Syntax Squad Unit Guide Confidential | Teacher Resource
SYNTAX SQUAD UNIT PLAN
California CCSS ELA Alignment: Grade 4 Language Standards (L.4.1, L.4.2)
HQ CASE FILE
Mission Briefing
Welcome to the **Syntax Squad**, an immersive detective-themed unit designed to help 4th-grade students master sentence mechanics. Over five days, students will solve language mysteries, transition from grammar theorists to practical writers, and analyze mentor texts from popular children's literature to build rock-solid complete sentences.
California Content Standards (CCSS ELA)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F
Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons in writing.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization and punctuation when writing.
Weekly Mission Pacing & Roadmap
Day 1
Sentence Spark: Sentences vs. Fragments
Identify subject & predicate cores. Detect and fix fragmented text structures using mentor sentences from *The Wild Robot*.
Day 2
Inquiry Quest: Statements & Questions
Examine declarative and interrogative sentence structures, apply proper punctuation, and map inquiries in fictional contexts.
Day 3
Action Alert: Commands & Exclamations
Explore imperative and exclamatory structures. Craft direct alerts, practice soft/hard exclamations, and alter tone dynamically.
Day 4
Sentence Anatomy: Complete Subjects & Predicates
Dissect complex sentences into their complete naming (subject) and telling (predicate) parts using targeted color-coding drills.
Day 5
Syntax Showdown: Review & Assessment
Synthesize skills in collaborative task card rotations followed by a comprehensive Friday grammar assessment.
SYNTAX SQUAD UNIT PLAN • TEACHER CASE DOSSIER PAGE 1 OF 2
Implementation Strategies
INSTRUCTIONAL PLAYBOOK
Grade 4 Language Arts
Daily Lesson Architecture (60 Minutes)
10 min: Spark
Hook students with a mystery sentence projection on Slide Deck. Spot the bug!
15 min: Teach
Interactive concept instruction with active student responses on boards.
25 min: Practice
Guided practice followed by the daily challenge worksheet (independent/partners).
10 min: Case Closed
Wrap up with the 5-minute Exit Ticket. Check for student mastery.
Squad Differentiation Guide
Support
Visual Cores & Sentence Frames
Use physical color-coding strips (yellow for subject, green for predicate). Provide sentence frames with either the subject or predicate blank to scaffold the building process.
Extend
Author's Voice & Complex Transitions
Challenge early finishers to intentionally write exclamations/commands within their paragraph prompts. Direct them to weave descriptive fragments into dialogue purposely (as mentor authors do).
Center Rotation & Task Card Execution
On Day 5, print the **Syntax Squad Task Cards**. Divide your room into 4 stations:
Station A (Fragment Patrol): Identify and repair broken sentence cases.Station B (Dialogue Masters): Classify dialogue bubbles into 4 sentence types.Station C (Anatomy Lab): Label complete subjects and complete predicates with highlighters.Station D (Creative Lab): Spin a prompt and draft a 3-sentence squad report.
Squad Master's Tip
Always highlight punctuation and capitals as clues. Remind students that fragments are like vehicles missing wheels (either they have no driver—the subject, or they don't move—the predicate). Make it active by letting kids read fragments and fall down when they run out of grammatical fuel!
SYNTAX SQUAD UNIT PLAN • TEACHER CASE DOSSIER PAGE 2 OF 2
Syntax Squad Anchor Charts SQUAD TOOLKIT MISSION: EXCELLENCE
THE SYNTAX SQUAD ANCHOR CHART
Is It a Complete Sentence? (The 3 Golden Clues)
1
WHO OR WHAT?
Has a **Subject** (the star of the show)
e.g., The robot
2
DOING WHAT?
Has a **Predicate** (the action or state)
e.g., opened its eyes
3
MAKES SENSE?
Expresses a **Complete Thought**
e.g., Fully readable!
Anatomy of a Sentence
COMPLETE SUBJECT (The Naming Part)
COMPLETE PREDICATE (The Telling Part)
All the words that tell WHO or WHAT the sentence is about.
The smart, shiny robot ...
All the words that tell WHAT the subject IS or DOES.
... climbed the tall mountain peak.
The Four Sentence Types (Investigator Cases)
1. Statement (Declarative) Ends in .
Tells us information. States facts, details, or stories.
"The squad searched the forest for clues."
2. Question (Interrogative) Ends in ?
Asks a question. Seeks clues or information.
"Did the suspect leave a footprint?"
