Sentence Architect Week 1 Handout Sentence Architect
Week 1 of 6 • Parts of Speech & Word Roles • Side A (Days 1 & 2)
Name:
Period:
Unit Foundation:
Master the core parts of speech that anchor all upcoming sentence structures.
Day 1 • Monday Nouns & Pronouns (Actors & Objects)
Rule: A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. A pronoun (he, she, it, they ) takes the place of a noun to avoid repetition.
"Maya searched for her notebook, and she found it in the library."
1. Classify each underlined word (write Noun or Pronoun):
notebook:
she:
it:
library:
2. Which noun does the pronoun "it" replace?
3. What kind of noun is library?
[ Person ] [ Place ] [ Thing ] [ Idea ]
4. Application Challenge: Write one sentence using both a noun and a pronoun:
Day 1 Self-Check: [ / 4 ]
Day 2 • Tuesday Verbs (Actions & States of Being)
Rule: An action verb tells what the subject does. A linking verb (is, are, was, were, seemed ) connects the subject to a descriptor.
Sentence A: "The excited puppy jumped over the fence."
Sentence B: "The puppy was playful all morning."
1. Classify verb in Sentence A (jumped):
□ Action Verb □ Linking Verb
2. Classify verb in Sentence B (was):
□ Action Verb □ Linking Verb
3. What describing word does "was" link the puppy to?
4. Application Challenge: Write a sentence with a linking verb (was, were, or seemed):
Day 2 Self-Check: [ / 4 ]
Sentence Architect • Week 1 Handout Turn over for Side B (Days 3 & 4) →
Week 1 Sentence Architect • Side B (Days 3 & 4)
Friday Quiz is in separate document
Day 3 • Wednesday Modifiers (Adjectives & Adverbs)
Rule: Adjectives describe nouns (Which one? What kind? How many? ). Adverbs describe verbs (How? When? Where? ).
"The quiet student solved the difficult puzzle quickly."
1. Identify each underlined modifier's role:
quiet:
□ Adj □ Adv
difficult:
□ Adj □ Adv
quickly:
□ Adj □ Adv
2. What noun does "difficult" describe?
3. What verb does "quickly" describe?
4. Application Challenge: Write a sentence using an adverb ending in -ly that tells how:
Day 3 Self-Check: [ / 4 ]
Day 4 • Thursday Prepositions & Conjunctions
Rule: A preposition shows position, time, or direction (in, on, under, through ). A conjunction connects words (and, but, or ).
Student Example "Birds fly [across the sky] and sing."
• across = preposition (shows location) | • and = conjunction (connects verbs)
"The tired hiker rested under the tree and drank cold water."
1. Role of "under":
□ Preposition □ Conjunction
2. Role of "and":
□ Preposition □ Conjunction
3. Write the prepositional phrase:
4. What two verbs does "and" join?
Day 4 Self-Check: [ / 4 ]
• Week 1 Complete: Take the Week 1 Quiz on your separate quiz document.
Weekly Handout Score: _____ / 16
Sentence Architect Week 1 Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Week 1 of 6 • Daily Handout Solutions (Days 1–4)
Grade 6 ELAR TEKS Aligned
TEKS Alignment:
TEKS 110.22.b.10.D (Conventions), 10.D.iv (Pronouns), 10.D.iii (Prepositions), 10.D.v (Conjunctions)
Day 1 • Monday Key TEKS 6.10.D.iv
Target Sentence:
"Maya searched for her notebook, and she found it in the library."
1. Word Classification:
notebook: Noun (thing)
she: Pronoun (for Maya)
it: Pronoun (for notebook)
library: Noun (place)
2. Antecedent for "it":
→ notebook
3. Noun type for library:
→ Place
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.iv): Reinforce noun-pronoun agreement and antecedents so students avoid ambiguous pronoun use in expository writing.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 2 • Tuesday Key TEKS 6.10.D.ii
Target Sentences:
A: "...puppy jumped..."
B: "...puppy was playful..."
1. Sentence A Verb (jumped):
→ Action Verb (physical movement)
2. Sentence B Verb (was):
→ Linking Verb (state of being)
3. Connected descriptor:
→ playful (predicate adjective)
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.ii): Recognizing active verbs vs. linking verbs sets up active voice mastery and prevents weak passive constructions.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 3 • Wednesday Key TEKS 6.10.D
Target Sentence:
"The quiet student solved the difficult puzzle quickly."
1. Modifier Roles:
quiet: Adjective
difficult: Adjective
quickly: Adverb
2. Target Connections:
"difficult" → puzzle | "quickly" → solved
3. Question answered by quickly:
→ How? (manner of action)
TEKS Focus: Modifiers add descriptive precision. Knowing whether a word modifies a noun or verb prepares students for phrase modification.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 4 • Thursday Key TEKS 6.10.D.iii & v
Target Sentence:
"The tired hiker rested under the tree and drank cold water."
1. Role of "under":
→ Preposition (shows location)
2. Role of "and":
→ Conjunction (joins verbs rested & drank )
3. Complete Prepositional Phrase:
→ under the tree (preposition + object)
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.iii): Prepositional phrases act as units. Knowing they end in object nouns prevents students from misidentifying them as subjects.
Points: 3 / 3
Student handout is 1 page. Week 1 Friday quiz is administered online. Turn over for Online Quiz Question Bank & Key →
Online Friday Quiz • Question Bank & Key
Week 1 Digital Assessment • TEKS 110.22.b.10.D Aligned
TEKS Mastered 4 / 5 (80%)
LMS Setup:
Copy these 5 questions into Google Forms, Canvas, Quizizz, or Schoology for Friday's online check.
Question 1: Nouns & Pronoun Antecedents (TEKS 6.10.D.iv) • 1 pt Short Answer / Dropdown
Prompt: "Jordan brought his camera to the park, and he captured great photos."
A. Correct Nouns (choose any two): Jordan, camera, park, photos
B. Antecedent for "he": Jordan
Question 2: Action vs. Linking Verbs (TEKS 6.10.D.ii) • 1 pt Multiple Choice / Matching
1. "discovered": Action Verb (physical action performed by subject)
2. "was": Linking Verb (connects subject to predicate adjectives)
Question 3: Adjectives vs. Adverbs (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: "The gentle breeze blew softly through the trees."
gentle = Adjective Modifies noun breeze (tells what kind).
softly = Adverb Modifies verb blew (tells how).
Question 4: Prepositions & Conjunctions (TEKS 6.10.D.iii & v) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: "Carlos walked into the gym, but the game was delayed."
into = Preposition Shows location/direction into the gym.
but = Conjunction Coordinates the two independent clauses.
Question 5: Sentence Role Analysis (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Matching / Dropdown
Prompt: "The [1] quick [2] rabbit [3] hopped [4] silently."
[1] quick: Adjective (modifies rabbit)
[2] rabbit: Noun (actor/subject)
[3] hopped: Action Verb (core action)
[4] silently: Adverb (manner of action)
Targeted Reteaching Strategies (Based on Online Results):
Missed Q1/Q2 (Nouns vs. Verbs): Use gesture checks: students hold up an "Actor" card for nouns or an "Action" card for verbs to cement roles before Week 2.
Missed Q3/Q4 (Modifiers/Prepositions): Have students draw an arrow to the modified word: points to a noun → Adjective; points to a verb → Adverb.
TEKS Alignment: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • Grade 6 ELAR §110.22.b.10.D
State Standard: TEKS 6.10.D
Sentence Architect Week 2 Handout Sentence Architect
Week 2 of 6 • Complete Subject & Predicate • Side A (Days 1 & 2)
Name:
Period:
Spiral Connection:
Use Week 1's nouns and verbs to divide complete sentences into two halves: Subject & Predicate.
Day 1 • Monday The Great Sentence Divide
Rule: The complete subject contains the actor noun and its modifiers. The complete predicate contains the verb and all its details.
"The energetic track team won the championship trophy."
1. Separate the two sentence halves:
Draw a clear slash mark ( / ) between the complete subject and complete predicate above.
2. Complete Subject (all words):
3. Complete Predicate (all words):
4. Which word in the predicate is the main action verb?
Day 1 Self-Check: [ / 4 ]
Day 2 • Tuesday Actor vs. Action Clues
Rule: To find the complete subject, ask: "Who or what does the action?" To find the complete predicate, ask: "What does the subject do or be?"
"Several hungry raccoons tipped over the heavy trash cans."
1. Who or what does the action? (Complete Subject):
2. What did they do? (Complete Predicate):
3. Two-Part Sentence Blueprint:
[ ] / [ ]
Day 2 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Sentence Architect • Week 2 Handout Turn over for Side B (Days 3 & 4) →
Week 2 Sentence Architect • Side B (Days 3 & 4)
Friday Quiz is in separate document
Day 3 • Wednesday Prepositional & Time Openers
Rule: When a sentence begins with an introductory prepositional phrase (from Week 1), that opener belongs to the predicate because it tells when/where!
"During the sudden storm, our golden retriever hid under the bed."
1. Who or what performed the action? (Complete Subject):
2. Complete Predicate (opener + verb phrase):
3. Rule Check: Can a subject ever be inside "During the sudden storm"?
□ True □ False (Subjects are never in prepositional phrases)
Day 3 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 4 • Thursday Sentences vs. Fragments
Rule: A sentence has both a subject and a predicate. A fragment is missing one or both parts and leaves the thought unfinished.
Student Example "Splashed into the cold lake."
• Fragment: Missing Subject (Who splashed?) → Fixed: "The happy dog / splashed into the cold lake."
"Ran swiftly across the muddy soccer field."
1. What is this group of words missing?
□ Missing Subject □ Missing Predicate
2. Repair it into a complete sentence by adding a complete subject:
Draw a slash mark ( / ) between subject and predicate in your repaired sentence above.
Day 4 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
• Week 2 Complete: Take the Week 2 Quiz on your separate quiz document.
