**Lesson Plan: Grammar and Syntax (Complex Sentences, Clauses)**
**Grade Level:** 7th Grade
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Topic:** Grammar and Syntax - Complex Sentences and Clauses
**Duration:** 60 minutes
---
### **Objectives:**
1. Students will understand the structure and function of complex sentences.
2. Students will be able to identify and use independent and dependent clauses.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to write their own complex sentences using appropriate syntax.
### **Materials:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Chart paper
- Handouts with examples of complex sentences
- Worksheets for practice
- Student notebooks and pens
- Projector and screen (if using digital content or visual aid)
### **Standards:**
- **CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1.B:** Recognize and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers.
- **CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.1.C:** Place phrases and clauses within a sentence, recognizing and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers.
- **CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.10:** Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes):**
**1. Hook:**
Start the lesson with a short, engaging activity. Write a simple sentence on the board, e.g., "The cat sat on the mat." Ask students how they can add more information to the sentence. Lead them towards the idea of combining sentences to add complexity.
**2. Objective Discussion:**
Explain the learning objectives for the day: learning about complex sentences and the role of clauses. Ensure students understand why mastering this is important for their writing skills.
#### **Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
**1. Definitions and Explanation:**
- **Complex Sentences:** Explain that a complex sentence is composed of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while the dependent clause cannot.
- **Clauses:**
- **Independent Clause:** A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence (e.g., "I enjoy reading").
- **Dependent Clause:** A group of words that depends on the rest of the sentence to make sense (e.g., "because it is relaxing").
**2. Examples on Whiteboard:**
Provide examples of complex sentences:
- “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a hike.”
- “I finished my homework before I went to the party.”
Underline the independent and dependent clauses in different colors.
#### **Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
**1. Identifying Clauses:**
Distribute handouts with sentences and have students identify the independent and dependent clauses. Work through a few examples together, then ask them to try on their own or in pairs.
**2. Combining Sentences:**
Give students simple sentences and have them combine them into complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions like "although," "because," "since," etc.
#### **Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
**1. Writing Complex Sentences:**
Have students write five complex sentences of their own in their notebooks. Encourage them to be creative and use a variety of subordinating conjunctions. Collect and review these sentences to ensure understanding.
#### **Review and Q&A (10 minutes):**
**1. Review Key Points:**
Summarize the day's key points: what complex sentences are, the difference between dependent and independent clauses, and how to combine simple sentences into complex sentences.
**2. Q&A Session:**
Allow students to ask questions to clarify any doubts. Encourage them to share challenges they faced during the practice sessions.
#### **Closure (5 minutes):**
**1. Exit Ticket:**
As a quick assessment, ask students to write one complex sentence on an index card and hand it in as they leave.
### **Assessment:**
- Formative: Participation during guided practice, handout activities, and exit tickets.
- Summative: Complex sentences written independently in their notebooks and correctness in an upcoming quiz or writing assignment.
### **Differentiation:**
- **For Struggling Students:**
Provide additional examples and walk through more practice sentences together. Offer sentence starters for complexity.
- **For Advanced Students:**
Challenge them to use more varied and less common subordinating conjunctions. Introduce compound-complex sentences if they show readiness.
### **Homework/Extension:**
Ask students to find and bring examples of complex sentences from their current reading book or any other reading material at home. They should identify the independent and dependent clauses in these sentences.
### **Reflection:**
After the lesson, reflect on the effectiveness of the activities and student engagement. Note any areas where students struggled and plan to revisit those concepts in future lessons if needed.
---
This lesson plan should engage 7th-grade students in understanding and practicing complex sentences and clauses, building up their grammar and syntax skills effectively.