{TEXAS Size} Subject & Predicate

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Each year subject & predicate is something I introduce in the first grading period to my first graders. It proved {as most grammar concepts do} to be a difficult concept to make fun & interactive! 

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Grammar Gator to the rescue! This is a little set that I made and use in my own classroom. The set includes the subject & predicate definition posters & the student response folding sheet. I don't include the sentence strips because that is where you will differentiate to make the lesson suitable to your students' levels. 

 Before I tell the kids anything at all about subject & predicate, I introduce them to Grammar Gator {I have a small stuffed animal} that I explain to the students will help them to learn some important things about sentences this year! Then I reveal the two very simple introduction posters.

I tell, teach, repeat the new vocabulary words {subject & predicate}, and then move onto the example sentences. It is a simple concept to understand, but difficult to apply for my first graders. Reading through the examples and definitions a few times during my mini-lesson helps tremendously!

Last year, my pacing guides for reading & language arts did not always coexist in peacefully harmony. So when it was time to teach s&p, it was also time to transition into non-fiction texts.

 I decided to type some of the sentences from the "Amazing Animals" text onto small strips, with s&p separated. I cut them out quickly with my slicer! You could also write on sentence strips, have the students choose one sentence and then cut it in half where the s&p divide. They could tell you which piece goes where & why! It all depends on what your kids need! 

After I finished my read aloud, I went over the subject & predicate definitions & examples again.

I read a few of the sentence strip parts & had the class help me sort them into the correct envelopes on the easel. I just simply cut the flaps off of two 5x7 invitation envelopes. 

After, they got the hang of the activity, I took volunteers to choose a strip & read aloud {with help from me or the group if needed}. They got to choose one from the jar & decide subject or predicate. 

If the class agreed, they placed into the corresponding envelope. 

We played this game once or twice until the kids had a good understanding the concept. Then I introduce the student response foldable. I don't do it before, because its hard to listen to the teacher when you have something in your hands! 

I printed these on white printer paper, three years ago & they have lasted. The kids only use them for short periods of time during lessons & then later in the year several times for review. You just fold them or have the kids do it for you the first time and you can keep using them! 

Once the responses are printed & folded passing them around on the carpet takes no time at all. I would slip in some extra practice for subject & predicate for three or four minutes after I finish read alouds. I just go back through the story & select parts of sentences to read aloud. 

The students simply hold up the foldable with the correct {in theory :P } answer facing me! Perfect for introducing & quick reviews of the concept. This also gives me a good idea of who needs extra help during small group time before we head off to Daily 5 for the day. 

Click on the picture above to see the subject & predicate pack in my TpT shop! Enter the giveaway for the full set below just by adding your name! Its one day only, I will announce the winner by 8/2!