Writing complete sentences with proper punctuation can be a significant challenge for students in grades three through five. For ESL students, it’s a particular challenge since language structures are often completely different! One of the easiest and most effective way to tackle this is through sentence strip activities that also happen to be easily aligned, quick and easy to make.
Sentence strip activities are particularly useful for teaching students how word order differs in English compared to other languages. In Spanish, for example, adjectives often follow the noun they describe—”a red shoe” becomes “un zapato rojo.” In English, however, adjectives precede the noun. Similarly, the placement of pronouns and other modifiers can vary across languages, which can be confusing for English learners. By physically manipulating words on sentence strips, students can see and practice the correct word order in English. This hands-on method helps them internalize these structural differences, building confidence and accuracy in their writing and speaking.
Getting Started
To start, write sentences on strips of paper or use pre-made sentence strips. Cut the sentences into individual words and phrases, leaving clues like the capitalized word and punctuation intact. Students can then arrange the words into proper sentence order. The visual and tactile nature of this activity makes it a powerful tool for learning and versatile solution for strengthening writing skills.
As a language specialist, an ESL teacher’s job is to support core instruction. For vocabulary and core lesson alignment, create sentences that connect to grade level standards. Multi Language Learners especially benefit from this activity because it integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. My students were eager to help each other and discuss why their arrangements made sense. These rich conversations are invaluable for language development.
How to Use Them:
With all this in mind, it’s important to highlight how sentence strip activities also support busy teachers! When you’re in a pinch for a lesson, they’re quick and easy to prepare. Add a level, and have students write their own sentences on day one, and surprise them by cutting up their words for rearranging the next day. They love seeing their work transformed. For added convenience, consider cutting and laminating blank strips ahead of time. This way, you’ll have a reusable resource that saves time and effort for future lessons!
Have fun!