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
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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.
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Focus on one verb (walks) initially in the present tense.
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Demonstrate the verb:
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Write the English sentence that tells what you did (Ms. Garcia walks.)
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Have each student demonstrate walks.
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Ask what the students are doing. Say/sign/fingerspell the response.
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Write the English sentences on the board (Josie walks. Samuel walks. Hazel walks.).
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Have the children read (say/sign/ fingerspell) each sentence with you.
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Guided Practice
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Use similar steps and procedures to continue work on the NP + V structure using different verbs (e.g., jumps, runs, sits).
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Write each verb on a word card.
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Show each word card
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Ask the students to read the word. If the students are not reading yet, show a picture with the word card
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Select a student and “secretly”
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Show the student a word card or picture.
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The student performs the action.
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Students dictate a sentence to write on the board/ tablet.
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After the sentence is written, students read (sign/say) the sentence with you.
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Continue using each verb two or three times.
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Use pictures of people and animals jumping, running, walking, etc.
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Show each picture
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Asking “Who is this?” or “What is this?” to verify children use the verbs within a phrase structure of Noun + Verb.
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Show the students a picture and have them respond with a sentence, e.g. The boy walks. The horse jumps. The girl runs.
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Have the student point to/ write and read the correct sentence.
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Write each verb on a word card.
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Show each word card.
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Ask the students to read the word or show a picture with the word card
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Students performs the action.
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Students give sentences to write on the board or have a student write the sentence, if appropriate.
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Students read (sign/say) the sentence with you.
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Fingerspell verb for emphasis.
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Use picture books or pictures of people and animals jumping, running, walking, etc.
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Ask “Who is this?” or “What is this?” to make sure the students remember the words/signs for the nouns.
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Have students respond with a sentence, such as The boy walks. The horse jumps. The girl runs.
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Advancing the Strategy
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Select a book to read to the students that uses the NP + V structure frequently.
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Show the students some of the NP + V structures in the story. Read the story emphasizing the new structure as you read.
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Give each student 5 pictures showing a person or an animal performing each verb.
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Have the students write sentences below each picture or provide paper strips with the sentences and paste below each picture.
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Have the students make books with their pictures.
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Have students read their books to the class or read their books to each other.
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Incorporate the targeted structure into activities during the school day.
Featured Books
