BackgroundTeaching types of sentences - simple, compound, complex, compound-complex - enables students to:

● punctuate sentences correctly.

● leverage the power of language manipulation.

● write a variety of sentences.

Prior KnowledgeStudents will need to:

● recognize subjects and verbs.

● recognize conjunctions - and their types.

● recognize relative pronouns.

Tip: Remind studentsof what they alreadyknow!

Preparing StudentsStudents want to know why they are learning a concept - and that is great!

We have an answer for them:

Students should understand the language they write and speak. Once they understand types of sentences, they will have the writing tools to decide how to shape their communications...

and get what they want - in life, college, and eventually a chosen career.

ReviewUnderstanding the components of types of sentences can be difficult. Remind students that they know most of the material. Review with students:

● subjects and verbs.

● subordinating conjunctions.

● relative pronouns.

Reassure students that they do have the foundation for this concept.

Introduce Independent ClausesStudents must understand the concept of clauses.

An independent clause contains a subject and a verb.

It can stand alone - it makes sense by itself.

Both parts of the independent clause can be compound:

Stacy bought and ate a box of cookies.

Tip: Tell students that

an “independent

” person can

do things

alone - independentl

y!

Simple SentencesOnce students can understand independent clauses, they can master simple and compound sentences.

Tell students the “formula” for simple sentences.

Simple sentence = independent clause (subject + verb)

Most students will grasp this concept. You may need to help them eliminate phrases.

Compound SentencesExplain compound sentences:

Compound sentence = independent clause + independent clause

OR

Compound sentence = subject verb + subject verb

(A compound sentence may have unlimited “subject + verb” formations, but it typically only has two).

EmphasizeAfter teaching simple and compound sentences, spend time emphasizing those two concepts. You may want to discuss punctuation for compound sentences:

SUBJECT VERB + (comma) + coordinating conjunction + SUBJECT VERB

SUBJECT VERB + (semicolon) + SUBJECT VERB

correlative conjunction + SUBJECT VERB + (comma) + correlative conjunction + SUBJECT + VERB

SUBJECT VERB + (semicolon) + conjunctive adverb + (comma) + SUBJECT VERB

Introduce Dependent ClausesDependent clauses ALMOST ALWAYS start with a relative pronoun or subordinating conjunction.

Have students create posters of these lists. Hang them in class for students to reference.

Dependent clauses contain a subject and verb, but they do not make sense alone.

Tip: Dependent clauses are the opposite of independent - they rely on others! They rely on the rest of the sentence to make sense.

Complex SentencesRemind students of independent clauses, and then redefine dependent clauses.

Tell students the “formula” for complex sentences.

Complex sentence = independent clause + dependent clauses

A complex sentence may have more than one dependent clause.

Review With StudentsBefore moving onto the last type of sentence, review simple, compound, and complex sentences together.

You may want to discuss punctuation for complex sentences:

Complex sentence = independent clause + dependent clause

Complex sentence = dependent clause + (comma) + independent clause

Compound-Complex SentencesTell students that a compound sentence with a dependent clause is called a compound-complex sentence.

Compound-complex sentence = independent clause + independent clause + dependent clause

The same punctuation rules apply with this type of sentence!

Finally...Teaching types of sentences can be difficult - but rewarding! It is a difficult concept, but once students master this idea, punctuation, transitions, and emphasis in their writing improves.

Teaching grammar is difficult for many ELA teachers! If you would like to read about practical ways to teach grammar, click here.

Further ReadingFeel free to share this with ELA teachers and colleagues! I would love to hear how you used this information in your department or at meetings. Email me with comments or suggestions: lauralee@languageartsclassroom.com

Looking for more grammar lesson planning ideas specific to types of sentences?

I’ve devoted an entire blog post to Grammar Lesson Planning, Types of Sentences.

Teaching Materialsreview: types of sentences worksheet

a bit interactive: types of sentences task cards

interactive notebook: types of sentences interactive pieces

coloring sheet: color by grammar, types of sentences

The complete (never buy another grammar activity again) Grammar Curriculum.

Thanks to Photo Clipz for the graphics.

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