CCSS.ELA-Literacy.K.W.3 – Writing Simple Sentences

Lesson Planning Genie mascot Writing Simple Sentences

Objective: Students will practice writing simple sentences using a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to express an idea clearly.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand that sentences tell a complete idea.
  • Use drawing and writing to express thoughts.
  • Practice forming letters and words to create simple sentences.

Materials Needed

  • Paper or notebook
  • Pencil or crayons
  • Picture cards or simple objects for prompts

Key Vocabulary

Sentence
A group of words that tells a complete thought.
Write
To put letters or words on paper.
Draw
To make a picture using lines or shapes.

Detailed Activities

Drawing and Writing a Sentence

  1. Show the student a picture card or object and talk about what it is.
  2. Ask the student to draw a picture about the object or scene they see.
  3. Help the student think of a simple sentence about their drawing.
  4. Encourage the student to dictate the sentence while you write it down, then help them copy the sentence or write letters they know.
  5. Read the sentence together and talk about the meaning.
Sentence Building with Words

  1. Provide word cards with simple words like ‘I’, ‘see’, ‘a’, ‘cat’, ‘dog’.
  2. Help the student arrange the cards to make a simple sentence.
  3. Write the sentence on paper together.
  4. Have the student practice writing the sentence underneath.
  5. Read the sentence aloud and discuss what it means.

Parent & Instructor Notes

  • This lesson helps your child understand that writing can express ideas and stories.
  • Encourage your child to try writing letters even if they are unsure; the focus is on expression, not perfect spelling.
  • Use everyday objects and experiences for sentence ideas to make learning relevant and fun.

Assessment Questions

  • Can your child draw a picture and tell you a sentence about it?
  • Is your child able to copy or write some letters or words to form a sentence?
  • Can your child recognize that a sentence tells a complete thought?

Extension Ideas

  • Have your child create a small picture book with several drawings and sentences.
  • Practice writing sentences about daily activities or favorite toys.
  • Play simple word matching games to build vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s okay to start with drawing and dictating sentences. Writing letters can come gradually, and tracing or copying is a great first step.

Ask open-ended questions about their drawings or experiences and model full sentences when you respond.

Keep lessons short and fun, around 10-15 minutes, especially at the beginning, to keep your child engaged.

Teacher’s Guide

Common Misconceptions:

  • Children may think writing means perfect spelling from the start.
  • Some students may believe drawings alone do not count as writing.

Scaffolding Ideas:

For Struggling Students:

  • Focus more on drawing and dictating sentences with adult help.
  • Use larger writing tools and letter tracing sheets.
For Advanced Students:

  • Encourage writing multiple sentences about their drawing.
  • Practice using new vocabulary words in their sentences.

Pacing Recommendations:

  • Spend 15 minutes on drawing and dictating sentences to build comfort.
  • Spend another 15 minutes practicing word and sentence writing.
  • Use the remaining time to review and read sentences aloud together.

Standards

  • K.W.3 — Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or topic.

Printable Worksheet

Download Printable Worksheet (PDF)

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