A basic sentence includes a Noun Phrase and a Verb Phrase (NP+VP). A NP may include only a noun, or expanded to a noun and determiner, adjectives, a pronoun as a clause or phrase. A VP may include only a verb, an auxiliary (e.g. can, be, ‘not’), verb tense (e.g. past, present, future) as a clause or phrase.
During instruction use age appropriate real-life situations, photographs, and experiences common to the students’ daily experiences and culture. Extend language modeling throughout all activities and interactions.
Strategy
Teacher actions are highlighted
-
Review concepts of the verbs that will be used in the development of the sentence structure, e.g., jumps, runs, walks. Have students demonstrate verb actions.
-
Focus on one verb (walks) initially in the present tense.
-
Demonstrate the verb:
-
Write the English sentence that tells what you did (Ms. Garcia walks.)
-
-
Have each student demonstrate walks.
-
Ask what the students are doing. Say/sign/fingerspell the response.
-
Write the English sentences on the board (Josie walks. Samuel walks. Hazel walks.).
-
Have the children read (say/sign/ fingerspell) each sentence with you.
-
Guided Practice
-
Use similar steps and procedures to continue work on the NP + V structure using different verbs (e.g., jumps, runs, sits).
-
Write each verb on a word card.
-
Show each word card
-
Ask the students to read the word. If the students are not reading yet, show a picture with the word card
-
-
Select a student and “secretly”
-
Show the student a word card or picture.
-
-
The student performs the action.
-
Students dictate a sentence to write on the board/ tablet.
-
After the sentence is written, students read (sign/say) the sentence with you.
-
Continue using each verb two or three times.
-
-
Use pictures of people and animals jumping, running, walking, etc.
-
Show each picture
-
Asking “Who is this?” or “What is this?” to verify children use the verbs within a phrase structure of Noun + Verb.
-
Show the students a picture and have them respond with a sentence, e.g. The boy walks. The horse jumps. The girl runs.
-
Have the student point to/ write and read the correct sentence.
-
-
Write each verb on a word card.
-
Show each word card.
-
Ask the students to read the word or show a picture with the word card
-
-
Students performs the action.
-
Students give sentences to write on the board or have a student write the sentence, if appropriate.
-
Students read (sign/say) the sentence with you.
-
Fingerspell verb for emphasis.
-
-
Use picture books or pictures of people and animals jumping, running, walking, etc.
-
Ask “Who is this?” or “What is this?” to make sure the students remember the words/signs for the nouns.
-
Have students respond with a sentence, such as The boy walks. The horse jumps. The girl runs.
-
Advancing the Strategy
-
Select a book to read to the students that uses the NP + V structure frequently.
-
Show the students some of the NP + V structures in the story. Read the story emphasizing the new structure as you read.
-
Give each student 5 pictures showing a person or an animal performing each verb.
-
Have the students write sentences below each picture or provide paper strips with the sentences and paste below each picture.
-
Have the students make books with their pictures.
-
Have students read their books to the class or read their books to each other.
-
-
Incorporate the targeted structure into activities during the school day.
Featured Books
