Teaching with Syntax in Mind

Happy Friday!  I hope you all had a wonderful week and have amazing plans to relax and recharge this weekend!  Things are moving quickly as the end of the year approaches.  

This week on the blog, I wanted to jump into the world of syntax to support our SOR discussions.  We will be focusing on Language Structures in PLC this week and those structures include SYNTAX. 

What is syntax anyway?

Syntax is the study and understanding of grammar.  The systematic arrangement of words and phrases that make up our sentences. 

Check out this video all about Syntax!

Students need to begin to gain a systematic awareness giving them the ability understand the relationship between words.  This awareness begins early on with our oral language and builds through our interactive read alouds.  

In order for students to gain in comprehension they must be able to understand at the sentence level first. 

How can we support students with this in the classroom? 

Giving students the opportunity to manipulate words in sentences will allow much needed practice time. 

*Here are some ideas to use in the classroom! 

Sentence Scramble: Given a set of words, students unscramble the words to create a sentence.  
*Use sentences from your read aloud text for students to unscramble. (A great way to get an additional read of the material.) 
*Use words that are from your Letterland weekly lesson.
*Love this blogpost about prepping sentences for your students!  Check it out over at the Brown Bag Teacher!

Sentence Elaboration with Question Words: Supply students with 6 questions words (Who, What, When, Where, Why Which and How)

*Students use these words to help expand on the sentence.  

Here is an example: 

Simply encouraging your students to stretch their sentences allows them great opportunity to explore syntax. 

 
Even our youngest learners can begin to learn through lessons focused on syntax.