Weekly Handout Score: _____ / 13
Sentence Architect Week 2 Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Week 2 of 6 • Complete Subject & Predicate Solutions
Grade 6 ELAR TEKS Aligned
TEKS Alignment:
TEKS 110.22.b.10.D (Conventions), 10.D.i (Complete Sentences & Fragments), 10.D.iii (Prepositional Opener Influence)
Day 1 • Monday Key TEKS 6.10.D
Target Sentence & Slash Divide:
The energetic track team / won the championship trophy.
1 & 2. Complete Halves:
Complete Subject: The energetic track team
Complete Predicate: won the championship trophy
3. Main action verb:
→ won
Instructional Tip: Point out that the slash mark always goes directly before the main verb phrase, unless inverted or preceded by an opener.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 2 • Tuesday Key TEKS 6.10.D
Target Sentence:
"Several hungry raccoons tipped over the heavy trash cans."
1. Who does action? (Complete Subject):
→ Several hungry raccoons
2. What did they do? (Complete Predicate):
→ tipped over the heavy trash cans
3. Two-Part Blueprint:
[ Several hungry raccoons ] / [ tipped over the heavy trash cans ]
Common Error: Students sometimes leave out modifiers like "Several hungry". Remind them the *complete* subject includes all descriptive words.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 3 • Wednesday Key TEKS 6.10.D.iii
Target Sentence:
"During the sudden storm, our golden retriever hid under the bed."
1. Complete Subject:
→ our golden retriever
2. Complete Predicate:
→ During the sudden storm ... hid under the bed
3. True or False Rule Check:
→ False (a subject is never in a prep phrase)
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.iii): Prepositional openers modify the predicate. Recognizing this prevents students from selecting "storm" as the subject.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 4 • Thursday Key TEKS 6.10.D.i
Target Words: "Ran swiftly across the muddy soccer field."
1. Missing Part Identification:
→ Missing Subject (Who ran?)
2 & 3. Repaired Complete Sentence (sample answers):
• "The tired midfielder / ran swiftly across the muddy soccer field."
• Accept any complete subject + slash mark before "ran".
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.i): Directly targets the TEKS standard requiring avoidance and correction of sentence fragments in student writing.
Points: 3 / 3
Week 2 establishes sentence halves before simple/complete contrasts in Week 3. Turn over for Online Quiz Question Bank & Key →
Online Friday Quiz • Question Bank & Key
Week 2 Digital Assessment • TEKS 110.22.b.10.D.i Aligned
TEKS Mastered 4 / 5 (80%)
LMS Setup:
Copy these 5 questions into Google Forms, Canvas, Quizizz, or Schoology for Friday's online check.
Question 1: Complete Subject Identification (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: "The fearless mountain climbers reached the snowy peak." What is the complete subject?
→ Correct Answer: "The fearless mountain climbers" Rationale: Includes the main noun (climbers) and all words that describe them.
Question 2: Complete Predicate Identification (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: "Two tiny hummingbirds hovered around the bright red flowers." What is the complete predicate?
→ Correct Answer: "hovered around the bright red flowers" Rationale: Starts at the main verb (hovered) and includes the prepositional phrases.
Question 3: Dividing Slash Location (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: Where does the slash divide subject from predicate in: "A sudden gust of wind extinguished the campfire." ?
→ Correct Answer: "A sudden gust of wind / extinguished the campfire." Rationale: "of wind" describes the gust, so the boundary sits directly before the verb "extinguished".
Question 4: Sentence vs. Fragment Classification (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt True / False
Prompt: Is "Glided gracefully across the ice." a complete sentence or a fragment?
→ Correct Answer: Fragment (Missing Subject) Rationale: The verb phrase is present ("Glided..."), but there is no subject noun stating who glided.
Question 5: Introductory Opener Analysis (TEKS 6.10.D.iii) • 1 pt Short Answer / Dropdown
Prompt: In "Before the first bell, eager sixth graders gathered near the lockers." , what is the complete subject?
→ Correct Answer: "eager sixth graders" Rationale: "Before the first bell" is an adverbial prepositional opener belonging to the predicate. The actors are "eager sixth graders".
Targeted Reteaching Strategies (Based on Online Results):
Missed Q1/Q2/Q3 (Boundary Errors): Have students find the main action verb first, circle it, and draw a slash immediately in front of it (unless an inverted phrase leads).
Missed Q4/Q5 (Fragments or Openers): Use the "Who Did It?" test. If reading the words doesn't reveal the actor, it's a fragment missing a subject.
TEKS Alignment: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • Grade 6 ELAR §110.22.b.10.D.i
State Standard: TEKS 6.10.D.i
Sentence Architect Week 3 Handout Sentence Architect
Week 3 of 6 • Simple vs. Complete Cores • Side A (Days 1 & 2)
Name:
Period:
Spiral Connection:
Use Week 2's sentence halves to strip away descriptive modifiers and isolate the bare Simple Subject & Verb core.
Day 1 • Monday Isolating the Simple Subject
Rule: The complete subject contains all describing words. The simple subject is only the single core noun or pronoun doing the action.
"The curious young explorer discovered an ancient fossil."
1. Complete Subject (all words):
2. Simple Subject (core noun only):
3. Modifiers stripped away (which adjectives described the explorer?):
Day 1 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 2 • Tuesday Isolating the Simple Predicate
Rule: The simple predicate is the main action verb or verb phrase (including helping verbs like was, were, has, will ). It excludes objects and adverbs.
"The fierce storm was howling loudly through the valley."
1. Complete Predicate (verb + all modifiers/phrases):
2. Simple Predicate (verb phrase only):
Helping Verb:
Main Action Verb:
Day 2 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Sentence Architect • Week 3 Handout Turn over for Side B (Days 3 & 4) →
Week 3 Sentence Architect • Side B (Days 3 & 4)
Friday Quiz is in separate document
Day 3 • Wednesday Compound Subjects & Verbs
Rule: A compound subject has two or more nouns joined by a conjunction (and, or ). A compound predicate has two or more verbs sharing one subject.
"Maya and Lucas washed the dirty dog and dried its fur."
1. Compound Simple Subject (two nouns):
2. Compound Simple Predicate (two verbs):
3. Coordinating Conjunction (word that connects the cores):
Day 3 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 4 • Thursday The Kernel Sentence Challenge
Rule: Strip away all adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases until only the bare simple subject + simple predicate kernel remains!
Student Example "Three noisy black crows flew away."
• Complete: Three noisy black crows / flew away → Bare Kernel: [ crows ] + [ flew ]
"Two frightened kittens scurried under the wooden porch."
1. Simple Subject (core noun):
2. Simple Predicate (core verb):
3. Write the bare two-word kernel sentence:
[ ] + [ ]
Day 4 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
• Week 3 Complete: Take the Week 3 Quiz on your separate quiz document.
Weekly Handout Score: _____ / 12
Sentence Architect Week 3 Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Week 3 of 6 • Simple vs. Complete Core Solutions
Grade 6 ELAR TEKS Aligned
TEKS Alignment:
TEKS 110.22.b.10.D (Conventions), 10.D.i (Subject-Verb Agreement Core), 10.D.ii (Verb Phrases), 10.D.v (Compound Cores)
Day 1 • Monday Key TEKS 6.10.D.i
Target Sentence:
"The curious young explorer discovered an ancient fossil."
1. Complete Subject:
→ The curious young explorer
2. Simple Subject (core noun only):
→ explorer
3. Stripped modifiers:
→ The (article), curious , young (adjectives)
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.i): Isolating the simple subject is critical for subject-verb agreement, especially when intervening prepositional phrases or modifiers appear.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 2 • Tuesday Key TEKS 6.10.D.ii
Target Sentence:
"The fierce storm was howling loudly through the valley."
1. Complete Predicate:
→ was howling loudly through the valley
2. Simple Predicate (verb phrase):
→ was howling
3. Verb Breakdown:
Helping: was | Main Action: howling (exclude adverb loudly )
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.ii): Verb tense consistency requires students to recognize multi-word verb phrases (helping verb + main verb).
Points: 3 / 3
Day 3 • Wednesday Key TEKS 6.10.D.v
Target Sentence:
"Maya and Lucas washed the dirty dog and dried its fur."
1. Compound Simple Subject:
→ Maya, Lucas (two nouns)
2. Compound Simple Predicate:
→ washed, dried (two action verbs)
3. Coordinating Conjunction:
→ and
TEKS Focus (6.10.D.v): Direct alignment with coordinating conjunctions used to create compound subjects and compound predicates.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 4 • Thursday Key TEKS 6.10.D.i
Target Sentence: "Two frightened kittens scurried under the wooden porch."
1. Simple Subject:
→ kittens
2. Simple Predicate:
→ scurried
3. Bare Two-Word Kernel Sentence:
[ kittens ] + [ scurried ]
Big Idea: The bare kernel sentence is the exact horizontal spine that forms the foundation of every sentence diagram in Week 6.
Points: 3 / 3
Week 3 isolates core nouns/verbs before adding objects in Week 4. Turn over for Online Quiz Question Bank & Key →
Online Friday Quiz • Question Bank & Key
Week 3 Digital Assessment • TEKS 110.22.b.10.D.i Aligned
TEKS Mastered 4 / 5 (80%)
LMS Setup:
Copy these 5 questions into Google Forms, Canvas, Quizizz, or Schoology for Friday's online check.
Question 1: Simple Subject Extraction (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "The ancient Roman gladiators fought in the arena." , what is the simple subject?
→ Correct Answer: "gladiators" Rationale: "The ancient Roman" are adjectives; only "gladiators" is the core actor noun.
Question 2: Simple Predicate with Helping Verb (TEKS 6.10.D.ii) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "Our talented school choir has been practicing every afternoon." , what is the simple predicate?
→ Correct Answer: "has been practicing" Rationale: Complete verb phrase includes helping verbs (has been) + main verb (practicing).
Question 3: Compound Simple Subject (TEKS 6.10.D.v) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "Lions and leopards hunt quietly at night." , what is the compound simple subject?
