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Subject-Verb Agreement Challenge

Grade 7English1 days

In this 7th-grade English project, students become language detectives to master subject-verb agreement. They explore the rules in simple and compound sentences, and with indefinite pronouns, ultimately creating a guide for their peers. Through activities like a grammar court and error correction challenges, they learn to write with clarity and precision, enhancing their understanding of how subject-verb agreement impacts effective communication.

Subject-Verb AgreementGrammarCompound SentencesIndefinite PronounsClarityWritingLanguage

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as language detectives, use our understanding of subject-verb agreement to create a guide that helps our peers write with clarity and precision?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How does identifying the subject in a sentence help determine the correct verb form?
What are the rules for subject-verb agreement in simple and compound sentences?
How do indefinite pronouns affect subject-verb agreement?
How does understanding subject-verb agreement improve the clarity and correctness of writing?
What are some common errors in subject-verb agreement, and how can they be avoided?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to identify subjects and verbs in sentences.
Students will be able to apply the rules of subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.
Students will be able to apply the rules of subject-verb agreement in compound sentences.
Students will be able to use indefinite pronouns correctly in sentences.
Students will be able to correct errors in subject-verb agreement.
Students will be able to explain how subject-verb agreement improves clarity in writing.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Grammar Court

Students participate in a mock trial where sentences with subject-verb agreement errors are 'on trial.' Some students act as prosecutors, others as defenders, and the rest as the jury, deciding whether the sentences are 'guilty' of grammatical errors or not.

Social Media Grammar Challenge

Present students with intentionally flawed social media posts from a fictional celebrity or influencer. Students must rewrite the posts with correct subject-verb agreement, explaining why their version is grammatically superior, to 'win' the challenge and gain more followers for the celebrity.

The Case of the Mismatched Musicians

A famous band is having trouble because their instruments and band members aren't 'agreeing' (incorrect subject-verb agreement in their song lyrics). Students must rewrite the lyrics to ensure grammatical harmony and save the band's reputation.

Subject-Verb Agreement Escape Room

The classroom is transformed into an 'escape room' where students must solve grammar puzzles focused on subject-verb agreement to unlock the final 'escape.' Each correctly solved puzzle reveals a clue that leads them closer to freedom.

Grammar Glitch News Report

Students watch a funny, intentionally error-filled news report where the anchor uses incorrect subject-verb agreement. They then become 'grammar detectives,' tasked with identifying and correcting the errors to help the news station regain credibility.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Subject-Verb Agreement: The Detective's Notebook

Students begin their journey by building a solid foundation in identifying subjects and verbs. This activity focuses on recognizing these key components within simple sentences.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review the definitions of 'subject' and 'verb' with examples.

2. Practice identifying subjects and verbs in a series of simple sentences using color-coding (e.g., highlight subjects in blue, verbs in green).

3. Complete a worksheet where students underline the subject once and the verb twice in each sentence.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed worksheet demonstrating the ability to correctly identify subjects and verbs in simple sentences.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to identify subjects and verbs in sentences.'

Activity 2

Agreement Architect: Simple Sentence Structures

Building on the previous activity, students will now focus on applying the basic rules of subject-verb agreement in simple sentences. They'll learn how the form of the verb changes based on the subject.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Introduce the basic rules of subject-verb agreement (singular subject = singular verb, plural subject = plural verb).

2. Provide examples of correct and incorrect subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.

3. Have students rewrite incorrect sentences to correct the subject-verb agreement.

4. Students create their own simple sentences, ensuring correct subject-verb agreement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of rewritten and original simple sentences, all demonstrating correct subject-verb agreement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to apply the rules of subject-verb agreement in simple sentences.'

Activity 3

Compound Sentence Construction Crew

This activity introduces compound sentences and the complexities of subject-verb agreement within them. Students will learn to identify the subjects in each clause and ensure the verbs agree accordingly.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Review the definition of a compound sentence and the use of coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, etc.).

2. Provide examples of compound sentences with correct and incorrect subject-verb agreement.

3. Guide students in identifying the subjects and verbs in each clause of a compound sentence.

4. Students will practice correcting subject-verb agreement errors in compound sentences.

5. Students will create their own compound sentences, paying close attention to subject-verb agreement in each clause.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA portfolio of corrected compound sentences and original compound sentences, all demonstrating accurate subject-verb agreement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to apply the rules of subject-verb agreement in compound sentences.'

Activity 4

Indefinite Pronoun Investigators

Students delve into the tricky world of indefinite pronouns and how they affect subject-verb agreement. They will learn which indefinite pronouns are singular and which are plural.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Introduce common indefinite pronouns (e.g., each, everyone, some, all, none) and classify them as singular or plural.

2. Provide examples of sentences using indefinite pronouns with correct and incorrect subject-verb agreement.

3. Students will practice choosing the correct verb form to agree with indefinite pronouns in various sentences.

4. Students will write sentences using indefinite pronouns, ensuring correct subject-verb agreement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of sentences demonstrating the correct use of indefinite pronouns and corresponding verb forms.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to use indefinite pronouns correctly in sentences.'

Activity 5

The Grammar Error Erasers

Students become editors, tasked with identifying and correcting subject-verb agreement errors in a variety of texts. This activity reinforces all previously learned concepts.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Provide students with paragraphs containing numerous subject-verb agreement errors.

2. Students will work individually or in pairs to identify and correct the errors.

3. Students will explain why each correction was necessary, referencing the rules of subject-verb agreement.

4. Discuss common errors and strategies for avoiding them.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityEdited paragraphs with all subject-verb agreement errors corrected and explanations for each correction.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to correct errors in subject-verb agreement.'