3. Command (Imperative) Ends in . or !
Gives an order or dynamic instruction. Often has the invisible subject "You".
"(You) Look closely at this clue."
4. Exclamation (Exclamatory) Ends in !
Shows high excitement, extreme emotion, or sudden alarm.
"We solved the mystery of the missing key!"
SYNTAX SQUAD DETECTIVE NOTEBOOK PAGE KEEP THIS DOSSIER HANDY FOR DRILLS
Sentence Spark Slides HQ DOSSIER CASE: DAY 1
SYNTAX SQUAD
SENTENCE SPARK
Mission: Learn how to spot and fix broken sentence fragments. We're rebuilding complete sentence engines today!
MISSION STATUS: ACTIVE DETECTIVE BRIEFING
Slide 1 of 4
The Golden Sentence Core
LESSON: THE TWO CLUES
Clue #1: The Subject
WHO or WHAT?
The naming part of our engine. It tells you the star or object of the sentence.
"The rusty robot..."
Clue #2: The Predicate
DOES WHAT?
The action or telling part. It explains what that subject does or is.
"...opened its glowing eyes."
Combine both clues to make a Complete Thought !
Slide 2 of 4
Drill: Fragment Patrol
CHALLENGE TIME
Identify which option is a Complete Sentence and which is a Fragment :
CASE FILE A ?
Under the tall redwood tree.
Is it missing a Subject, a Predicate, or both?
CASE FILE B ?
The young detective found a map.
Does this express a complete thought?
Write your decision on your mini-whiteboards!
Slide 3 of 4
Mentor Text Spotlight
THE WILD ROBOT
"The robot stood on the high cliff. Wind blew through her joints. She looked at the wilderness below."
— Peter Brown, *The Wild Robot*
Investigation:
Look at sentence #1:
Subject: The robotPredicate: stood on the high cliff
Both components are active. It is a complete sentence!
Now you're ready to tackle your daily mission worksheet.
Slide 4 of 4
Sentence Spark Worksheet Day 1 Mission Worksheet
FRAGMENT PATROL
CASE ID: #04-101
CA CCSS L.4.1.f
Agent Name:
Date:
Mission Objectives:
Identify fragments and complete sentences. Add the missing wheels (Subjects or Predicates) to repair the broken sentences below.
PART 1: Fragment Spotter (Circle Sentence or Fragment)
1. The giant robot climbed up the rocky cliff.
SENTENCE FRAGMENT
2. Swam through the freezing pond water.
SENTENCE FRAGMENT
3. A flock of wild geese in the cloudy sky.
SENTENCE FRAGMENT
PART 2: Repair Depot (Add the Missing Piece)
Rewrite the fragments from Part 1 into **complete sentences** by supplying what is missing (either a Subject or a Predicate).
Repair Fragment #2 (Add a Subject):
Repair Fragment #3 (Add a Predicate):
PART 3: Case File Correction (The Wild Robot Connection)
Read this journal entry inspired by Peter Brown's *The Wild Robot*. It contains **two** broken fragments. Find them and rewrite them as complete sentences.
"Roz the robot stood on the high cliff. Watched the green forest below. A family of playful bears in the bushes. She began to learn the animal languages."
Corrected Sentence 1:
Corrected Sentence 2:
SYNTAX SQUAD • GRADE 4 UNIT 1 MISSION: FRA-1 COMPLETED
Sentence Spark Exit Ticket Day 1 Exit Ticket (Top Copy)
CASE FILE: SPARK CHECK
#04-ET1A
Agent:
Date:
1. Circle whether the following group of words is a complete sentence or a fragment:
"Running quickly across the golden beach."
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
2. Rewrite the fragment above into a complete sentence. (Make sure it has a subject and a predicate!):
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 1 SPARK CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
--------------------- DETACH HERE FOR DUAL PACK PRINTING ---------------------
Day 1 Exit Ticket (Bottom Copy)
CASE FILE: SPARK CHECK
#04-ET1B
Agent:
Date:
1. Circle whether the following group of words is a complete sentence or a fragment:
"Running quickly across the golden beach."
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
2. Rewrite the fragment above into a complete sentence. (Make sure it has a subject and a predicate!):
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 1 SPARK CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
Inquiry Quest Slides HQ DOSSIER CASE: DAY 2
SYNTAX SQUAD
MISSION FILE 02
INQUIRY QUEST
Investigating statements and questions. How do we state absolute facts versus seek critical missing clues?
