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Subordinating Conjunctions
Objectives
To understand the grammar of multi-clause sentences, including complex sentences.
Resources
Lined paper | 📄 Subordinating Conjunctions Activity Sheet
Today's Lesson
Spelling
Review spelling words to prepare for your test at the end of the week. You may choose from the Spelling Frame Games, Printables or Segment Cards.
Main Activity
A complex sentence is no more ‘complex’ to write than a compound. In fact, it can feel a lot easier at times, because the range of conjunctions that we can use in complex sentences is much wider!
You may wish to watch the following video which will allow you student to recall their prior knowledge of complex sentences and how they are constructed.
Look at the following sentence with your student. Acknowledge that it is a simple sentence because: it has a verb; there is no conjunction.
- The cat sat on the mat.
We can then add a subordinate clause using a subordinating conjunction:
- The cat sat on the mat because it was waiting.
The subordinate clause - because it was waiting - cannot stand on its own. It does not make sense on its own. It needs the main clause in the sentence.
With your student, take turns in saying some sentences which are linked together with sub-ordinating conjunctions, e.g.:
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There is no football tomorrow because it has been cancelled.
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I love the weather when the sun shines!
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He doesn’t know if he’s allowed to stay up late.
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We are hoping to go on holiday although I’m not sure where.
Once they are ready, ask your student to have a go at the Subordinating Conjunctions Activity Sheet.
Make a note of what your student finds particularly hard about saying these sorts of sentences, and using these conjunctions, and revisit this again before Day 5's lesson.