Building a sentence from word strips gives early readers a way to test word order. Ask children to read the words, arrange them, and then use the picture to check the meaning.
At a glance
Use a four-word puzzle first, and reread the finished sentence before copying it.
1. Read the pieces aloud
Read each printed word before arranging it. Supply a word that is unfamiliar.
2. Find the beginning and end
Look for a capital and an end mark. Put those strips down first.
3. Try the middle words
Read one arrangement aloud. If it sounds incomplete, move a strip and read again.
4. Check the illustrated pieces
Look at the picture once the sentence makes sense. Ask what the picture shows about the action.
5. Copy and reread
Have the child write the sentence or build it a second time. Point to the spaces and end mark during the reread.
A classroom example
In a fictional class, Tao reads the words correctly but puts the action after the final word. His partner finds the period and moves that word back to the end. They read the sentence together.
Companion printable
The 25-page printable includes 20 illustrated four- or five-word puzzles, handwriting lines, and answer keys.
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