Sentence Sculptors

April Nicotera

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Sentence Sculptors Lesson Plan

Students will apply five new vocabulary words to craft at least three original complex sentences by analyzing clause structures and using context clues.

This lesson deepens students’ writing proficiency by expanding their vocabulary and reinforcing complex sentence construction, fostering more precise and engaging writing.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Analyze models, explore words, then create sentences.

Materials

Vocabulary Word List, - Sentence Structure Analysis Organizer, - Sentence Sculptors Activity Worksheet, - Whiteboard And Markers, and - Individual Student Notebooks

Prep

Prepare Materials And Familiarize With Content

10 minutes

Review the Vocabulary Word List and ensure understanding of each target word.
Print or load on devices the Sentence Structure Analysis Organizer and Sentence Sculptors Activity Worksheet.
Set up the whiteboard or projector for modeling sentences.
Prepare student desks with notebooks or lined paper.

Step 1

Introduction To Complex Sentences

5 minutes

Activate prior knowledge: Ask students to define simple vs. complex sentences.
Display definitions of independent and subordinate clauses on the board.
Model one complex sentence using a target vocabulary word and identify its clauses.

Step 2

Explore Vocabulary With Context Clues

7 minutes

Distribute the Vocabulary Word List.
In pairs, students infer meanings using example sentences and context clues.
Chart student-generated definitions and clarify any misunderstandings.

Step 3

Analyze Sentence Structure

8 minutes

Hand out the Sentence Structure Analysis Organizer.
Together, dissect two sample complex sentences: label clauses and underline vocabulary words.
Discuss how clause placement affects sentence flow and emphasis.

Step 4

Construct Creative Sentences

7 minutes

Provide the Sentence Sculptors Activity Worksheet.
Individually, students write three original complex sentences, each incorporating a different vocabulary word.
Encourage use of varied clause positions (subordinate before/after main clause).

Step 5

Share, Reflect, And Assess

3 minutes

Invite volunteers to read one of their sentences aloud.
Class gives constructive feedback on clause structure and word usage.
Collect worksheets to assess each student’s sentence accuracy and vocabulary integration.

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