Grammar Extension:
Goal
Learners will learn the four types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative) and their ending punctuation. They will practice writing sentences about how stars form.
1. Hook
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how the stars got there? Today, we’re going to talk about stars and practice writing different kinds of sentences about them!
2. Introduce the Four Types of Sentences:
Show a picture of a starry sky. Then explain each sentence type with examples:
3. Guided Practice:
“Let’s write one sentence of each type about the stars you see in this picture/video.”
Provide paper or a whiteboard.
Encourage child to say their sentence aloud before writing. If your student isn’t ready for writing their own sentences, write them for them, but ask them what punctuation mark goes at the end.
4. Fun Activity
"Can you think of a sentence that could be more than one type depending on how you say it? The way we speak can completely change how we write!"
Example: Say “Mushrooms for dinner” as a neutral statement, a question, a disgusted exclamation, and a forceful command.
5. Wrap-Up / Conversation Starters:
“Now you know four ways to write about anything, even stars! Which sentence type was your favorite?”
“Can you see if you can find real stars outside tonight and make one of each type of sentence?”
Everyday Ways to Reinforce
Learners will learn the four types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative) and their ending punctuation. They will practice writing sentences about how stars form.
1. Hook
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how the stars got there? Today, we’re going to talk about stars and practice writing different kinds of sentences about them!
2. Introduce the Four Types of Sentences:
Show a picture of a starry sky. Then explain each sentence type with examples:
- Declarative (statement): Tells something. “Stars are made from gas and dust. Can you tell me something you notice about the stars? That is a statement and they end with a period.”
- Interrogative (question): Asks something. “Sometimes we want to ask questions about stars. Can you ask me a question about them?” That is a question and it ends with a question mark.
- Exclamatory (exclamation): Shows excitement or strong feeling. “When we see something amazing about the stars, we can use an exclamation! Let’s say one together.” That is an exclamation, we end those with an exclamation mark!
- Imperative (command): Gives a command or instruction. “We can also tell someone to do something. What would you tell someone to do while looking at the stars?” That’s a command. They can end with an exclamation mark or a period.
| Sentence Type | What It Does | Ending Punctuation | Example About Stars |
| Declarative | Tells something | . (period) | Stars are made from gas and dust. |
| Interrogative | Asks a question | ? (question mark) | How do stars shine so brightly? |
| Exclamatory | Shows strong feeling or excitement | ! (exclamation mark) | Wow, that star is huge! |
| Imperative | Gives a command or instruction | . or sometimes ! | Look at the glowing stars in the sky. |
3. Guided Practice:
“Let’s write one sentence of each type about the stars you see in this picture/video.”
Provide paper or a whiteboard.
Encourage child to say their sentence aloud before writing. If your student isn’t ready for writing their own sentences, write them for them, but ask them what punctuation mark goes at the end.
4. Fun Activity
"Can you think of a sentence that could be more than one type depending on how you say it? The way we speak can completely change how we write!"
Example: Say “Mushrooms for dinner” as a neutral statement, a question, a disgusted exclamation, and a forceful command.
5. Wrap-Up / Conversation Starters:
“Now you know four ways to write about anything, even stars! Which sentence type was your favorite?”
“Can you see if you can find real stars outside tonight and make one of each type of sentence?”
Everyday Ways to Reinforce
- When reading a book, see if your learner can find the end punctuation marks.
- Scavenger Hunt. Write different end punctuation marks on sticky notes and scatter them through the house. Every time your child finds one, prompt them to come up with a sentence that ends with that mark.
- Play the game of saying things in different tones to modify the sentence type at different times. This is a great car or waiting room game. You can also expand on this activity to create a story together, and take turns changing a sentence’s type.