Writing Simple Sentences
Let's learn how to write sentences! A sentence tells a complete thought and helps us share our ideas with others.
What is a Sentence?
A Sentence is a Complete Thought!
A sentence is a group of words that tells us something complete. It makes sense all by itself!
Think about it like this: When you tell someone something, they should understand what you mean. A sentence gives them all the information they need!
Is This a Sentence?
cat
This is NOT a sentence. It's just one word! What about the cat?
The cat is sleeping.
THIS is a sentence! It tells us a complete thought about the cat.
Parts of a Sentence
Every sentence has important parts that work together!
Capital Letter
Every sentence STARTS with a big letter (capital letter)
Words
Words in the middle tell us WHO and WHAT
End Mark
Every sentence ENDS with a special mark
Capital Letters at the Start
Capital letters are the big, tall letters. They tell us "A new sentence is starting!"
I like to play.
The sentence starts with a capital "I"
The sun is yellow.
The sentence starts with a capital "T"
My dog is big.
The sentence starts with a capital "M"
Capital vs. Lowercase
Look at the difference:
Capital Letters
A B C D E
Big letters for the START of sentences
Lowercase Letters
a b c d e
Small letters for the rest
Punctuation at the End
End marks tell us the sentence is finished. There are three kinds:
When to Use Each One
I have a red ball.
Period - This sentence is telling us something.
Do you like apples?
Question Mark - This sentence is asking something.
I love ice cream!
Exclamation Point - This sentence shows excitement!
Simple Sentence Patterns
Here are some easy patterns you can use to write your own sentences!
Pattern 1: "I see a ___."
🐱 🌳 🐦
Pattern 2: "The ___ is ___."
🐕 🍎 ☀️
Pattern 3: "I like ___."
🍕 👩 🏃
Pattern 4: "I can ___."
🦘 📖 🎤
Practice: Which is a Complete Sentence?
Look at each choice and pick the one that is a complete sentence!
Problem 1:
Problem 2:
Problem 3:
Problem 4:
Practice: Fix the Sentence!
These sentences have mistakes. Pick the one that fixes it correctly!
Problem 1: Fix this sentence
the bird can fly
What's wrong? (Missing capital letter and period)
Problem 2: Fix this sentence
i like to play
What's wrong? (Missing capital letter and period)
Problem 3: Fix this sentence
my mom is nice
What's wrong? (Missing capital letter and period)
Writing Prompts: Your Turn!
Now try writing your own sentences! Use the patterns you learned. Remember: Capital letter at the start, period at the end!
Prompt 1: What do you see?
Look around the room. Write a sentence about something you see.
Use this pattern: "I see a ___."
Example: I see a book.
Prompt 2: Describe something!
Think of your favorite animal. Write a sentence to describe it.
Use this pattern: "The ___ is ___."
Example: The bunny is fluffy.
Prompt 3: What do you like?
Write a sentence about something you like to eat or do.
Use this pattern: "I like ___."
Example: I like bananas.
Prompt 4: What can you do?
Write a sentence about something you can do.
Use this pattern: "I can ___."
Example: I can hop.
Fun Activities to Try!
Activity 1: Sentence Hunt
Look at a picture book with a grown-up. Point to sentences and find:
- The capital letter at the beginning
- The period (or ? or !) at the end
How many sentences can you find on one page?
Activity 2: Draw and Write
Draw a picture of something you love. Then write a sentence about it!
- Draw your picture
- Think about what you want to say
- Write your sentence with a capital letter and period
- Read your sentence out loud!
Activity 3: Sentence Building
Ask a grown-up to write these words on cards:
I, The, see, is, like, can, a, cat, dog, big, red, run
Mix them up and build sentences! Remember to start with a capital and add a period at the end.
Activity 4: Fix My Sentence
Play a game with a friend or grown-up. Take turns saying sentences with mistakes (like forgetting the capital letter). Can the other person fix it?
Example: "the sky is blue" should be "The sky is blue."
What Did We Learn?
Remember These Important Things!
- A sentence is a complete thought - it tells us something that makes sense
- Start with a CAPITAL LETTER - the first letter is always big
- End with a PERIOD - the little dot tells us the sentence is done
- Use sentence patterns to help you write:
- "I see a ___."
- "The ___ is ___."
- "I like ___."
- "I can ___."
- Does it start with a capital letter? ✓
- Does it tell a complete thought? ✓
- Does it end with a period? ✓
Congratulations!
You Finished Kindergarten ELA!
Amazing job! You have completed the entire Kindergarten English Language Arts curriculum!
You have learned so much this year:
- All the letters of the alphabet
- The sounds letters make
- How to hear sounds in words
- Sight words you can read
- How to listen to stories
- How to form letters
- How to write simple sentences!
You are becoming a READER and a WRITER!
Keep reading, keep writing, and keep learning!
What's Next?
- Practice writing sentences every day
- Read books and find sentences
- Write about things you see, like, and can do
- Get ready for First Grade where you'll learn even more!