→ Correct Answer: "Lions, leopards" Rationale: Two nouns joined by "and" share the same verb.
Question 4: Compound Simple Predicate (TEKS 6.10.D.v) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "The agile gymnast twisted in the air and landed with confidence." , what is the compound simple predicate?
→ Correct Answer: "twisted, landed" Rationale: Both action verbs describe what the gymnast did, stripping away all prepositional phrases.
Question 5: Bare Kernel Sentence Extraction (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt Short Answer / Dropdown
Prompt: Strip all modifiers from: "During the cold morning, three wild deer grazed near the frozen brook." Write the two-word bare kernel sentence.
→ Correct Answer: [ deer ] + [ grazed ] Rationale: Simple subject = deer; simple predicate = grazed. All other words are modifiers and prepositional phrases.
Targeted Reteaching Strategies (Based on Online Results):
Missed Q1 (Including Adjectives): Ask: "Which ONE word actually exists in the real world?" You cannot hold a "curious", you can only hold an "explorer".
Missed Q2 (Missing Helping Verbs): Teach the 23 Helping Verbs chant (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been, have, has, had... ) to ensure students catch verb phrases.
TEKS Alignment: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • Grade 6 ELAR §110.22.b.10.D.i & v
State Standard: TEKS 6.10.D.i
Sentence Architect Week 4 Handout Sentence Architect
Week 4 of 6 • Direct & Indirect Objects • Side A (Days 1 & 2)
Name:
Period:
Spiral Connection:
Build on Week 3's core verbs: Direct Objects answer What? and Indirect Objects answer To/For whom?
Day 1 • Monday Finding the Direct Object (DO)
Rule: A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb. Find it by asking: [Subject] + [Verb] + What? or Whom?
"The cheerful baker decorated sweet cupcakes."
1. What action verb did the baker perform?
2. Ask: decorated what? (Direct Object core noun):
3. What adjective in the sentence describes the direct object?
Day 1 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 2 • Tuesday Introducing Indirect Objects (IO)
Rule: An indirect object tells to whom or for whom the action is done. Pattern: Subject + Verb + [IO] + [DO] . The IO always sits between the verb and DO!
"Aunt Clara baked Marcus a delicious birthday cake."
1. What did Aunt Clara bake? (Direct Object):
2. For whom was it baked? (Indirect Object):
3. Complete the 4-part sentence spine:
[ Clara ] + [ baked ] + [ ] + [ ]
Day 2 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Sentence Architect • Week 4 Handout Turn over for Side B (Days 3 & 4) →
Week 4 Sentence Architect • Side B (Days 3 & 4)
Friday Quiz is in separate document
Day 3 • Wednesday IO vs. Prepositional Phrase
Rule: An indirect object never has a preposition (like to or for ) in front of it! If you see "to Liam" , it is a prepositional phrase , not an IO!
Sentence A: "Coach handed Liam the medal."
Sentence B: "Coach handed the medal to Liam."
1. Which sentence has a true Indirect Object?
□ Sentence A □ Sentence B
2. In Sentence B, what is "to Liam"?
□ Prep Phrase □ IO
3. Golden Rule Check: Can an indirect object start with "to" or "for"?
□ Yes □ No (Prepositions create phrases, never indirect objects)
Day 3 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 4 • Thursday The S-V-IO-DO Challenge
Rule: Analyze every noun's role: Subject (actor), Indirect Object (receiver of DO), or Direct Object (thing acted upon).
Student Example "Mr. Harris gave the class a quiz."
• Subj: Mr. Harris | Verb: gave | IO: class (to whom) | DO: quiz (gave what)
"The friendly librarian handed Sofia an exciting mystery novel."
1. Simple Subject:
2. Simple Predicate:
3. Indirect Object (IO):
4. Direct Object (DO):
Day 4 Self-Check: [ / 4 ]
• Week 4 Complete: Take the Week 4 Quiz on your separate quiz document.
Weekly Handout Score: _____ / 13
Sentence Architect Week 4 Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Week 4 of 6 • Direct & Indirect Object Solutions
Grade 6 ELAR TEKS Aligned
TEKS Alignment:
TEKS 110.22.b.10.D (Conventions), 10.D.i (Transitive Sentence Structure), 10.D.iii (Prepositional Phrases vs. Objects)
Day 1 • Monday Key Direct Objects (DO)
Target Sentence:
"The cheerful baker decorated sweet cupcakes."
1. Action Verb:
→ decorated
2. Direct Object (decorated what?):
→ cupcakes (receives the action)
3. Attached Modifier:
→ sweet (adjective describing cupcakes)
Instructional Tip: Direct objects can only follow action verbs. If the verb is linking (was, seemed ), it takes a subject complement instead (preview of Week 5).
Points: 3 / 3
Day 2 • Tuesday Key Indirect Objects (IO)
Target Sentence:
"Aunt Clara baked Marcus a delicious birthday cake."
1. Direct Object (baked what?):
→ cake
2. Indirect Object (baked for whom?):
→ Marcus
3. 4-Part Core Spine:
[ Clara ] + [ baked ] + [ Marcus ] + [ cake ]
Position Rule: In English word order, the indirect object always precedes the direct object: Subject + Verb + IO + DO .
Points: 3 / 3
Day 3 • Wednesday Key IO vs. Prepositional Phrase
Sentence Comparison:
A: "...handed Liam the medal."
B: "...handed the medal to Liam."
1. Sentence with Indirect Object:
→ Sentence A ("Liam" has no preposition)
2. Classification of "to Liam" in Sentence B:
→ Prepositional Phrase
3. Golden Rule Check:
→ No (prepositions make prep phrases, not IOs)
Major Misconception: Sixth graders frequently label "to Liam" as an indirect object. Stress: "No preposition = Indirect Object. With a preposition = Prepositional Phrase."
Points: 3 / 3
Day 4 • Thursday Key The S-V-IO-DO Challenge
Target Sentence: "The friendly librarian handed Sofia an exciting mystery novel."
1. Simple Subject: librarian
2. Simple Predicate: handed
3. Indirect Object: Sofia
4. Direct Object: novel
Diagramming Preview (Week 6): The baseline holds librarian | handed | novel . An angled bracket shelf attaches below handed to carry the indirect object Sofia !
Points: 4 / 4
Week 4 masters action verb objects before linking complements in Week 5. Turn over for Online Quiz Question Bank & Key →
Online Friday Quiz • Question Bank & Key
Week 4 Digital Assessment • Direct & Indirect Objects
TEKS Mastered 4 / 5 (80%)
LMS Setup:
Copy these 5 questions into Google Forms, Canvas, Quizizz, or Schoology for Friday's online check.
Question 1: Direct Object Identification (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "The curious puppy chewed an old leather shoe." , what is the direct object?
→ Correct Answer: "shoe" Rationale: The puppy chewed what? → shoe. ("old" and "leather" are adjectives).
Question 2: Indirect Object Identification (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "Grandpa built my sister a wooden birdhouse." , what is the indirect object?
→ Correct Answer: "sister" Rationale: Built a birdhouse (DO) for whom? → sister (IO).
Question 3: IO vs. Prepositional Phrase Contrast (TEKS 6.10.D.iii) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: Which sentence contains a true indirect object ?
→ Correct Answer: "The teacher threw David the basketball."
Rationale: "David" has no preposition. In contrast, "to David" is a prepositional phrase.
Question 4: S-V-IO-DO Pattern Recognition (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt True / False
Prompt: Can an indirect object exist in a sentence without a direct object?
→ Correct Answer: False Rationale: You cannot have an indirect object unless there is a direct object being transferred or done for someone.
Question 5: Complete Predicate Object Breakdown (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Matching / Dropdown
Prompt: In "The friendly neighbor offered Maya a refreshing cold lemonade." , identify:
Indirect Object (IO): Maya
Direct Object (DO): lemonade
Targeted Reteaching Strategies (Based on Online Results):
Missed Q1/Q2 (Confusing IO & DO): Ask: "Which object physically moved or was made?" That thing is the DO! The person receiving it is the IO.
Missed Q3 (Prep Phrase Confusion): Teach the "Preposition Trap": Put parentheses around (to someone ) or (for someone ) to show they are phrases, not IOs.
TEKS Alignment: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • Grade 6 ELAR §110.22.b.10.D.i & iii
State Standard: TEKS 6.10.D.i
Sentence Architect Week 5 Handout Sentence Architect
Week 5 of 6 • Linking Verbs & Complements • Side A (Days 1 & 2)
Name:
Period:
Spiral Connection:
Contrast Week 4's action objects with linking verbs: Linking Verbs act like an equal sign (=) to link Predicate Adjectives & Nouns.
Day 1 • Monday The Equal Sign Test
Rule: A linking verb (is, was, smelled, felt, became ) acts like an equal sign (=). If you can substitute is/was and it makes sense, it is linking!
Sentence A: "The fresh soup smelled delicious."
Sentence B: "The customer smelled the soup."
1. Test A: Does Soup = delicious ?
□ Yes (Linking Verb) □ No (Action)
2. Test B: Does Customer = soup ?
□ Yes (Linking) □ No (Action + DO)
3. Rule Check: Can a direct object ever follow a linking verb?
□ Yes □ No (Linking verbs take subject complements, never direct objects)
Day 1 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 2 • Tuesday Predicate Adjectives (PA)
Rule: A predicate adjective is an adjective in the predicate that follows a linking verb and loops back to describe the subject.
"The northern winter wind felt bitter and cold."
1. What is the linking verb?
2. Identify the compound predicate adjectives:
3. Simple Subject described by these adjectives:
Day 2 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Sentence Architect • Week 5 Handout Turn over for Side B (Days 3 & 4) →
Week 5 Sentence Architect • Side B (Days 3 & 4)
Friday Quiz is in separate document
Day 3 • Wednesday Predicate Nouns (PN)
Rule: A predicate noun is a noun in the predicate that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject. (Subject = Predicate Noun ).
