Sentence Analysis: The Simple Sentence

Sentence analysis gives the elementary child's reasoning mind a concrete tool for understanding the architecture of language. Every sentence carries a logic that can be seen, touched, and drawn. If an answer does not fit its question, the sentence will not make sense when reread — the child's ear is the control.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Sentence Analysis
• Level: Ages 7-8

Objectives

• Identify the subject and predicate of a simple sentence
• Locate and name the direct object
• Use arrows and circles of the sentence analysis chart
• Begin a systematic study of sentence structure

Materials

• Sentence analysis set: red arrows for action, black and white circles for subject and object, question stems (Who?, What?, Whom?)
• Sentence strips
• Recording paper and pencils

Instructions

1. Place a red arrow in the center of the work space. 2. Read a simple sentence: 'The farmer plants corn.' 3. Ask, 'Who or what is the action?' Place 'plants' on the arrow. 4. Ask, 'Who plants?' Place 'farmer' on a black circle at the tail of the arrow. 5. Ask, 'Plants what?' Place 'corn' on a white circle at the head of the arrow. 6. Read the completed analysis aloud. 7. Repeat with several more sentences of the same shape. 8. Over weeks, add adverbial questions — when, where, how, why — and their corresponding symbols. 9. Diagram with arrows and circles on paper for permanent record.

Educator tip

Begin with sentences the child has written themselves; they take deeper interest in their own words. Let the questioning habit become second nature before adding new layers.

Assessment

Note accuracy of identification, ease with the questions, and readiness for adverbial extensions.

More from Language

• Classified Cards — Animals of the Farm
• Grammar Symbols: The Adjective
• Function of Words: The Preposition
• Function of Words: The Pronoun
• Function of Words: The Adverb
• Function of Words: The Conjunction
• Function of Words: The Interjection
• Word Study: Prefixes