Literacy 4-6

Manipulatives: Sentence Construction

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Overview

Providing physical representations of parts of a sentence activates learners' mental processes. Actively manipulating sentence structure and word order deepens a student's understanding of the way sentences are formed.

Use It in the Classroom

Starting at 1:06, watch how these students use color-coded blocks to show parts of speech in the sentences they have written. After writing, students represent each word or phrase in the sentence with the appropriate block.

  • Teachers can use laminated paper and whiteboard markers to create reusable manipulatives for students to build and change sentences. Students can work on Foundational Writing Skills by creating simple sentences then revising them with more descriptive language. Color coding the paper to match parts of speech can reinforce students' understanding of Syntax as well.

    • Design It into Your Product

    Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

    See how Sentence Ninja has created a multi-level, multi-player app to help learners improve Syntax. The game format can help increase learner Motivation to practice creating sentences.

  • Ways to move words and phrases can be integrated into products for students to be able to craft sentences. Having a bank of words and phrases to choose from can also reduce demands on Working Memory and increase Vocabulary.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

    Literacy Manipulatives

    Free, printable cards to create sentences or label parts

    Magnetic Sentences

    How to create a set of magnetic sentence parts to use as manipulatives

    Sentence Structure with LEGOs

    Using LEGOs as manipulatives to teach sentence structure

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Literacy
    Foundational Writing Skills
    Syntax
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition & Self-regulation
    Long-term Memory
    Sensory Integration
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Motivation
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Literacy Environment
    Physical Well-being
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Multisensory Supports Strategies

    Audiobooks

    Audiobooks allow students to hear fluent reading and to experience books above their reading skills.

    Dictation/Speech-to-text

    Dictation can allow students with transcription difficulties to still participate in the writing process and generate ideas.

    Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Gestures

    Adding gestures and motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.

    Manipulatives: Sentence Combining

    Full sentence manipulatives allow students to practice producing more complex Syntax and writing.

    Mindfulness Breaks

    Short breaks that include mindfulness quiet the brain to allow for improved thinking and emotional regulation.

    Movement Breaks

    Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.

    Music & Dance

    Connecting information to music and dance moves enhances Short-term and Long-term Memory by drawing on auditory processes and the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

    Physical Activity & Recess

    Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.

    Sensory Stimulation

    Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.

    Sound-blocking Devices

    Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.

    Text-to-speech Software

    Transforming written text into audio supports learning by activating different parts of a learner's brain for comprehension.

    Tossing Activity

    Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.

    Visual Reading Aids

    Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strips, help students focus and properly track as they read.

    Web-based Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Web-based dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as visual and audio resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Word Processing

    Research has shown that students write longer pieces with stronger quality when they use word processing software.

    Word Sorts

    Word sorts are multisensory activities that help learners identify patterns and group words based on different categories.

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