"Mr. Henderson was an experienced airplane pilot."
1. Simple Subject:
2. Predicate Noun (core noun renaming subject):
3. Equal Sign Verification:
[ Mr. Henderson ] = [ ]
Day 3 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 4 • Thursday DO vs. Complement Showdown
Rule: Action verbs take Direct Objects (receives action). Linking verbs take Subject Complements (PA describes / PN renames).
Student Example "Maya painted a mural." vs. "Maya became an artist."
• Action: painted what? → mural (DO) | • Linking: Maya = artist → artist (PN)
1. "The brave firefighter rescued the scared cat."
2. "The firefighter became a community hero."
In Sentence 1, what is "cat"?
□ DO □ PN
In Sentence 2, what is "hero"?
□ DO □ PN
Day 4 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
• Week 5 Complete: Take the Week 5 Quiz on your separate quiz document.
Weekly Handout Score: _____ / 12
Sentence Architect Week 5 Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Week 5 of 6 • Linking Verbs & Complements Solutions
Grade 6 ELAR TEKS Aligned
TEKS Alignment:
TEKS 110.22.b.10.D (Conventions), 10.D.ii (Active vs. Linking Verbs & Subject Complements), 10.D.i (Sentence Structure)
Day 1 • Monday Key Equal Sign Test
Sentence Comparison:
A: "The soup smelled delicious."
B: "The customer smelled the soup."
1. Sentence A Equal Sign Test:
→ Yes (Linking Verb) (Soup = delicious)
2. Sentence B Equal Sign Test:
→ No (Action Verb + DO) (Customer did action to soup)
3. Rule Check:
→ No (direct objects only follow action verbs)
Instructional Tip: Sensory verbs (look, smell, taste, sound, feel ) can be action or linking depending on context. The equal sign test resolves this 100% of the time!
Points: 3 / 3
Day 2 • Tuesday Key Predicate Adjectives (PA)
Target Sentence:
"The northern winter wind felt bitter and cold."
1. Linking Verb:
→ felt
2. Compound Predicate Adjectives:
→ bitter, cold
3. Simple Subject Described:
→ wind
Structure Note: Notice that predicate adjectives sit after the verb in the predicate, but describe the subject noun at the front of the sentence.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 3 • Wednesday Key Predicate Nouns (PN)
Target Sentence:
"Mr. Henderson was an experienced airplane pilot."
1. Simple Subject:
→ Mr. Henderson
2. Predicate Noun:
→ pilot (core noun renaming subject)
3. Equal Sign Verification:
[ Mr. Henderson ] = [ pilot ]
Terminology Note: Predicate nouns are also called predicate nominatives. Both terms refer to a noun renaming the subject after a linking verb.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 4 • Thursday Key DO vs. Complement Showdown
Sentence Comparison:
1. "...firefighter rescued the cat."
2. "...firefighter became a hero."
1. In Sentence 1, what is "cat"?
→ Direct Object (DO) (rescued = action verb)
2. In Sentence 2, what is "hero"?
→ Predicate Noun (PN) (firefighter = hero)
Diagramming Bridge (Week 6): On a diagram baseline, a DO is separated by a vertical line stopping at the baseline ( | ), but a subject complement uses a slanted line slanting back toward the subject ( \ ).
Points: 3 / 3
Week 5 completes all core sentence elements needed for Week 6 diagramming. Turn over for Online Quiz Question Bank & Key →
Online Friday Quiz • Question Bank & Key
Week 5 Digital Assessment • Linking Verbs & Complements
TEKS Mastered 4 / 5 (80%)
LMS Setup:
Copy these 5 questions into Google Forms, Canvas, Quizizz, or Schoology for Friday's online check.
Question 1: Predicate Adjective Identification (TEKS 6.10.D.ii) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "After running ten miles, the marathon athlete felt exhausted." , what is the predicate adjective?
→ Correct Answer: "exhausted" Rationale: Follows linking verb "felt" and describes the subject noun "athlete".
Question 2: Predicate Noun Identification (TEKS 6.10.D.ii) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "Mrs. Alvarez became the new school principal." , what is the predicate noun?
→ Correct Answer: "principal" Rationale: Renames the subject (Mrs. Alvarez = principal) after the linking verb "became".
Question 3: Action Verb vs. Linking Verb Context (TEKS 6.10.D.ii) • 1 pt Matching / Dropdown
Prompt: Match the use of "tasted" in each sentence:
1. "The warm pizza tasted salty." → Linking Verb
2. "The chef tasted the warm sauce." → Action Verb
Question 4: DO vs. Subject Complement (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In "The curious toddler found a shiny quarter." , is "quarter" a Direct Object or a Predicate Noun?
→ Correct Answer: Direct Object Rationale: "found" is an action verb. Toddler ≠ quarter.
Question 5: Complete Complement Role Analysis (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Matching / Dropdown
Prompt: Identify the complement type (Predicate Noun or Predicate Adjective) for the underlined words:
A. "The bright sunset was magnificent." → Predicate Adjective (PA)
B. "Our brave uncle is a firefighter." → Predicate Noun (PN)
Targeted Reteaching Strategies (Based on Online Results):
Missed Q1/Q2 (Confusing PA & PN): Ask: "Can you touch it?" A noun (PN) is a person/thing (pilot). An adjective (PA) is a quality/description (exhausted).
Missed Q3/Q4 (Confusing DO & Complements): Apply the Equal Sign Test: If Subject = Word → Complement. If Subject acts upon Word → Direct Object.
TEKS Alignment: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • Grade 6 ELAR §110.22.b.10.D.ii
State Standard: TEKS 6.10.D.ii
Sentence Architect Week 6 Handout Sentence Architect
Week 6 of 6 • Sentence Diagramming Mastery • Side A (Days 1 & 2)
Name:
Period:
Culminating Spiral:
Place subjects, verbs, direct objects, subject complements, and modifiers on architectural diagram lines.
Day 1 • Monday Baseline & Slanted Modifiers
Rule: Subject and verb sit on the horizontal baseline, separated by a vertical line cutting all the way through. Modifiers hang on slanted lines below the word they describe.
"The clever detective searched carefully."
Fill in the blueprint diagram below (write words directly onto the lines):
[ subject ] [ verb ] [ The ] [ adj ] [ adv ]
Notice: "carefully" hangs under "searched" because it modifies the action verb!
Day 1 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 2 • Tuesday Diagramming Direct Objects
Rule: A direct object sits on the baseline after the verb. The vertical divider stops flat on the baseline (does not cross below).
"Hungry raccoons tipped the heavy cans."
Fill in: [ Subj ] | [ Verb ] | [ DO ]
[ subject ] [ tipped ] [ DO ] [ Hungry ] [ heavy ]
Notice the flat-stopping divider before "cans" shows it is inside the predicate!
Day 2 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Sentence Architect • Week 6 Handout Turn over for Side B (Days 3 & 4) →
Week 6 Sentence Architect • Side B (Days 3 & 4)
Final Quiz is in separate document
Day 3 • Wednesday Subject Complements (PA & PN)
Rule: A predicate noun or adjective follows a linking verb, separated by a line that slants back ( \ ) toward the subject it renames or describes!
"The northern wind felt bitter."
Fill in: [ Subj ] | [ Verb ] \ [ PA ]
[ wind ] [ felt ] [ bitter ] [ northern ]
The slash ( \ ) points back to "wind" to show bitter describes the subject!
Day 3 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
Day 4 • Thursday Master Diagram Challenge
Rule: Combine all skills: Identify the simple subject, verb, direct object, and all modifying words.
Student Example "Brave astronauts explored Mars."
• astronauts | explored | Mars (with Brave on slanted line under astronauts )
"The hungry puppy chased the ball."
[ puppy ] [ chased ] [ ball ]
Congratulations! You have mastered the 6-week Sentence Architect curriculum!
Day 4 Self-Check: [ / 3 ]
• Week 6 Complete: Take the Final Week 6 Quiz on your separate quiz document.
Weekly Handout Score: _____ / 12
Sentence Architect Week 6 Answer Key Teacher Answer Key
Week 6 of 6 • Sentence Diagramming Solutions
Grade 6 ELAR TEKS Aligned
TEKS Alignment:
TEKS 110.22.b.10.D (Conventions), 10.D.i (Sentence Structure & Objects), 10.D.ii (Verbs & Complements)
Day 1 • Monday Key Baseline & Modifiers
Target Sentence: "The clever detective searched carefully."
Solution Diagram:
detective searched The clever carefully
• detective (subject) | searched (verb)
• The & clever modify detective | carefully modifies searched.
Convention: The subject-verb line cuts all the way through the baseline to show the fundamental divide between subject and predicate halves.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 2 • Tuesday Key Direct Objects (DO)
Target Sentence: "Hungry raccoons tipped the heavy cans."
Solution Diagram:
raccoons tipped cans Hungry heavy
• raccoons | tipped | cans (DO sits on baseline)
• Vertical line before cans stops flat at baseline (does not cross).
Convention: Stopping at the baseline indicates that the verb and direct object both belong to the predicate half of the sentence.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 3 • Wednesday Key Subject Complements
Target Sentence: "The northern wind felt bitter."
Solution Diagram:
wind felt bitter northern
• wind | felt \ bitter (PA sits on baseline)
• The slanted divider ( \ ) points backward toward the subject!
Visual Symbolism: The back-slanting line literally acts as an arrow pointing back to "wind", reminding students that bitter describes the subject.
Points: 3 / 3
Day 4 • Thursday Key Master Diagram Challenge
Target Sentence: "The hungry puppy chased the ball."
Solution Diagram:
puppy chased ball
• puppy (subject) + chased (verb) + ball (DO)
• Modifiers: The, hungry under puppy; the under ball.
Progression Milestone: Students have completed the full trajectory from isolated parts of speech to multi-part sentence architecture.
