 123

What do you notice?


• It is a pronoun and the subject of the independent clause, it seemed like a much

safer and more honest way to help.

• Seemed is the verb of the independent clause.

• The dependent clause is than using the unner had.

• The comparative adjectives much safer and more honest.


• The conjunction is and.

• To help is an infinitive


It appeared to be a much easier and more realistic

way to travel than using a space ship.


I came overland from the eastern United States by wagon train.

The Gold Rush Game by William F. Wu

What do you notice?


• Overland is the adverb describing how I came.

• I is a pronoun and the subject of the sentence came is the verb.

• Eastern is an adjective describing the proper noun United States.

• Wagon is an adjective describing the type of train.

• From the eastern United States and by wagon train are prepositional phrases.


I journeyed oversees from western England by

cargo ship.


Eric’s heart beat faster with excitement, but he was also a little scared.

The Gold Rush Game by William F. Wu

What do you notice?

• This is a compound, declarative sentence.

• There are two independent clauses separated by a comma and a coordinating

conjunction but.

• The first independent clause is Eric’s heart beat faster with excitement and the

next independent clause is but he was also a little scared.

• The subject of the first independent clause is heart and the verb is beat.

• The subject of the second independent clause is he and the verb is was.

• Faster is the adverb in the first clause telling how the heart beat.

• Little is the adverb in the second clause describing scared.

• Eric’s is a possessive noun acting as an adjective.

• The author uses the conjunction but to show two conflicting types of emotions.


Charlie’s feet tapped steadily to the beat, but he was

also a little depressed.


Eric carefully pronounced his ancestor’s

name, remembering to put his family name

first. The Gold Rush Game by William F. Wu

What do you notice?


• Eric is the subject and pronounced is the past-tense verb.

• Carefully is the adverb telling how the name was pronounced.

• Remembering is a participle beginning the participial phrase.

• The comma separates the independent clause from the participial phrase.

• Ancestor’s is a possessive noun acting as an adjective.

• To put is an infinitive.


Sandy easily wrote about her grandmother,

reminiscing about summer visits.


Gold is a valuable mineral that is thinly

spread throughout the earth. The History of Gold Searching, Measuring, and Wearing by Howard Murphy

What do you notice?


• This is a complex sentence which has an independent clause, Gold is a valuable

mineral, and a dependent clause that is thinly spread throughout the earth.

• Gold is the subject of the independent clause; is is the verb.

• Thinly is the adverb telling how it is spread throughout the earth.

• Valuable is an adjective describing the type of mineral.

• Throughout the earth is a prepositional phrase.


Silver is a precious metal that is often used to make

jewelry.


When he looked up, he saw Mr. Wong in the river, desperately holding onto a tree

root with both hands. The Gold Rush Game by William F. Wu

What do you notice?

• This is a complex, declarative sentence.

• He is the subject of the independent clause and saw is the verb.

• Desperately is the adverb telling how he was holding onto a tree root.

• The first clause is a dependent clause, When he looked up. The second is

independent phrase (he saw Mr. Wong in the river).

• Following the independent clause is a participial phrase, holding onto a tree root

with both hands.

• When is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

subordinating clause When he looked up.

• In the river, onto a tree root, and with both hands are propositional phrases.


When she looked down from the roller coaster, she

saw her dad waving, excitedly capturing the moment

on video.


Tucker whispered again, louder this time.

The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon

What do you notice?


• Tucker is the subject of the sentence, and whispered is the verb.

• Again is the adverb telling how he whispered and louder is an adverb

comparison.

• Whispered is a past tense verb.

• There is a comma separating the independent clause from the adverb modifier.


My music teacher sang again, softer this time.


He dove headfirst into the matchbox.

The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon

What do you notice?


• He is a personal pronoun and the subject of the sentence.

• Dove is the past tense irregular verb.

• Headfirst is the adverb describing how he dove.

• Into the matchbox is a prepositional phrase.


She jumped feet first into her comfy bed.


Anyway, I worked more furiously to get loose, and finally I made it.

Adapted from The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon

What do you notice?


• I is the singular subjective pronoun and the subject of the first independent

clause.