MISSION STATUS: STATEMENTS & QUESTIONS IN FOCUS
Slide 1 of 4
The Great Inquiry Split
THE RULES OF PUNCTUATION
Statements (Declarative) .
Sharing the Facts
Tells information, details, or stories. Ends with a reliable period.
"Charlotte spun a beautiful web in the barn."
Questions (Interrogative) ?
Seeking the Truth
Asks about information or details. Ends with an active question mark.
"Will Wilbur escape from the barn today?"
Notice the difference in tone and physical end punctuation!
Slide 2 of 4
Literature Clue Hunt
ANALYZING DIALOGUE
Read this conversation between Wilbur and Charlotte. Identify each sentence's purpose:
Sentence A
"Why did you do all this for me?"
Is it a statement or a question? How do you know?
Sentence B
"I woven these words because I like you."
Is it declarative or interrogative? What end mark does it use?
Whisper your answer to your shoulder partner!
Slide 3 of 4
Interactive: Sentence Flipper
TACTICAL DRILL
Let's flip these sentences on their heads!
Flip to Question:
"The spider is writing in her web."
How does the word order change to ask the question?
Flip to Statement:
"Can pigs really talk to spiders?"
How do we restructure this into a direct statement?
Excellent work, squad! Get ready for your independent mission dossier.
Slide 4 of 4
Inquiry Quest Worksheet Day 2 Mission Worksheet
INQUIRY INQUEST
CASE ID: #04-102
CA CCSS L.4.2
Agent Name:
Date:
Mission Objectives:
Analyze the differences between declarative statements and interrogative questions. Add appropriate punctuation and practice flipping structures.
PART 1: Case Clues & Punctuation (Add . or ? and circle type)
Read each sentence inspired by E.B. White's Charlotte's Web . Write the correct punctuation at the end, then circle the type.
1. Wilbur is a very friendly and lovable young pig___
STATEMENT QUESTION
2. Why did Templeton crawl under the wooden trough___
STATEMENT QUESTION
3. Charlotte spun the letters "SOME PIG" into her web___
STATEMENT QUESTION
PART 2: The Inquiry Flip (Convert the Cases)
Flip the sentences. If it is a statement, turn it into a question. If it is a question, turn it into a statement. Keep the content matching!
1. Flip Statement to Question: "Fern visits the barn every single afternoon."
2. Flip Question to Statement: "Will Wilbur win a special blue ribbon at the county fair?"
PART 3: Investigator Dialogue Challenge (Writing Paragraphs)
Imagine you are an investigator visiting Homer Zuckerman's barn. Write a brief 3-sentence report. Your paragraph MUST include:
One Question seeking a missing clue.Two Statements outlining facts you observed.
Write your investigator report paragraph below:
SYNTAX SQUAD • GRADE 4 UNIT 1 MISSION: INQ-2 COMPLETED
Inquiry Quest Exit Ticket Day 2 Exit Ticket (Top Copy)
CASE FILE: INQUIRY CHECK
#04-ET2A
Agent:
Date:
1. Add the correct end punctuation, then circle the type of sentence:
"Are there any messages woven into the web___"
STATEMENT QUESTION
2. Rewrite this statement into an interrogative question:
"The farm animals are sleeping in the warm hay."
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 2 INQUIRY CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
--------------------- DETACH HERE FOR DUAL PACK PRINTING ---------------------
Day 2 Exit Ticket (Bottom Copy)
CASE FILE: INQUIRY CHECK
#04-ET2B
Agent:
Date:
1. Add the correct end punctuation, then circle the type of sentence:
"Are there any messages woven into the web___"
STATEMENT QUESTION
2. Rewrite this statement into an interrogative question:
"The farm animals are sleeping in the warm hay."
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 2 INQUIRY CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
Action Alert Slides TACTICAL BRIEF CASE: DAY 3
SYNTAX SQUAD
MISSION FILE 03
ACTION ALERT
Investigating Commands and Exclamations. Learn to give authoritative directions and capture strong, sudden feelings with punctuation!
MISSION STATUS: ACTIVE EMERGENCY DRILLS
Slide 1 of 4
Imperative: Giving Orders
THE INVISIBLE SUBJECT
What is a Command?
Commands give a direct order, instruction, or request. They usually end with a period, but can use an exclamation mark for urgent commands!
"Look at that footprint."
Who is looking? The subject is the implied, invisible (YOU) !
Examples of Commands:
"Stop the car."
"Show me your badge."
"Please listen carefully."
Remember: Even though it starts with a verb, it is NOT a fragment!
Slide 2 of 4
Exclamatory: Show the Emotion!
