Sentence Stems
Levels PK-12 Content - Any
The process of using sentence stems begins when the teacher provides sentence starters or frames and then teaches students to actively use them while writing or speaking or orally rehearsing. These supports quickly become part of a classroom routine and provide a scaffold for students to deepen their conversation and engage fully. The stems can vary in complexity and be differentiated for language proficiency levels and the type of task and thinking required. A general stem can be used in any content area, whereas, a specific stem or frame is specific to the particular content area's academic vocabulary. When stems & frames are posted alongside the learning target, students are set up for success with the tools they need.
PLAN
Language Forms & Functions List - This one pager planning tool allows the teacher to choose the power verb they are working on and then matches it to frames and stems by language level.
This larger Academic Language toolkit also matches the forms and functions to a graphic organizer that matches the thinking.
PRO TIP
PRO TIP! Preview state or local assessments as you plan for stems. (Seidlitz, 7 Steps, p.62)
Example:
Test Question: Which word from paragraph 2 means the same thing as "sinister"?
Sentence Stem: The word from paragraph 2 that means sinister is...
WATCH THIRD GRADE
WATCH HIGH SCHOOL MATH
In which phases of the instructional model might this strategy be used?
