Sentence Squad Slides Detective Training
SENTENCE SQUAD
Solving the Mystery of the Four Sentence Types
Squad HQ
Your Mission
1
Identify the four types of sentences used in English.
2
Match each sentence type with its purpose and punctuation.
3
Become a master Sentence Squad detective!
THE STATEMENT SPECIALIST
Declarative
Tells a statement or fact.
Ends with a period (.)
Example Case:
"The detective found a fingerprint on the window."
THE QUESTIONER
Interrogative
Asks a question .
Ends with a question mark (?)
Example Case:
"Who left the door unlocked?"
THE BOSSY ONE
Imperative
Gives a command or request.
Ends with a period (.)
Example Case:
"Write down every clue you see."
THE SHOUTER
Exclamatory
Shows strong emotion or excitement.
Ends with an exclamation point (!)
Example Case:
"We finally solved the case!"
Clue Check
Can you identify these mystery sentences? Read them out loud and decide which squad they belong to!
Clue #1
"Where did the thief hide the jewels?"
Declarative
Interrogative
Imperative
Exclamatory
Clue #2
"Please stop that barking immediately."
Declarative
Interrogative
Imperative
Exclamatory
Training Complete
You're ready to start your first case file. Head back to HQ for your worksheet!
Reporting to Squad Leader
Case Files Worksheet Sentence Squad HQ
Case Files: The Four Types
Agent:
Date:
Mission 1: The Codebook
Match each sentence type to its correct definition by writing the letter on the line.
Declarative
Interrogative
Imperative
Exclamatory
A. Gives a command or makes a request.
B. Expresses strong feeling or excitement.
C. Asks a question.
D. Makes a statement or tells a fact.
Mission 2: Evidence Identification
Read each sentence from the detective's notebook. Identify the type by writing D (Declarative), IN (Interrogative), IM (Imperative), or E (Exclamatory) in the box.
Look for the footprints near the back gate.
The suspect wore a bright red hat.
Wow, that was a close call!
Did you find the magnifying glass under the table?
Turn on the flashlight so we can see the clues.
I cannot believe we caught the culprit so quickly!
Mission 3: Field Notes
Now it's your turn. Write one of your own detective sentences for each type.
Declarative
Interrogative
Imperative
Exclamatory
Punctuation Pursuit Worksheet Sentence Squad HQ
Punctuation Pursuit
Agent:
Date:
Alert: Missing Punctuation!
A mysterious hacker has removed all the end punctuation from our case files! Read each sentence, decide what type it is, and add the correct punctuation mark ( . ? ! ) at the end.
Where did you find that mysterious gold key
The detective locked the vault before leaving the room
Look out for the falling ladder
Please hand me the blue folder on the desk
I found the missing ring in the garden
Is that a fingerprint on the silver spoon
Stand back while I open the door
This is the best case we have ever solved
Punctuation Pursuit Log #002
Sentence Squad Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Sentence Squad Guide
Topic: The Four Types of Sentences (4th Grade)
Duration
45–60 Minutes
Level
4th Grade (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F)
Outcome
Identification & Use
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify, define, and create declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences with correct end punctuation.
Mission Steps (Pacing)
1
The Hook: Mystery Voice (5 mins)
Read four sentences aloud with distinct "voice" changes. One as a flat statement, one as a curious question, one as a bossy command, and one with high excitement. Ask students: "How did my voice change for each one?"
Teacher Tip:
Over-dramatize the exclamatory and imperative sentences to help students feel the difference in purpose.
2
Direct Instruction: Slides (15 mins)
Use the Sentence Squad Slides to introduce the four types. Focus on the "Specialist" names:
Declarative: Statement SpecialistInterrogative: The QuestionerImperative: The Bossy OneExclamatory: The Shouter
3
Guided Practice: Clue Check (10 mins)
Work through the "Clue Check" slides together. Have students hold up "signal cards" or use finger symbols (1=D, 2=IN, 3=IM, 4=E) to show their choice before revealing the answer.
4
Independent Work (20 mins)
Distribute the Case Files Worksheet and Punctuation Pursuit. Students can work individually or in "detective pairs" to solve the missions.
Differentiation Strategies
For Support
Provide a "Cheat Sheet" with just the icons and end punctuation. Focus on Interrogative (?) and Exclamatory (!) first, as they are often the easiest to visually identify.
For Challenge
Have students write a short "Mystery Report" (3–5 sentences) that MUST include one of each sentence type to tell a cohesive story.
Squad Keys Answer Key Confidential Answer Key
Squad Keys
Case Files Worksheet
Mission 1: The Codebook
D Declarative
C Interrogative
A Imperative
B Exclamatory
Mission 2: Evidence Identification
IM
Look for the footprints near the back gate.
D
The suspect wore a bright red hat.
E
Wow, that was a close call!
IN
Did you find the magnifying glass under the table?
IM
Turn on the flashlight so we can see the clues.
E
I cannot believe we caught the culprit so quickly!
Punctuation Pursuit
Where did you find that mysterious gold key ?
The detective locked the vault before leaving the room .
Look out for the falling ladder !
Please hand me the blue folder on the desk .
I found the missing ring in the garden .
Is that a fingerprint on the silver spoon ?
Stand back while I open the door ! (or .)
This is the best case we have ever solved !
End of Dossier - For Teacher Use Only
Target Practice Exit Ticket Sentence Squad Training
Target Practice
Agent Name
To earn your Sharp Shooter badge, identify the sentence type for each "target" below. Circle the correct code!
Target 1
"Is the evidence inside the safe?"
D IN IM E
Target 2
"The magnifying glass is on the desk."
D IN IM E
Target 3
"Quickly, catch that thief!"
D IN IM E
Target 4
"Please lock the door behind you."
D IN IM E
Bullseye Bonus
Write one Exclamatory sentence about solving a mystery!
Mission Assessment Complete
