Identifying Different Kinds of Sentences - The Peacock’s Feathers

Using a chart, students identify four sentence types within a short summary.

Lesson Summary
Overview
Students watch a video segment about peacocks. Then, using a chart, they identify sentence
types within a short paragraph and complete a sentence transformation worksheet.

Why is this an important concept?

Students express themselves more clearly in writing when they learn how to identify and
write the four basic types of sentences. They are also able to place the
appropriatepunctuation at the end of a sentence, making the ideas they are expressing in
their writing better understood by the reader.

Grade Level:
3-6

Suggested Time
(1-2)50-minute periods

Media Resources
• Peacock QuickTime Video

Materials
• Sentence Identification Chart
• Peacock Sentence Identification Worksheet
• Sentence Transformation Worksheet
• Peacock Rubric

The Lesson
Part I: Learning Activity
1. Check for prior knowledge by asking students to describe peacocks. Ask students which
peacocks have the longest and most beautiful feathers, males or females. Write this
question on the board, and take student responses.
2. Ask students what type of sentence is written on the board. Explain to students there are
four different types of sentences: declarative, interrogative,imperative, and
exclamatory. Also explain that each type has a purpose. Distribute the Sentence
Identification Chart toeach student, or write the following on the board or a transparency:
• Declarative sentences tell something or make a statement. They use a period at the
end of each sentence.
• Interrogative sentences ask a question. They have a question mark at the end of each
sentence.
• Imperative sentences make a command or tell someone to do something. They also
end with a period.
• Exclamatory sentences express a feeling and use an exclamation point at the end of a
sentence.
3. Provide students with an example of each type of sentence.
4. Next, tell students they are going to watch a video segment about peacocks. While
watching, ask students to decide whether the peacock with the longest feathersis male or
female. Also ask students to pay attention to the different types of sentences spoken by the
narrator.
5. Play the video segment “Peacocks.” Take student answers and discuss.
6. Next, distribute the Sentence Identification Chart to each student (if youhave not already
done so). Write a sentence reflecting student answers. For example, "The peacock with the
longest feathers is male." Using the chart, ask students to identify the sentence type:
declarative, imperative, interrogative, or exclamatory. Ask students what clues they used to
make their decision.

Part II: Assessment

1. Tell students they are going to read a passage about peacocks. They will read each
sentence and decide if it is declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.
2. Distribute the Peacock Sentence Identification Worksheet to each student. Students use
the Sentence Identification Chart to complete the handout.
3. Next, distribute the Sentence Transformation Worksheet. Students transform sentences
from one type to another per instructions.
4. Use the Peacock Rubric to assess student skill acquisition.
For Students Who Need Additional Help:
• Play video again to familiarize students with content.
• Review sentence category definitions.
• Provide an example of each type of sentence.
• In small groups, complete the Peacock Sentence Identification Worksheet andSentence
Transformation Worksheet.