Points: 3 / 3
Final Week 6 daily warm-up answer key. Online quiz key on back. Turn over for Final Online Quiz Question Bank & Key →
Final Friday Quiz • Question Bank & Key
Week 6 Culminating Assessment • Diagramming Mastery
Mastery Goal 4 / 5 (80%)
LMS Setup:
Copy these 5 culminating questions into Google Forms, Canvas, Quizizz, or Schoology for Friday.
Question 1: Subject-Verb Baseline Divider Rule (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: In a Reed-Kellogg sentence diagram, how does the vertical line separating the subject from the verb behave?
→ Correct Answer: It crosses all the way through the baseline. Rationale: Represents the full divide between complete subject and complete predicate halves.
Question 2: Direct Object Divider Rule (TEKS 6.10.D.i) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: How does the line separating an action verb from its direct object differ from the subject-verb line?
→ Correct Answer: It stops flat on the baseline and does NOT cross through. Rationale: The direct object is part of the predicate, so the baseline is not cut.
Question 3: Subject Complement Divider Rule (TEKS 6.10.D.ii) • 1 pt Multiple Choice
Prompt: What special line divider separates a linking verb from a predicate noun or predicate adjective?
→ Correct Answer: A line that slants backward ( \ ) toward the subject. Rationale: Visually points back to the subject that the complement describes or renames.
Question 4: Modifier Placement Rule (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt True / False
Prompt: An adverb describing how a verb was performed hangs on a slanted line directly below that verb.
→ Correct Answer: True Rationale: All modifiers hang directly below the specific word they describe.
Question 5: Master Sentence Diagram Matching (TEKS 6.10.D) • 1 pt Matching / Dropdown
Prompt: Match each sentence word to its exact position in the diagram for: "Brave astronauts explored Mars."
astronauts: Subject baseline
explored: Verb baseline
Mars: DO baseline
Brave: Slanted line (under subj)
Six-Week Unit Culmination & TEKS Mastery:
Students achieving 80%+ have demonstrated full mastery of TEKS 6.10.D conventions, complete sentence boundaries (6.10.D.i), active/linking verb structures (6.10.D.ii), prepositional phrases (6.10.D.iii), pronoun antecedents (6.10.D.iv), and compound cores (6.10.D.v).
Unit Completion: Full 6-Week Sentence Architect Bell Ringer Curriculum Complete
TEKS 6.10.D Mastery
Sentence Architect Unit Overview Sentence Architect
6-Week Grammar Bell Ringer Curriculum • Unit Overview & Pacing Guide
Grade 6 ELAR Master Pacing
Curriculum Mission:
Spiral from foundational word roles to sentence boundaries, predicate objects, and full sentence diagramming.
Six-Week Instructional Progression & TEKS Alignment Days 1–4 Handout • Friday Online Quiz
Wk
Core Concept
Daily Bell Ringer Skill Progression (Mon–Thu)
Grade 6 TEKS
1
Parts of Speech & Roles
Nouns/Pronouns • Action/Linking Verbs • Modifiers (Adj/Adv) • Prepositions/Conjunctions
6.10.D.iv, iii, v
2
Complete Subject & Predicate
The Sentence Divide • Actor vs. Action Clues • Front-Loaded Openers • Fragment Repair
6.10.D.i, iii
3
Simple vs. Complete Cores
Isolating Simple Subject • Simple Predicate Verb Phrases • Compound Cores • Bare Kernels
6.10.D.i, ii, v
4
Direct vs. Indirect Objects
Direct Objects (What?) • Indirect Objects (To/For whom?) • IO vs. Prep Phrase • S-V-IO-DO
6.10.D.i, iii
5
Linking Verbs & Complements
The Equal Sign Test • Predicate Adjectives (PA) • Predicate Nouns (PN) • DO vs. Complement
6.10.D.ii, i
6
Sentence Diagramming Mastery
Baseline & Modifiers • Direct Object Dividers • Slanted Complements • Master Blueprint
6.10.D, D.i, D.ii
Master Diagramming Visual Architecture (Reed-Kellogg Blueprint Key) Student & Teacher Reference
1. Subject | Verb (Through): Subject Verb
Cuts through baseline to divide subject & predicate.
2. Verb | DO (Flat Stop): Verb Direct Obj
Stops flat at baseline. Shows DO is inside predicate.
3. Verb \ Comp (Back Slant): Link Verb PA / PN
Slants back ( \ ) to show complement renames subject.
4. Indirect Object (Shelf): Verb (to) IO
Hangs on angled shelf below verb as receiver of DO.
Grade 6 Student Mastery Targets ("I Can" Progression):
Wk 1 (TEKS 6.10.D): I can identify nouns, verbs, modifiers, and prepositions and explain their sentence jobs.
Wk 2 (TEKS 6.10.D.i): I can divide complete sentences into complete subjects and predicates and repair fragments.
Wk 3 (TEKS 6.10.D.i, v): I can extract bare simple subjects and verbs and identify compound cores.
Wk 4 (TEKS 6.10.D.i, iii): I can distinguish direct objects from indirect objects and prepositional phrases.
Wk 5 (TEKS 6.10.D.ii): I can use the equal sign test to identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.
Wk 6 (TEKS 6.10.D): I can diagram simple sentences with subjects, verbs, objects, complements, and modifiers.
Daily Bell Ringer Protocol (Mon–Thu):
Entry Routine: Students complete 1 box immediately at bell (3–5 mins).
Check & Review: 1-minute peer swap or whole-group visual confirmation.
Weekly Tracking: Students log up to 3 pts/day on their single-page handout.
Friday Online Quiz Protocol:
Format: 5 targeted questions administered digitally on your LMS.
Teacher Key: Page 2 of each answer key contains digital questions & rubric.
Target Mastery: 4/5 (80%) demonstrates proficiency on targeted TEKS.
Texas Standards Crosswalk: 19 TAC §110.22(b)(10)(D)(i–v) • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.1
Sentence Architect • Master Guide
Sentence Architect Weekly Quizzes Week 1 Assessment
Friday Grammar Review Quiz
Parts of Speech • Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Modifiers • TEKS 6.10.D
Name:
Score: / 5
Directions: Read each sentence carefully and answer all 5 questions independently. 1 point each
Question 1: Nouns and Pronouns 1 pt
Read: "Jordan brought his camera to the park, and he captured great photos."
A. Write two nouns from the sentence:
B. Which noun does the pronoun "he" replace?
Question 2: Action vs. Linking Verbs 1 pt
Classify each underlined verb as an Action Verb or a Linking Verb :
1. The scientist discovered a cave.
2. The deep cave was dark and damp.
Question 3: Adjectives vs. Adverbs 1 pt
Read: "The gentle breeze blew softly through the trees."
What part of speech is "gentle"?
□ Adjective □ Adverb
It describes:
What part of speech is "softly"?
□ Adjective □ Adverb
It describes:
Question 4: Prepositions and Conjunctions 1 pt
Read: "Carlos walked into the gym, but the game was delayed."
Word: "into"
□ Preposition □ Conjunction
Word: "but"
□ Preposition □ Conjunction
Question 5: Sentence Role Analysis 1 pt
Classify all four labeled words: "The [1] quick [2] rabbit [3] hopped [4] silently."
[1] quick:
[2] rabbit:
[3] hopped:
[4] silently:
Sentence Architect • Week 1 Friday Quiz TEKS 6.10.D • Page 1 of 6
Week 2 Assessment
Friday Grammar Review Quiz
Complete Subject & Complete Predicate • TEKS 6.10.D.i
Name:
Score: / 5
Directions: Demonstrate your understanding of sentence boundaries and complete thoughts. 1 point each
Question 1: Complete Subject 1 pt
Read: "The fearless mountain climbers reached the snowy peak."
Write the entire complete subject (all words):
Question 2: Complete Predicate 1 pt
Read: "Two tiny hummingbirds hovered around the bright red flowers."
Write the entire complete predicate (all words):
Question 3: The Dividing Slash 1 pt
Draw a clear slash mark ( / ) between complete subject and complete predicate:
"A sudden gust of wind extinguished the campfire."
Question 4: Sentence vs. Fragment 1 pt
Look at: "Glided gracefully across the smooth ice."
□ Complete Sentence □ Sentence Fragment
What essential part is missing?
Question 5: Introductory Opener Analysis 1 pt
Read: "Before the first bell, eager sixth graders gathered near the lockers."
What is the complete subject?
Sentence Architect • Week 2 Friday Quiz TEKS 6.10.D.i • Page 2 of 6
Week 3 Assessment
Friday Grammar Review Quiz
Simple vs. Complete Subjects & Predicates • TEKS 6.10.D.i & v
Name:
Score: / 5
Directions: Isolate core nouns and verbs and extract bare kernel sentences. 1 point each
Question 1: Simple Subject Extraction 1 pt
Read: "The ancient Roman gladiators fought bravely in the crowded arena."
Simple Subject (core noun only):
Question 2: Simple Predicate with Helping Verb 1 pt
Read: "Our talented school choir has been practicing every afternoon."
Simple Predicate (complete verb phrase):
Question 3: Compound Simple Subject 1 pt
Read: "Wild lions and leopards hunt quietly in the tall grass."
Compound Simple Subject (two nouns):
Question 4: Compound Simple Predicate 1 pt
Read: "The agile gymnast twisted in the air and landed with confidence."
Compound Simple Predicate (two verbs):
Question 5: Bare Kernel Sentence Extraction 1 pt
Strip all modifiers from: "During the cold morning, three wild deer grazed near the brook."
Write the bare two-word kernel sentence:
[ ] + [ ]
Sentence Architect • Week 3 Friday Quiz TEKS 6.10.D.i, v • Page 3 of 6
Week 4 Assessment
Friday Grammar Review Quiz
Direct Objects vs. Indirect Objects • TEKS 6.10.D.i & iii
Name:
Score: / 5
Directions: Distinguish between direct objects, indirect objects, and prepositional phrases. 1 point each
Question 1: Direct Object Identification 1 pt
Read: "The curious puppy chewed an old leather shoe."
Which word functions as the direct object ?
