Using Clauses to Expand Sentences
Using Clauses to Expand Sentences Objective: Students will learn to identify and use different types of clauses to create more complex and interesting sentences, directly addressing the standard 7.L.1c on understanding and using clauses.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between independent and dependent clauses.
- Identify clauses in sentences.
- Combine clauses to form complex sentences.
Materials Needed
- Notebook or lined paper
- Pencil or pen
- Printed worksheet with sentences for practice
- Examples of sentences with clauses written on a whiteboard or large paper
Key Vocabulary
- Clause
- A group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
- Independent Clause
- A clause that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought.
- Dependent Clause
- A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.
Detailed Activities
Introduction to Clauses
- Explain what a clause is and introduce the terms ‘independent clause’ and ‘dependent clause’.
- Show examples of each type of clause and how they function in sentences.
- Ask the student to identify clauses in simple example sentences together.
Practice Identifying Clauses
- Provide a worksheet with sentences containing multiple clauses.
- Guide the student to underline or highlight the independent and dependent clauses in each sentence.
- Review the answers together and discuss any mistakes.
Creating Complex Sentences
- Demonstrate how to combine an independent clause with a dependent clause to make a complex sentence.
- Ask the student to write 3-5 complex sentences using given clauses.
- Read the sentences aloud and discuss how the clauses work together.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson focuses on helping your child understand how sentences can be expanded using clauses, which is important for reading comprehension and writing skills.
- Encourage your child to speak sentences aloud as they form them to better grasp how clauses fit together.
- Be patient and provide plenty of examples and practice opportunities.
Assessment Questions
- What is a clause?
- Can you identify the independent and dependent clauses in this sentence: ‘When it rains, we stay inside’?
- Write a sentence that has one independent clause and one dependent clause.
Extension Ideas
- Have your child find examples of complex sentences in their favorite books or stories.
- Create a game where the child combines different clauses written on cards to make new sentences.
- Encourage your child to write a short paragraph using at least three complex sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try to break down sentences into small parts and focus first on finding the subject and verb. Use simple, clear examples and practice with everyday sentences.
Remind them that independent clauses can stand alone as sentences, while dependent clauses cannot. Using examples and asking them to say the clauses aloud can help reinforce this.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may confuse phrases with clauses; a phrase does not have both a subject and a verb, while a clause does.
- Students might think all clauses can stand alone as sentences, but dependent clauses cannot.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Use visual aids like color-coding subjects and verbs in clauses.
- Practice with very simple sentences before moving to more complex ones.
For Advanced Students:
- Challenge them to write sentences with multiple dependent clauses.
- Introduce different types of dependent clauses such as adjective clauses or adverbial clauses.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15 minutes introducing and explaining clauses with examples.
- Use 15 minutes for guided practice with worksheets and identification activities.
- Use the final 15 minutes for creating sentences and reviewing the material.
Standards
- 7.L.1c — Explain the function of phrases and clauses in general and their function in specific sentences.
Printable Worksheet
Plan Your Own Lesson
Looking for a custom lesson plan? Try our Lesson Planning Generator — create standards-based plans for any topic, instantly!
Common Core Aligned Lesson Plans
Looking for another common core lesson? See all of the lesson plans here.
More Free Lesson Plans
We’re adding more every week! Check back soon or explore all our lesson plans here.
Leave a Reply