1. Sentence Building with Picture Cards 

One effective way to teach sentence formation is by using picture cards. Use a set of picture cards with various objects, animals, or actions that are familiar to your students. Divide the class into small groups and distribute the cards evenly. 

Each group works together to form a complete sentence using the picture cards they have. Encourage them to use descriptive words and correct grammar. This exercise not only helps develop sentence formation but also encourages collaboration and creativity. 

Mighty Writer can assist brilliantly with this exercise, using our various themed toolbars to inspire your class! 

2. Sentence Scramble Game 

The sentence scramble game is an exciting activity that challenges students to rearrange words to form coherent sentences. Write several simple sentences on sentence strips and cut them into individual words. Mix up the words and distribute them randomly to the students. 

The pupils then work individually or in pairs to unscramble the words and form meaningful sentences. You can set a time limit to add an element of competition. This activity promotes critical thinking, word recognition, and sentence construction skills. 

Alternatively, use the Mighty Writer mat to scramble a sentence, and allow the children to re-arrange the tiles and symbols into a structured sentence.  

3. Story Starters 

Story starters are a great way to encourage pupils to build sentences and develop their storytelling skills. Provide each child or group of children with a story starter sentence, such as "Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Emily." Instruct them to continue the story by adding one or two sentences. 

After a given time, ask the pupils to share their stories with the class. This exercise not only helps children to practice sentence formation but also stimulates their imagination and creativity. It can be a fun and engaging activity for pupils to showcase their storytelling abilities. 

Need story starter ideas? Check our blog! 

Remember, it is essential to provide continuous reinforcement and practice for your pupils to strengthen their sentence formation skills. By incorporating these three exercises into your teaching routine, you can create a positive and interactive learning environment that fosters language development and encourages children to become confident writers.