□ puppy □ chewed □ leather □ shoe
Question 2: Indirect Object Identification 1 pt
Read: "Grandpa built my sister a wooden birdhouse."
Which word functions as the indirect object ?
□ Grandpa □ sister □ wooden □ birdhouse
Question 3: IO vs. Prepositional Phrase Contrast 1 pt
Which sentence contains a true indirect object ?
□ A) "The teacher threw the basketball to David."
□ B) "The teacher threw David the basketball."
Question 4: S-V-IO-DO Pattern Rule 1 pt
Can an indirect object exist in a sentence without a direct object?
□ Yes □ No (You must have a DO to have an IO)
Question 5: Complete Object Breakdown 1 pt
Read: "The neighbor offered Maya a refreshing cold lemonade."
Indirect Object (IO):
Direct Object (DO):
Sentence Architect • Week 4 Friday Quiz TEKS 6.10.D.i, iii • Page 4 of 6
Week 5 Assessment
Friday Grammar Review Quiz
Linking Verbs & Subject Complements • TEKS 6.10.D.ii
Name:
Score: / 5
Directions: Apply the equal sign test to identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns. 1 point each
Question 1: Predicate Adjective Identification 1 pt
Read: "After running ten miles, the marathon athlete felt exhausted."
Predicate Adjective (describes subject):
Question 2: Predicate Noun Identification 1 pt
Read: "Mrs. Alvarez became the new school principal."
Predicate Noun (renames subject):
Question 3: Action Verb vs. Linking Verb Context 1 pt
Classify the verb "tasted" in each sentence:
"The warm pizza tasted salty."
□ Action □ Linking
"The chef tasted the warm sauce."
□ Action □ Linking
Question 4: DO vs. Subject Complement 1 pt
In "The curious toddler found a shiny quarter." , what is "quarter"?
□ Direct Object (DO) □ Predicate Noun (PN)
Question 5: Complement Role Matching 1 pt
"The sunset was magnificent."
□ PA □ PN
"Our uncle is a firefighter."
□ PA □ PN
Sentence Architect • Week 5 Friday Quiz TEKS 6.10.D.ii • Page 5 of 6
Week 6 Assessment
Friday Grammar Review Quiz
Sentence Diagramming Mastery • TEKS 6.10.D
Name:
Score: / 5
Directions: Demonstrate your mastery of Reed-Kellogg diagram line conventions and complete sentence blueprints. 1 point each
Question 1: Subject-Verb Baseline Divider 1 pt
In a sentence diagram, how does the vertical line separating subject from verb behave?
□ A) It stops flat at the baseline.
□ B) It cuts all the way through the baseline.
□ C) It slants backward toward the subject.
Question 2: Direct Object Divider Line 1 pt
How does the divider line before a direct object sit on the baseline?
□ A) It stops flat at the baseline and does NOT cross through.
□ B) It cuts through the baseline.
□ C) It slants forward.
Question 3: Subject Complement Divider Line 1 pt
What kind of divider line separates a linking verb from a predicate noun or adjective?
□ A) A vertical line cutting through the baseline.
□ B) A line that slants backward ( \ ) toward the subject.
□ C) A horizontal dotted line.
Question 4: Modifier Placement Rule 1 pt
True or False: An adverb describing a verb hangs on a slanted line directly below that verb.
□ True □ False
Question 5: Master Sentence Diagram Challenge 1 pt
Fill in the diagram for: "Brave astronauts explored Mars."
[ Subj ] [ Verb ] [ DO ] [ Mod ]
Sentence Architect • Week 6 Friday Quiz (Culminating) TEKS 6.10.D • Page 6 of 6
Sentence Architect Daily Slides WEEK 1 • DAY 1 Nouns & Pronouns: ACTORS & OBJECTS
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Nouns name people, places, or things. Pronouns replace nouns.
💡 Pronouns (he, she, it, they ) prevent repeating the same noun over and over!
Analyze This Sentence:
"Maya searched for her notebook, and she found it in the library."
• Classify all 4 underlined words on Side A of your handout • What noun does "it" replace?
🚫 Watch Out: Make sure every pronoun has a clear actor noun (antecedent)! Day 1
WEEK 1 • DAY 2 Action vs. Linking Verbs: WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Action verbs show physical/mental work. Linking verbs connect subjects to descriptors.
💡 Linking verbs (is, was, were, seemed ) act like an equal sign (=)!
Compare These Two Sentences:
A: "The excited puppy jumped over the fence."
B: "The puppy was playful all morning."
• Classify jumped vs. was on your handout • What descriptor does "was" link to?
🚫 Watch Out: "Was" is not an action—it connects the puppy to playful! Day 2
WEEK 1 • DAY 3 Modifiers: ADJECTIVES VS. ADVERBS
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Adjectives describe nouns (Which one? What kind? ). Adverbs describe verbs (How? ).
💡 Ask the Golden Question: "What specific word is being described?"
Analyze This Sentence:
"The quiet student solved the difficult puzzle quickly."
• Label quiet, difficult, and quickly on Side B • Connect each word to what it modifies!
💡 Tip: Adverbs ending in -ly almost always tell HOW a verb was done! Day 3
WEEK 1 • DAY 4 Prepositions & Conjunctions: PHRASES & GLUE
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A preposition shows position/direction. A conjunction connects words.
💡 Prepositional phrases always start with a preposition and end with an object noun!
Analyze This Sentence:
"The tired hiker rested under the tree and drank cold water."
• Identify the role of "under" vs. "and" • Write out the full prepositional phrase!
💻 Reminder: Week 1 Friday Quiz is completed online tomorrow! Day 4
WEEK 2 • DAY 5 The Great Sentence Divide: SUBJECT VS. PREDICATE
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Complete Subject = all actor words. Complete Predicate = verb + all action details.
💡 The dividing slash mark ( / ) always goes right before the main verb!
Divide This Sentence:
"The energetic track team won the championship trophy."
• Draw the slash mark on Side A • Write out the complete subject and complete predicate!
🚫 Watch Out: Do not leave "The energetic" behind—it belongs to the subject! Day 5
WEEK 2 • DAY 6 Actor vs. Action Clues: WHO DID WHAT?
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Ask: "Who or what does the action?" (Subject). Ask: "What did they do?" (Predicate).
💡 Every single word in the sentence belongs to one of these two halves!
Analyze This Sentence:
"Several hungry raccoons tipped over the heavy trash cans."
• Extract the complete subject and complete predicate on your handout!
💡 Tip: Find the action verb "tipped" first to anchor your dividing line! Day 6
WEEK 2 • DAY 7 Prepositional Openers: THE FRONT-LOAD TRAP
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Introductory phrases telling when or where belong to the predicate!
💡 A subject is NEVER hidden inside a prepositional phrase!
Analyze This Sentence:
"During the sudden storm, our golden retriever hid under the bed."
• Who performed the action? • Identify the complete subject on Side B!
🚫 Watch Out: "During the storm" is part of the predicate because it modifies "hid"! Day 7
WEEK 2 • DAY 8 Sentences vs. Fragments: REPAIRING THE CORE
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A sentence has both subject and predicate. A fragment is missing a piece.
💡 If you read it aloud and ask "Who?" or "What happened?" , it's a fragment!
Repair This Fragment:
"Ran swiftly across the muddy soccer field."
• What part is missing? • Add a complete subject and draw your slash mark on Side B!
💻 Reminder: Complete your Week 2 Online Quiz on Friday! Day 8
WEEK 3 • DAY 9 Isolating Simple Subjects: STRIP THE MODIFIERS
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
The simple subject is ONLY the core noun or pronoun doing the action.
💡 Strip away all articles (the, a) and adjectives to find the lone actor!
Extract the Core:
"The curious young explorer discovered an ancient fossil."
• Write the complete subject vs. simple subject • Which adjectives were stripped away?
🚫 Watch Out: "Young" is an adjective. Only "explorer" is the simple subject! Day 9
WEEK 3 • DAY 10 Simple Predicates: VERBS & HELPING VERBS
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
The simple predicate is the main verb or verb phrase (helping verb + main verb).
💡 Adverbs like loudly, not, never are NEVER part of the verb phrase!
Extract the Verb Phrase:
"The fierce storm was howling loudly through the valley."
• Complete predicate vs. simple predicate • Identify helping verb and main verb!
💡 Tip: "Was howling" is a two-word verb phrase. Drop "loudly"! Day 10
WEEK 3 • DAY 11 Compound Cores: MULTIPLE ACTORS & ACTIONS
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A compound subject has 2+ nouns. A compound predicate has 2+ verbs.
💡 Coordinating conjunctions (and, or ) join the compound elements!
Analyze This Compound Sentence:
"Maya and Lucas washed the dirty dog and dried its fur."
• Find compound simple subject (2 nouns) • Find compound simple predicate (2 verbs)!
💡 Diagramming Link: Compound cores split into a visual "fork" on the baseline! Day 11
WEEK 3 • DAY 12 The Bare Kernel Challenge: STRIP TO THE BONES
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Strip every modifier away until only the [ Subject ] + [ Verb ] kernel remains!
💡 Example: "Three noisy black crows flew away." → [ crows ] + [ flew ]
Strip This Sentence:
"Two frightened kittens scurried under the wooden porch."
• Simple subject • Simple predicate • Write the bare two-word kernel sentence!
💻 Reminder: Complete your Week 3 Online Quiz tomorrow! Day 12
WEEK 4 • DAY 13 Direct Objects: WHO OR WHAT RECEIVES ACTION?
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A direct object (DO) receives the action. Ask: [Verb] + What? or Whom?
💡 Direct objects can only follow action verbs, never linking verbs!
Find the Direct Object:
"The cheerful baker decorated sweet cupcakes."
• What action was done? • Decorated what? (Direct Object core noun)
🚫 Watch Out: "Sweet" is an adjective. The direct object is the noun "cupcakes"! Day 13
WEEK 4 • DAY 14 Indirect Objects: TO WHOM OR FOR WHOM?