• Worked is the verb.

• In the first clause, more is the comparative adjective and furiously is the adverb

describing how he worked.

• To get loose is an infinitive phrase.

• There is a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction and separating the

two independent clauses.

• The second independent clause has the adverb finally describing when I made it.

• The subject of the second clause is I and the verb is made.


Anyway, I dashed more speedily to get away, and

eventually I made it.


I wasn’t scared for myself, but I thought mice were most afraid of cats.

Adapted fromThe Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon

What do you notice?


• I is the singular pronoun and subject of the first independent clause.

• Wasn’t is a contraction for was not.

• Was is the verb in the first clause.

• In the second clause, the subject is I and the verb is thought.

• Most is a superlative adverb telling how afraid mice are of cats.

• There is a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction but separating the

two independent clauses.


I wasn’t scared for myself, but I thought raccoons

were afraid of people.


Chester chirps more sweetly when he has an audience.

Adapted from The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon

What do you notice?


• Chester chirps more sweetly is the independent clause; when he has an

audience is a dependent clause.

• When is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) that begins the

dependent clause.

• Chester is the subject of the independent clause chirps is the verb.

• Sweetly is the adverb describing how he chirps.

• More is the comparative adverb telling how sweetly he chirps.


Billy sings more sweetly when he is in the shower.


When she’s not digging for bones, she’s diving for sunken treasure.

Meet a Bone-ified Explorer by Time for Kids

What do you notice?


• She is a singular pronoun and the subject of the independent clause and the verb

is is diving.

• Not is the negative adverb telling us that the opposite of digging happened in the

sentence.

• Sunken is an adjective describing the noun treasure.

• When is a subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

dependent clause When she’s not digging for bones.

• There is a comma separating the dependant clause from the independent clause.


When he isn’t cleaning and polishing his car, he’s

out driving it.


Hendrickson and her team have not found the palace of Cleopatra yet.

Adapted from Meet a Bone-ified Explorer by Time for Kids

What do you notice?


• The compound subject is Hendrickson and team.


• Have found is the verb.


• Not is the negative adverb telling us that the opposite of found happened in the

sentence.

• Cleopatra is a proper noun.


Joshua and his friends have not eaten at Pizza for

All yet.


Maybe you never considered it, but being a paleontologist is an exciting job.

Adapted from Meet a Bone-ified Explorer by Time for Kids

What do you notice? • This is a compound, declarative sentence.

• You is the subjective pronoun and the subject of the first independent clause

(Maybe you never considered it).

• Considered is the verb of the first independent clause

• Maybe is an adverb.

• Never is the negative adverb telling us that the opposite of considered happened

in the sentence.

• The subject of the second independent clause (but being a paleontologist is an

exciting job) is being a paleontologist. The subject is a gerund phrase.

• The verb is is.

• Exciting is the adjective describing the noun job.

• But is the coordinating conjunction that combines the two independent clauses.


Perhaps you have never thought about it, but being

a teacher is a rewarding profession.


There wasn’t anything more exciting than stumbling upon a complete specimen of a

tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Adapted from Meet a Bone-ified Explorer by Time for Kids

What do you notice? • This is a declarative sentence.


• The subject of the independent clause is anything and the verb is was (There

wasn’t anything more exciting).

• Wasn’t is a contraction for was not. Was is a linking verb and not is an adverb.

• More is a comparative adverb describing the degree of excitement.

• The dependent clause is than stumbling upon a complete specimen of a

tyrannosaurus rex skeleton (was). Was is an “elipses” which means it is implied.

• Complete is an adjective describing the noun specimen.

• Tyrannosaurus rex is an adjective describing the type of skeleton found.

• Upon a complete specimen and of a tyrannosaurus rex skeleton are prepositional

phrases.


There isn’t anything more horrifying than losing your

entire collection of baseball cards.


No one anywhere had ever found such complete remains of a 67 million year old

dinosaur. Adapted from Meet a Bone-ified Explorer by Time for Kids

What do you notice?


• No one is the indefinite pronoun and subject of the sentence.

• Had found is the verb.

• Ever and anywhere are adverbs.

