Dependent/independent clause and complex sentences

Dependent/independent clause and complex sentences

I can create complex sentences using independent and dependent clauses.

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Dependent/independent clause and complex sentences
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General

Students will be able to create complex sentences using independent and dependent clauses. Students will explore the differences between independent and dependent clauses. Students will learn that dependent clauses contain subordinating conjunctions and cannot stand on their own. Students will work to create their own complex sentences by moving subordinating conjunctions in front of clauses and connecting those clauses to independent clauses. Lastly, students will construct their own complex sentences, one that starts with a dependent clause and one that is flipped, and starts with an independent clause. Students will also label the three different parts of a complex sentence (subordinating conjunction, dependent clause, independent clause).

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1a

Learning Objective

Students will be able to create complex sentences using independent and dependent clauses.

Introduction

Students will complete the must-haves for the start-up. They must have a definition of independent and dependent. They also must have examples for each. If the students are ‘amazing,’ they can create drawings or physical movements that represent independent and dependent.

Instruction

Ask your students to read out the two kinds of clauses (independent and dependent). Students should also read out the most common subordinating conjunctions that are found at the start of a dependent clause. Next, students will watch a brief video discussing clauses. They will be asked to “say something” about what they watched/listened to. Students will practice identifying dependent and independent clauses. They should ask themselves, can this group of words stand on its own? If it can, they have identified an independent clause. Then, students will learn about complex sentences and how they are structured. Students will practice creating their own complex sentences by moving the subordinating conjunctions and clauses together. Not all of the clauses and subordinating conjunctions will be used during the moving sentence activity.

Quiz

Students respond to ten mixed quiz questions. These include rearranging letters, true/false, multiple-choice, and drag and sort.

Closing

Review what you’ve learned, and have students write their own complex sentences. Then, students should label the three parts of a complex sentence (subordinating conjunction, dependent clause, and independent clause). Lastly, students should share out their complex sentences.

Teaching tips

This lesson includes a lot of space for discussion and reading. Encourage your students to read out the slides. We learn through discussion and ideas are discovered that may not have come to mind.

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