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
An indirect object (IO) tells to/for whom. Pattern: Subject + Verb + [IO] + [DO].
💡 The indirect object always sits between the action verb and the direct object!
Analyze This 4-Part Spine:
"Aunt Clara baked Marcus a delicious birthday cake."
• Baked what? (DO) • Baked for whom? (IO) • Complete the 4-part spine on Side A!
💡 Word Order: S-V-IO-DO → Clara (S) + baked (V) + Marcus (IO) + cake (DO). Day 14
WEEK 4 • DAY 15 The Preposition Trap: IO VS. PREP PHRASE
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
An indirect object NEVER has a preposition! "To Liam" is a prep phrase, NOT an IO!
💡 No preposition = Indirect Object. With preposition = Prepositional Phrase!
Spot the Difference:
Sentence A: "Coach Rivera handed Liam the gold medal."
Sentence B: "Coach Rivera handed the gold medal to Liam."
• Which sentence has a true IO? • What is "to Liam" in Sentence B?
🚫 Golden Rule: Never call a phrase starting with "to" or "for" an indirect object! Day 15
WEEK 4 • DAY 16 The S-V-IO-DO Challenge: MASTERING ROLES
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Assign every noun its exact job: Subject (Actor), IO (Recipient), DO (Thing).
💡 In Week 6, the IO sits on a special angled shelf hanging below the verb line!
Analyze This Sentence:
"The friendly librarian handed Sofia an exciting mystery novel."
• Simple Subject • Simple Predicate • Indirect Object (IO) • Direct Object (DO)
💻 Reminder: Complete your Week 4 Online Quiz tomorrow! Day 16
WEEK 5 • DAY 17 The Equal Sign Test: ACTION VS. LINKING
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A linking verb acts like an equal sign (=). If Subject = Word, it is linking!
💡 Try substituting is/was . If it makes sense, it is a linking verb!
Apply the Equal Sign Test:
Sentence A: "The fresh soup smelled delicious." → Soup = delicious?
Sentence B: "The customer smelled the soup." → Customer = soup?
• Classify linking vs. action • Does delicious receive action? No!
💡 Test: Soup = delicious (Linking). Customer ≠ soup (Action + DO). Day 17
WEEK 5 • DAY 18 Predicate Adjectives: DESCRIBING THE ACTOR
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A predicate adjective (PA) follows a linking verb and loops back to describe the subject.
💡 It sits after the verb in the predicate, but points directly back to the subject noun!
Find the Predicate Adjectives:
"The northern winter wind felt bitter and cold."
• What is the linking verb? • Identify the compound predicate adjectives on Side A!
💡 Tip: Bitter and cold describe the wind. Wind = bitter and cold! Day 18
WEEK 5 • DAY 19 Predicate Nouns: RENAMING THE SUBJECT
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
A predicate noun (PN) follows a linking verb and renames the subject noun.
💡 Predicate Noun equation: Subject = Predicate Noun (e.g., Henderson = pilot)!
Find the Predicate Noun:
"Mr. Henderson was an experienced airplane pilot."
• Simple subject • Predicate noun (core noun renaming subject) • Verify equation!
🚫 Watch Out: Pilot is NOT a direct object because "was" does not do any action! Day 19
WEEK 5 • DAY 20 DO vs. Complement Showdown: ACTION VS. EQUAL
Bell Ringer
Sentence Rule
Action verbs take Direct Objects. Linking verbs take Subject Complements.
💡 In Week 6, complements use a backward-slanted line ( \ ) pointing to the subject!
Classify Both Sentences:
1. "The brave firefighter rescued the scared cat." → DO or PN?
2. "The firefighter became a community hero." → DO or PN?
• Check your handout on Side B • Next week: we build complete diagrams!
💻 Reminder: Week 5 Online Quiz is tomorrow! Day 20
WEEK 6 • DAY 21 Baseline & Slanted Modifiers: ARCHITECTURAL DEBUT
Bell Ringer
Diagramming Rule
The vertical line cuts completely through the baseline between subject and verb.
💡 Modifiers hang on slanted lines directly beneath the specific word they modify!
Diagram This Sentence:
"The clever detective searched carefully."
• detective (subject) | searched (verb) • Write words on the diagram lines on Side A!
💡 Tip: "Carefully" hangs below searched because it tells HOW he searched! Day 21
WEEK 6 • DAY 22 Diagramming Direct Objects: THE FLAT STOP
Bell Ringer
Diagramming Rule
The line before a direct object stops flat at the baseline and does NOT cross below.
💡 Stopping at the baseline shows that the direct object belongs inside the predicate!
Diagram This S-V-DO Sentence:
"Hungry raccoons tipped the heavy cans."
• raccoons | tipped | cans • Place modifiers on slanted lines below their nouns!
🚫 Watch Out: Do not cut the DO line through the baseline! Keep it flat! Day 22
WEEK 6 • DAY 23 Diagramming Complements: THE BACKWARD SLANT
Bell Ringer
Diagramming Rule
A subject complement is separated by a line that slants backward ( \ ) toward the subject.
💡 The slant acts like an arrow pointing back to the actor being described or renamed!
Diagram This Linking Sentence:
"The northern wind felt bitter."
• Pattern: wind | felt \ bitter • Draw your backward-slanted line on Side B!
💡 Visual Key: The backward slant ( \ ) proves bitter describes wind, not felt! Day 23
WEEK 6 • DAY 24 The Architect's Masterpiece: THE FINAL BLUEPRINT
Bell Ringer
Culminating Challenge
Assemble all 6 weeks: Simple Subject, Verb, Direct Object, and Modifiers!
💡 You have built every skill needed to blueprint standard English sentences!
Final Master Diagram:
"The hungry puppy chased the ball."
• puppy | chased | ball • Place all three articles and adjectives on slanted lines!
🏆 Congratulations: Complete your Final Unit Quiz online tomorrow! Day 24
Sentence Architect Monitoring Forms Active Monitoring Form • Week 1
Parts of Speech & Word Roles (Days 1–4 • TEKS 6.10.D)
Period:
Date:
Lap 1: Nouns, Pronouns & Verbs (0–90s)
Confirm actors and core actions. Ensure students distinguish action verbs from linking verbs (is, was). Prompt: "Is the word doing the action, or is it the action itself?"
Lap 2: Modifiers & Prepositions (90–180s)
Verify adjectives describe nouns and adverbs describe verbs (how). Confirm prepositional phrases end with noun objects.
Coding Key
L1 = Noun/Verb • L2 = Mod/Prep
✓ Correct • Retry ✗ Reteach
Student Name (24)
Day 1 (Nouns)
Day 2 (Verbs)
Day 3 (Modifiers)
Day 4 (Prep/Conj)
W1 Mastery
Roster
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Daily "Show Call" Candidates Immediate Projection
1. Exemplar (✓): Precise adjective vs. adverb classification
2. Teachable Error (• / ✗): Confusing -ly adverb with an adjective
Prompt: "Why does 'carefully' describe how the action was done rather than what kind of room it was?"
Priority Small Group (Marked ✗) Immediate Action
Students:
Students:
Scaffolds: Word Role Card Modifier Arrow Prep Phrase Box
Sentence Architect • Aggressive Monitoring Protocol WEEK 1 OF 6 • PAGE 1 OF 6
Active Monitoring Form • Week 2
Complete Subject & Complete Predicate (Days 5–8 • TEKS 6.10.D.i)
Period:
Date:
Lap 1: The Slash Divide ( / ) (0–90s)
Confirm slash is drawn directly before the main verb. Ensure all subject modifiers stay on the left. Prompt: "Where does the actor end and the action begin?"
Lap 2: Fragments & Openers (90–180s)
Confirm introductory prep phrases belong to predicate; verify fragment repair has an actor noun. Prompt: "Who performed the action?"
Coding Key
L1 = Slash Divide • L2 = Frag/Opener
✓ Correct • Retry ✗ Reteach
Student Name (24)
Day 5 (Divide)
Day 6 (Actor/Action)
Day 7 (Openers)
Day 8 (Fragments)
W2 Mastery
Roster
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Avg: ____%
Daily "Show Call" Candidates Immediate Projection
1. Exemplar (✓): Slash placed directly in front of main verb
2. Teachable Error (• / ✗): Slashing inside an introductory prep phrase
Prompt: "Why does 'During the storm' tell when the action happened, making it part of the predicate?"
Priority Small Group (Marked ✗) Immediate Action
Students:
Students:
Scaffolds: Actor/Action Test Slash Divider Mat Opener Bracket
Sentence Architect • Aggressive Monitoring Protocol WEEK 2 OF 6 • PAGE 2 OF 6
Active Monitoring Form • Week 3
Simple vs. Complete Cores (Days 9–12 • TEKS 6.10.D.i, v)
Period:
Date:
Lap 1: Simple Subject Extraction (0–90s)
Confirm students isolate ONLY the core noun or pronoun, stripping all adjectives. Prompt: "Which ONE word is the physical actor?"
Lap 2: Predicate Verb Phrases (90–180s)
Verify helping verbs are included (was howling) and adverbs excluded. Check compound cores joined by "and".
Coding Key
L1 = Simple Subj • L2 = Verb Phrase
✓ Correct • Retry ✗ Reteach
Student Name (24)
Day 9 (Simp Subj)
Day 10 (Simp Pred)
Day 11 (Compound)
Day 12 (Kernel)
W3 Mastery
Roster
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Avg: ____%
Daily "Show Call" Candidates Immediate Projection
1. Exemplar (✓): Stripped bare kernel [ kittens ] + [ scurried ]
2. Teachable Error (• / ✗): Leaving an adjective attached to simple subject
Prompt: "Can you hold a 'frightened' or can you hold a 'kitten'?"