• Complete and 67 million year old are adjectives describing the noun dinosaur.

• Of a 67 million year old dinosaur is a prepositional phrase.


No one anywhere had ever seen such a complete

collection of antique tea sets.


The newspapers and magazines were full of stories about people trying to fly.

My Brothers’ Flying Machine by Jane Yolen

What do you notice?


• The compound subjects are newspapers and magazines.

• The verb is were.

• Of and about are prepositions and the prepositional phrases are of stories and

about people trying.

• To fly is an infinitive.

• Trying to fly is a participial phrase.


The televisions and radios were full of interviews of

people trying to ride unicycles.


He winked at me, smiled, and said, “If you are looking for perfect safety, sit on the fence

and watch the birds.” My Brothers’ Flying Machine by Jane Yolen

What do you notice?

• The quote is an imperative sentence.

• The quote is a complex sentence with a dependent clause, If you are looking for

perfect safety and an independent clause (you) sit on the fence and watch the

birds.

• There are commas in a series separating the verbs in the tag.

• Said is the past tense of the word say.

• On the fence and for perfect safety are prepositional phrases.

• Perfect is the adjective describing the safety.

• You is the understood subject of the quote and sit and watch is the compound

verb.


She waved her fingers at me, grinned, and chuckled,

“If you want lasagna like Olive Garden makes, go to

Olive Garden.”


When dear Mama died of tuberculosis, I took over her role: keeping the house, making

the meals, and always giving the boys applause. My Brothers’ Flying Machine by Jane Yolen

What do you notice?


• When dear Momma died of tuberculosis is a dependent clause.


dependent clause.

• I took over her role: keeping the house, making the meals, and always giving the

boys applause is the independent clause.

• There is a colon before a list.

• The list is a series of gerund phrases: keeping the house, making the meals,

giving the boys applause, acting as appositives.

• There is a comma separating the first dependant clause from the independent

clause.

• Dear is an adjective describing the proper noun Mama.


When my grandfather died, Dad took over his role:

mowing Mama’s lawn, trimming trees, and taking her

to appointments.


When it was finished, Orv and I went off on a camping trip with a group of friends.

My Brothers’ Flying Machine by Jane Yolen

What do you notice?


• When it was finished is a dependent clause.


dependent clause.

• The compound subject of the independent clause is Orv and I.

• The verb of the independent clause is went.

• There is a comma separating the dependent clause from the independent clause.

• On a camping trip, with a group, and of friends are prepositional phrases.

• Camping is an adjective.


When we were done with school, Emma and I went

off on a cruise with our families.


Success did not come as quickly as we hoped.

Adapted from My Brothers’ Flying Machine by Jane Yolen

What do you notice?


• Success is the subject of the sentence.

• Did come is the verb.

• The independent clause is Success did not come as quickly and the dependent

clause is as we hoped (as is the subordinating conjunction that begins this

clause).

• Not and quickly are adverbs.


The ballerina did not dance at gracefully as we

expected.


As they chew the dirt, it mixes with their saliva to form little bricks.

The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci

What do you notice?


• The sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction/dependent clause.

• It mixes with their saliva to form little bricks is an independent clause.

• As is the subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

subordinating clause As they chew the dirt.


• The subject is the objective pronoun it and the verb is mixes.

• There is a comma separating the dependent clause from the independent clause.

• With their saliva is a prepositional phrase.

• To form is an infinitive.

• Little is an adjective describing the bricks.


As they stir the mixture, the flour and water will form

clumps.


All nests provide shelter from the weather and a safe environment for the queen ant to lay

eggs. The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci

What do you notice?




• Nests is the subject and provide is the verb of the sentence.

• From the weather and for the queen are prepositional phrases.

• To lay eggs is an infinitive phrase.

• Queen is an adjective describing the type of ant.

• Safe is an adjective describing the type of environment.


All nests provide shelter from weather and a safe

environment for the mother eagle to lay eggs.


As ants bring up dirt, they recycle nutrients that help plants grow.

The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci

What do you notice?


• The sentence begins with a dependent clause.

• As is the subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

dependent clause As ants bring up dirt.

