Sentence Structure Simple Compound and Complex Sentences examples and teaching ideas
Are you teaching your students about sentence structure? In my opinion, grammar concepts must be integrated with teaching writing skills. For students to be prolific writers, they must have a variety of sentence types in any piece of writing.
In this blog post, we’ll look at sentence structure, namely simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Before we ask students to incorporate this sentence structure in their writing, it is necessary to define the three kinds.
- What is a simple sentence?
- What is a compound sentence?
- What is a complex sentence?
We can make teaching sentence structure fun with a themed scavenger hunt and the use of QR codes.
Teaching Sentence Structure With A Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is not only fun but also informative. There are 24 task cards in this Hunt. Students will read the sentence on each card and identify the kind of sentence: simple, compound, or complex.
For added fun and excitement, be sure to hide the cards in the most difficult to find places in the classroom.
Prior to beginning the Hunt, it would be the perfect teaching moment to point out an example of each kind of sentence using the task cards.
So, for a simple sentence, this card will provide a written example of a simple sentence being a complete idea with a subject and a predicate.
The compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences that are linked together by a coordinating conjunction.
An easy way to remember the coordinating conjunctions is by the use of the acronym: FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Finally, the complex sentence has an independent clause that expresses a complete thought. It also has a subordinate clause that depends upon the independent clause to make sense. The two clauses are joined by a subordinating conjunction.
Integrating Sentence Structure In A Theme
Integrating the explanation of the sentence kinds in a theme makes teaching and learning even more fun. This Scavenger Hunt adopts a Fairytale theme to make the activity all the more interesting.
The three kinds of sentence structure revolve around the Fairytale visuals and thus motivate the most reluctant.
Teaching Sentence Structure With QR Codes
Studies show that students are adept at technology. They learn best when the use of technology is incorporated into any learning activity.
In the Sentence Structure Scavenger Hunt, students will work with QR Codes. These codes are pasted on the back of the cards.
Students scan them to reveal the answer to the kind of sentence on each card.
Once students have finished identifying the kind of sentence on each card, they scan the code and check to see if they were correct. Thus feedback is instant and all learning is in real-time.
It works well for the teacher too, as there is no grading, thus saving time to perhaps work one-on-one with a student needing additional help.
The Recording Sheet
The Recording Sheet for the Hunt is a single sheet. Students will record each kind of sentence structure: simple, compound, or complex.
It’s best to provide students with a clipboard, so they have something to rest this sheet on.
The Answer Key
Other than scanning the codes, another option for students to check their responses is to use the Answer Key. This is a single sheet. It is best copied and laminated, and kept in a prominent place for students to access.
After students have finished the Hunt, go over the answer to each card on the interactive whiteboard.
This further reinforces understanding of sentence structure: simple compound and complex sentences.
Free Access
So, are you ready to try out this fun Sentence Structure Scavenger Hunt with your students? Then access the link, or click on the image below to get these 24 Hunt Cards. They will surely provide your students with examples of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
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