Priority Small Group (Marked ✗) Immediate Action
Students:
Students:
Scaffolds: Modifier Stripper Helping Verb Card Kernel Box
Sentence Architect • Aggressive Monitoring Protocol WEEK 3 OF 6 • PAGE 3 OF 6
Active Monitoring Form • Week 4
Direct vs. Indirect Objects (Days 13–16 • TEKS 6.10.D.i, iii)
Period:
Date:
Lap 1: Direct Objects (What?) (0–90s)
Confirm student identifies the noun receiving the action. Ask: "[Verb] + What?" Ensure modifiers (sweet) aren't labeled as the DO.
Lap 2: IO vs. Prepositional Phrase (90–180s)
Confirm IO sits between verb and DO (S-V-IO-DO). Ensure phrases starting with to/for are coded as prep phrases, NOT indirect objects!
Coding Key
L1 = Direct Obj • L2 = Indirect Obj
✓ Correct • Retry ✗ Reteach
Student Name (24)
Day 13 (DO)
Day 14 (IO)
Day 15 (IO vs Prep)
Day 16 (S-V-IO-DO)
W4 Mastery
Roster
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Avg: ____%
Daily "Show Call" Candidates Immediate Projection
1. Exemplar (✓): Accurate S-V-IO-DO extraction with no prepositions
2. Teachable Error (• / ✗): Labeling 'to Liam' as an indirect object
Prompt: "Why does adding the word 'to' turn an indirect object into a prepositional phrase?"
Priority Small Group (Marked ✗) Immediate Action
Students:
Students:
Scaffolds: Prep Trap Card S-V-IO-DO Mat Action Arrow
Sentence Architect • Aggressive Monitoring Protocol WEEK 4 OF 6 • PAGE 4 OF 6
Active Monitoring Form • Week 5
Linking Verbs & Complements (Days 17–20 • TEKS 6.10.D.ii)
Period:
Date:
Lap 1: Equal Sign Test (=) (0–90s)
Confirm test substitution of is/was . Prompt: "Does Subject = Word? If yes, it's linking!" Prevent labeling complements as direct objects.
Lap 2: Predicate Adj vs. Noun (90–180s)
Verify PA describes quality/state (bitter); PN renames person/thing (pilot). Confirm loops back to subject.
Coding Key
L1 = Equal Sign • L2 = PA vs. PN
✓ Correct • Retry ✗ Reteach
Student Name (24)
Day 17 (= Test)
Day 18 (PA)
Day 19 (PN)
Day 20 (DO vs Comp)
W5 Mastery
Roster
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Daily "Show Call" Candidates Immediate Projection
1. Exemplar (✓): Clean Equal Sign check showing Subject = Complement
2. Teachable Error (• / ✗): Calling a predicate adjective a direct object
Prompt: "Why can't 'delicious' be a direct object if the soup didn't do anything to it?"
Priority Small Group (Marked ✗) Immediate Action
Students:
Students:
Scaffolds: Equal Sign Card PA/PN Touch Test Sensory Verb Mat
Sentence Architect • Aggressive Monitoring Protocol WEEK 5 OF 6 • PAGE 5 OF 6
Active Monitoring Form • Week 6
Sentence Diagramming Mastery (Days 21–24 • TEKS 6.10.D)
Period:
Date:
Lap 1: Baseline Divider Rules (0–90s)
Confirm vertical line cuts through between subject/verb; flat stop for DO; back-slant ( \ ) for complement. Prompt: "Does your line cut through, stop flat, or slant?"
Lap 2: Modifier Branching (90–180s)
Verify adjectives hang under nouns and adverbs under verbs. Ensure capitalization matches original sentence.
Coding Key
L1 = Dividers • L2 = Modifiers
✓ Correct • Retry ✗ Reteach
Student Name (24)
Day 21 (Baseline)
Day 22 (DO Line)
Day 23 (Comp Slant)
Day 24 (Master)
W6 Mastery
Roster
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Daily "Show Call" Candidates Immediate Projection
1. Exemplar (✓): Perfect divider lines (through-cut, flat DO, back-slant complement)
2. Teachable Error (• / ✗): Cutting the direct object divider line through baseline
Prompt: "Why does the direct object divider stop flat at the baseline instead of cutting all the way through?"
Priority Small Group (Marked ✗) Immediate Action
Students:
Students:
Scaffolds: Divider Ruler Card Diagram Blueprint Mat Line Rule Checklist
Sentence Architect • Aggressive Monitoring Protocol WEEK 6 OF 6 • PAGE 6 OF 6
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Week 1 Anchor
Word Jobs Toolkit
TEKS 6.10.D Grade 6
• The Golden Rule •
Every single word in a sentence has a job to do!
1. Noun & Pronoun Actor
Noun: Person, place, or thing (detective, library ).
Pronoun: Takes the noun's place (he, she, it ).
Actor → Antecedent = noun replaced
2. Action vs. Linking Verb Bolt
Action Verb: What the actor does (searched ).
Linking Verb: An equal sign (was, is, felt ).
Engine → Action = work | Link = equal
3. Modifiers (Adj vs. Adv) Spy Glass
Adjective: Tells what kind of noun (clever ).
Adverb: Tells how the verb happened (carefully ).
Lens → -ly words usually tell HOW
4. Prepositions & Glue Compass
Preposition: Shows location/time (under, in ).
Conjunction: Word glue (and, but, or ).
Direction → phrase = prep + object noun
Color-Code Your Mentor Sentence: Use Highlighters or Colored Pencils
"The clever detective searched the room carefully."
□ Noun (Yellow)
□ Verb (Pink/Red)
□ Adjective (Blue)
□ Adverb (Green)
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Week 2 Anchor
The Great Sentence Divide
TEKS 6.10.D.i Grade 6
• The Golden Equation •
Complete Subject (Actor) + Complete Predicate (Action) = SENTENCE
Color the Two Halves of the Sentence!
Complete Subject
Who or what? All words describing the actor.
"The energetic track team"
/
The Slash!
Complete Predicate
What happened? The verb plus all details.
"won the championship trophy"
The Fragment Trap
Missing an actor or action? It cannot stand alone!
Broken: "Ran across the field." (Who ran?)
Repaired: "The deer / ran across..."
The Front-Loaded Opener
Introductory phrases belong to the predicate !
"During the storm, our dog / hid."
• Subject = our dog (actor is never in prep phrase)
Journal Try-It: Slash & Decorate! Decorate and shade your dividing slash!
Write a sentence about a thunderstorm and draw a big decorative slash mark ( / ) between the subject and predicate:
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Week 3 Anchor
The Bare Kernel Core
TEKS 6.10.D.i, v Grade 6
• The Kernel Sentence Law •
Strip away all adjectives and adverbs to uncover the bare 2-word kernel!
Crack the Outer Shell to Reveal the Kernel:
Outer Shell (Modifiers to strip away) Articles • Adjectives • Prep Phrases
The curious young explorer discovered an ancient fossil
Bare Kernel Spine: [ explorer ] + [ discovered ]
Simple Predicate Phrases
Includes helping verbs (was howling ), but drops all adverbs (loudly ).
"was howling loudly" → Predicate: was howling
Compound Cores
Two nouns or two verbs joined by and or or .
"Maya and Lucas / washed the dog."
Journal Try-It: Strip Your Sentence! Color your kernel box in bright gold!
Write a sentence packed with adjectives, then write only its bare 2-word kernel inside the box:
Bare Kernel: [ ] + [ ]
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Week 4 Anchor
The Object Delivery Route
TEKS 6.10.D.i, iii Grade 6
• The Delivery Route Equation •
Subject (Actor) → Verb (Action) → Indirect Object (To Whom) → Direct Object (What)
Color the 4 Stops Along the S-V-IO-DO Highway:
1. Subject The Actor
Clara
2. Verb The Action
baked
3. Indirect Obj For Whom?
Marcus
4. Direct Obj Baked What?
cake
PREPOSITION TRAP! Color This Warning Sign!
An indirect object NEVER starts with a preposition like to or for !
✓ True IO (No Preposition): "Coach threw Liam the ball."
✗ Prepositional Phrase: "Coach threw the ball to Liam."
Journal Try-It: Pass the Present! Color the present and recipient!
Write a sentence where someone gives something to a friend using S-V-IO-DO word order:
Actor: _______
Verb: _______
IO: _______
DO: _______
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Week 5 Anchor
The Equal Sign Law
TEKS 6.10.D.ii Grade 6
• The Linking Law •
Linking verbs act like an equal sign (=). They never take direct objects!
Color the Balance Scale: Subject = Complement
[ Subject ] = [ Subject Complement ]
If you can swap in is or was , it's a linking verb!
Predicate Adjective (PA):
Describes the subject.
"The wind felt bitter ." (Wind = bitter)
Predicate Noun (PN):
Renames the subject.
"Henderson was a pilot ." (Henderson = pilot)
DO vs. Complement Showdown:
Action Verb → Direct Object: "Maya painted a mural."
(Maya ≠ mural → mural receives action!)
Linking Verb → Predicate Noun: "Maya became an artist."
(Maya = artist → artist renames Maya!)
Journal Try-It: Run the Equal Sign Test!
Write a sentence with a linking verb and test it: [ Subject ] = [ PA or PN ]
Verification: [ ] = [ ]
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Week 6 Anchor
Architect's Diagram Blueprint
TEKS 6.10.D Grade 6
• The Grand Architectural Law •
Every grammar element has an exact home on the baseline or branches!
Color the 4 Master Line Rules:
1. Subject | Verb (Through-Line)
Cuts all the way through baseline to divide subject & predicate.
2. Verb | DO (Flat Stop)
Stops flat at baseline. DO belongs inside predicate.
3. Verb \ Comp (Back-Slant)
Slants back ( \ ) toward subject to show it renames/describes it.
4. Modifiers (Slanted Branches)
Hang on slanted lines directly beneath the word they modify.
Color the Master Sentence Architecture:
"The hungry puppy chased the ball."
puppy chased ball The hungry the
Journal Try-It: Blueprint Mars Exploration! Color the lines as you fill them in!
Diagram: "Brave astronauts explored Mars."
[ Subj ] [ Verb ] [ DO ]
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