• There is a comma separating the dependent clause from the independent clause

they recycle nutrients.

• The second dependent clause is that helps plants grow.

• The subject of the independent clause is they and the verb is recycle.



As air dries out the nest, they dig new tunnels into

the damp dirt.


When ants first leave the nest, they stand near the entrance, blocking strange ants from

entering. The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci

What do you notice?


• The sentence begins with a dependent clause.

• When is the subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

dependent clause When ants first leave the nest.

• The subject of the independent clause, they stand near the entrance is they and

the verb is stand.

• Near the entrance is a prepositional phrase.

• There is a comma separating the dependant clause from the independent clause,

they stand near the entrance, and before the participial phrase, blocking strange

ants from entering.


• Strange is an adjective describing the type of ants.


When eagles first leave the nest, they branch near

the nest, watching for dangers nearby.


Although they are the smallest ants, they do all of the chores: clean the nest, gather

food, and defend the colony. The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci

What do you notice?


• Although is the subordinating conjunction (AAAWWWUBBIS) and begins the

subordinating clause, Although they are the smallest ants.

• They do all of the chores is the independent clause.

• Clean the nest, gather food, and defend the colony are appositives that restate

the chores.

• They is the subject of the independent clause and do is the verb.

• Of the chores is a prepositional phrase.

• There is a colon before a list.

• There are commas separating the list of chores.

• They is a subjective pronoun.

• Smallest is an adjective describing the type of ants.


Although eaglets are young, they do lots of things

adults do: eat fish, perch on branches, and take

flight.


Victoria smeared a thick pink streak across Rose’s mouth.

Adapted from The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

from page 25

What do you notice?



• Victoria is the subject of the sentence.

• Smeared is the verb.

• Across Rose’s mouth is a prepositional phrase.

• Thick and pink are adjectives describing the streak.


Isabelle painted a red clown nose on her little

brother.


On his other side, Alicia made her beanbag platypus waddle across the table.

The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

from page 54

What do you notice?


• On his other side and across the table are prepositional phrases.

• Alicia is a proper noun and the subject of the sentence.

• The verb of the sentence is made.

• There is a comma separating the prepositional phrase and the independent

clause.

• Beanbag is an adjective describing the platypus.


Out in the yard, Kareem made his toy plane fly

across the playground.


Mr. Halfnote tapped his baton on his music stand.


from page 78

What do you notice?


• Mr. Halfnote is a proper noun and the subject of the sentence.

• Tapped is a past tense verb.

• On his music stand is a prepositional phrase.


• Music is an adjective describing the stand.


Mrs. Grammarian tapped her pencil on her wooden

desk.


“Then perhaps you would like to help in the lunchroom,” suggested Mr. Jupiter.


from page 99

What do you notice?


• The quote is a simple sentence.

• The subject is you and the verb is would help.

• The comma is inside the quotation marks separating it from the tag, suggested

Mr. Jupiter.

• In the lunchroom is a prepositional phrase.

• Perhaps is an adverb describing how he would like.


“Then maybe you would like to help make dinner,”

offered Grandma Ellie.


She pounded the air with her fists, stomped her feet, and hurled herself down the hall and

into the fourth-grade classroom. The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

from page 102

What do you notice?


• This sentence has compound past tense verbs: pounded, stomped, and hurled.

• The subject is the nominative pronoun she.

• With her fists, down the hall, and into the fourth-grade classroom are


• Commas separate each series.


She turned red, clenched her fists, and grabbed her

mother’s leg in the hallway.


Deve loping Sentence Imita tion

“…grammar is a tool to help the reader and writer ‘see.’ Grammar focuses us in on the

writer’s point and ‘zooms in on’ all the details that help enhance the point.”

Jeff Anderson, Mechanically Inclined

Advisor – Dr. Lynn Spadaccini, Director of Elementary Programs

Coordinator – Theresa Phelps, Elementary Writing Resource Teacher

Writing Team JoAnn Edson, South Lake Elementary

Patti Henning, Longleaf Elementary

Brandy Kilcommons, Harbor City Elementary

Lainey Newell, Columbia Elementary

Contributing Editor and Consultant – Marjorie Bloom