What am I teaching?

SPaG target

How words combine to make sentences

Writing link

I can join words to make simple sentences that include basic descriptive language: colour, size, simple emotions

Part One - Nouns

SPaG objective 1: I can recognise nouns in a sentence/text (underline/highlight) linked to a character / setting / event

Activity: Noun Town

Aim: Pupils are shown a variety of different settings: beach, town etc. Can you find and name all of the nouns? Now can you do the same for a sentence or paragraph?

Resources required: Images, simple paragraph/s linked to the topic or text

SPaG objective 2: I can recognise and capitalise proper nouns in a sentence / text

Activity: The Punctuation Thief

Aim: Can you put the capital letters back on all of the proper nouns and pronouns? The Punctuation Thief won’t be happy if you can!

Resources required: Punctuation Thief template, text

Part Two - Adjectives

SPaG objective 1: I can choose appropriate adjectives to modify a noun: colour, size, simple emotions

Activity: Adjective Alphabet

Aim: Show the pupils a picture of a character or setting. Ask them to complete the adjective alphabet. This can be developed using a text extract too (identifying the adjectives and then writing them down).

Resources required: Adjective Alphabet template, picture, text extract and ideas.

SPaG objective 2: I can correct mismatched adjectives: colour, size, simple emotions

Activity: Whoops! Let’s take a second look!

Aim: Show pupils an extract. Point out how the adjectives in the text don’t match the words or the picture. Challenge them: can you cross out the mismatched adjectives and replace them with more appropriate ones?

Resources required: Text extract

Part Three - Making Sentences

SPaG objective 1: I can choose appropriate nouns and adjectives (using a word list/bank), and add a verb

Activity: Turn it Up!

Aim: Show the pupils a picture of a character or setting. Ask them to ‘turn up’ specific word classes: nouns, adjectives and verbs. They only add the word class that has been switched on by the teacher. By the end of the ‘turn it up’ activity there will be lots of nouns, adjectives and verbs that appropriately linked. This can be scaffolded with a word bank/list.

Resources required: Picture, word bank/list (linked to image/text/topic)

FINAL objective: I can join words to make simple sentences that include basic descriptive language: colour, size, simple emotions

Activity: Random Write!

Aim: Show five pots to the class. Explain each pot has something different in it: goodie, setting, baddie, mystery item, event. Pick out one word from each pot. Now it’s time to write. Can you write your own descriptive sentences to make a mini paragraph story?

Resources required: Picture, Word lists for pots