Activity 6

Clarity Crusaders: The Subject-Verb Agreement Guide

Culminating project where students synthesize their knowledge of subject-verb agreement to create a comprehensive guide for their peers. This guide will explain the rules and importance of subject-verb agreement in clear, accessible language.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Students will brainstorm the key components of a helpful subject-verb agreement guide (e.g., definitions, rules, examples, common errors, tips).

2. Students will organize the information into logical sections with clear headings and subheadings.

3. Students will write explanations and examples for each section, using their own words and incorporating visuals where appropriate.

4. Students will peer-review each other's guides, providing feedback on clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

5. Students will revise their guides based on the feedback received.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished subject-verb agreement guide that can be used as a reference tool by other students.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: 'Students will be able to explain how subject-verb agreement improves clarity in writing.' and the driving question: 'How can we, as language detectives, use our understanding of subject-verb agreement to create a guide that helps our peers write with clarity and precision?'

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Subject-Verb Agreement Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Identifying Subjects and Verbs

Assesses the ability to accurately identify subjects and verbs in sentences.

Criterion 1

Accuracy of Identification

Measures the correctness of subject and verb identification in simple sentences.

Exemplary

4 Points

Accurately identifies all subjects and verbs in a variety of complex sentences, including those with compound subjects or phrases.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately identifies subjects and verbs in most simple sentences with minimal errors.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies subjects and verbs in some simple sentences, but with frequent errors or omissions.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify subjects and verbs, even in basic sentences. Demonstrates limited understanding of their roles.

Category 2

Application in Simple Sentences

Evaluates the correct application of subject-verb agreement rules in simple sentences.

Criterion 1

Correct Agreement

Assesses the ability to form simple sentences with correct subject-verb agreement.

Exemplary

4 Points

Consistently constructs flawless simple sentences demonstrating perfect subject-verb agreement. Explains nuances and exceptions effortlessly.

Proficient

3 Points

Constructs simple sentences with correct subject-verb agreement in almost all cases.

Developing

2 Points

Constructs simple sentences with some errors in subject-verb agreement, requiring occasional corrections.

Beginning

1 Points

Frequently makes errors in subject-verb agreement when constructing simple sentences. Struggles to apply the basic rules.

Category 3

Application in Compound Sentences

Evaluates the correct application of subject-verb agreement rules in compound sentences.

Criterion 1

Complex Agreement

Assesses the ability to form compound sentences with correct subject-verb agreement in each clause.

Exemplary

4 Points

Masterfully constructs complex compound sentences demonstrating perfect subject-verb agreement across all clauses. Explains the impact of conjunctions on agreement.

Proficient

3 Points

Constructs compound sentences with correct subject-verb agreement in most clauses, demonstrating a good understanding of sentence structure.

Developing

2 Points

Constructs compound sentences with noticeable errors in subject-verb agreement, particularly in sentences with multiple clauses.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to construct compound sentences with correct subject-verb agreement. Errors are frequent and indicate a lack of understanding of compound sentence structure.

Category 4

Use of Indefinite Pronouns

Evaluates the correct use of indefinite pronouns and their impact on subject-verb agreement.

Criterion 1

Pronoun Agreement

Assesses the ability to use indefinite pronouns correctly in sentences, ensuring proper verb agreement.

Exemplary

4 Points

Uses indefinite pronouns flawlessly in varied sentence structures, demonstrating a deep understanding of their singular or plural nature and impact on verb agreement.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses indefinite pronouns correctly in most sentences, showing a good understanding of their agreement rules.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some confusion in using indefinite pronouns, leading to occasional errors in verb agreement.

Beginning

1 Points

Frequently misuses indefinite pronouns, resulting in consistent errors in subject-verb agreement.

Category 5

Error Correction

Evaluates the ability to identify and correct errors in subject-verb agreement in written text.

Criterion 1

Accuracy of Corrections

Assesses the ability to accurately identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors in paragraphs.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies and corrects all subject-verb agreement errors in complex texts, providing clear and accurate explanations for each correction made.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies and corrects most subject-verb agreement errors in paragraphs, demonstrating a strong grasp of the rules.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies and corrects some subject-verb agreement errors but misses others, indicating a partial understanding of the concepts.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify and correct subject-verb agreement errors, even in simple texts. Requires significant guidance.

Category 6

Clarity and Precision in Writing

Assesses the understanding of how subject-verb agreement contributes to the clarity and precision of writing, as demonstrated in the final guide.

Criterion 1

Guide Quality

Evaluates the quality of the subject-verb agreement guide, focusing on clarity, accuracy, completeness, and usefulness.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a comprehensive, exceptionally clear, and visually appealing guide that expertly explains the rules and importance of subject-verb agreement. Guide includes creative elements and addresses edge cases.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates a clear, accurate, and useful guide that effectively explains the rules and importance of subject-verb agreement.

Developing

2 Points

Creates a guide that contains some useful information but lacks clarity, completeness, or accuracy in certain areas.

Beginning

1 Points

Creates an incomplete or confusing guide that demonstrates a limited understanding of subject-verb agreement and its importance.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How has your understanding of subject-verb agreement evolved throughout this unit?

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Question 2

What was the most challenging aspect of learning subject-verb agreement, and how did you overcome it?

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Question 3

In what ways do you think a strong understanding of subject-verb agreement will benefit your writing in the future?

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Question 4

How effective do you believe the 'Subject-Verb Agreement Guide' you created will be in helping your peers?

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Question 5

What is one thing you would change or improve about your 'Subject-Verb Agreement Guide' after having completed the unit?

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