Language Unit: NP1 + V + NP3 + NP2
This unit was written for elementary children, however, if you have older students who need to develop this concept, you can use a similar format with age-appropriate materials and activities.
As you develop this concept, use vocabulary and language structures that the students already know.
For the development of this sentence structure, use the same steps and procedures as used for the unit on NP1 + V + NP2 + prepositional phrase (indirect object).
- Use the same or similar activities and sentences in the Teacher Demonstration/Modeling, the Guided Practice and the Independent Practice sections.
- After you have written the sentence I gave a book to David on the board, tell the students that there is a different way to write the sentence.
- Under the first sentence, write: I gave David a book. Discuss the differences in the sentences.
- Tell the students that both sentences are correct. They will see both sentences in their reading books and they can use both in their writing. Using different forms makes reading and writing more interesting.
- Continue with 3-4 sentences in the Guided practice section, then draw a line through the first structure and ask the students to give a sentence using the new form. For example, draw a line through the response Ruben gave a pencil to Francesca and elicit the response Ruben gave Francesca a pencil.
- Continue with the remaining steps in the unit.
Independent application
- Put several sentences, each telling a student something to do, on strips of paper, for example, Give a book to Mei-Li.
- Give a sentence to a student, have her/him read it and do what the sentence says.
- When the action is completed, have the other children construct a sentence using the targeted structure.
- Ask one of the students to write the sentence on the board or have each student write the sentence on individual papers, white boards, or computers.
Read stories to the children that use the targeted structure frequently. Emphasize the new structure as you read.
Use the new structure in Language Experience stories.
Incorporate the targeted structure into all other activities during the school day and emphasize its use. Encourage the students to use the structure whenever appropriate throughout the day in speech/sign/writing.