• What is the Complete Sentence Response?
  • Students are expected to answer any and every question with a complete sentence.
  • Even in math? Absolutely! For example, What is 4 x 4? The product of 4 x 4 is 16.
• Why use the Complete Sentence Response?
  • It helps students practice a complete thought in their oral language, which will transfer into their written language and reading skills.
  • It is a great way for students to practice using the content vocabulary.
• How do I begin using this strategy?
  1. Write a question on the board: What is the main idea of the selection?
  2. Ask students to identify the key words in the question: "The main idea of the selection". Underline the key words in the question.
  3. Demonstrate to students that when a person answers a question using a complete sentence, he should use the keywords he identified from the question in his answer. "The main idea of the selection is the fox and the hound dog try to be friends regardless of their defined roles."
  4. Expect a complete sentence for every question asked orally or written. Remind them often.
  5. Provide sentence frames as needed.

It will take time, and has to become a habit, for the teachers as well as the students.