PUNCTUATION POWER
Exclamations
These sentences express massive excitement, alarm, fear, or joy. They ALWAYS end with an exclamation mark!
"That is the biggest bear I have ever seen!"
Tone Check
The exact same words can change from a simple statement to an exclamation just by changing the end mark and voice!
Statement: "It is cold." (Neutral)
Exclamation: "It is cold!" (Freezing/Shock)
Punctuation tells the reader's voice how to behave!
Slide 3 of 4
Drill: Command vs. Exclamation
DIAGNOSTIC LAB
Identify which sentence is a Command and which is an Exclamation :
CASE FILE X
"Run back to the shelter before the storm hits!"
Is it giving an order (Command) or just expressing excitement (Exclamation)?
CASE FILE Y
"This survival pack is completely empty!"
Is it giving an order (Command) or just expressing shock (Exclamation)?
Write "Command" or "Exclamation" on your boards!
Slide 4 of 4
Action Alert Worksheet Day 3 Mission Worksheet
ACTION ALERT
CASE ID: #04-103
CA CCSS L.4.2
Agent Name:
Date:
Mission Objectives:
Analyze imperative commands and exclamatory alerts. Identify the implied subject "You" and adjust the punctuation and sentence structure to manipulate tone.
PART 1: Tone Check (Add Punctuation & Circle Type)
Add appropriate punctuation (. or !) at the end of each sentence, then circle whether it is a Command or Exclamation.
1. Open the emergency survival toolkit immediately___
COMMAND EXCLAMATION
2. Oh no, a massive grizzly bear is heading our way___
COMMAND EXCLAMATION
3. Help me lift this heavy fallen redwood branch___
COMMAND EXCLAMATION
PART 2: The Invisible Subject (Rebuild the Commands)
Command sentences have an invisible subject: **"You"**. Rewrite the following commands to include the subject explicitly, making them regular statements.
1. Rewrite the command: "Read the map to find the secret path."
2. Rewrite the command: "Listen to the sound of the birds."
PART 3: Tone Shift Challenge (Punctuation and Word Play)
Take the neutral statement: "We need to find shelter before it starts raining." Now, rewrite it in two different styles to show your absolute mastery over tone.
1. Rewrite as an Urgent Command (Imperative):
2. Rewrite as an Excited Exclamation (Exclamatory):
SYNTAX SQUAD • GRADE 4 UNIT 1 MISSION: ACT-3 COMPLETED
Action Alert Exit Ticket Day 3 Exit Ticket (Top Copy)
CASE FILE: ACTION CHECK
#04-ET3A
Agent:
Date:
1. Circle the correct sentence type and write the correct end punctuation:
"Look at that beautiful shooting star in the sky___"
COMMAND EXCLAMATION
2. Who is the invisible (implied) subject in this command sentence?
"Please pass the binoculars to me."
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 3 ACTION CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
--------------------- DETACH HERE FOR DUAL PACK PRINTING ---------------------
Day 3 Exit Ticket (Bottom Copy)
CASE FILE: ACTION CHECK
#04-ET3B
Agent:
Date:
1. Circle the correct sentence type and write the correct end punctuation:
"Look at that beautiful shooting star in the sky___"
COMMAND EXCLAMATION
2. Who is the invisible (implied) subject in this command sentence?
"Please pass the binoculars to me."
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 3 ACTION CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
Sentence Anatomy Slides LAB BRIEFING CASE: DAY 4
SYNTAX SQUAD
MISSION FILE 04
SENTENCE ANATOMY
Mission: Put on your surgeon's gloves! Today we dissect sentences and split them perfectly into Complete Subjects and Complete Predicates.
MISSION STATUS: SQUAD DISSECTION LAB IS OPEN
Slide 1 of 4
The Complete Subject
THE NAMING PART
Who or What is acting?
The Complete Subject includes the main noun (simple subject) AND all the adjectives and modifiers that describe it.
It's the entire "Who/What" crowd before the action starts!
Dissection Example:
"The clever little brown squirrel gathered heavy walnuts."
The main noun is "squirrel," but the entire descriptive group is the Complete Subject!
Identify all describing words to grab the complete subject block!
Slide 2 of 4
The Complete Predicate
THE TELLING PART
What is happening?
The Complete Predicate includes the main verb (simple predicate) AND all words that follow it (objects, adverbs, prepositional phrases).
It tells the rest of the story!
Dissection Example:
"The clever little brown squirrel gathered heavy walnuts for the cold winter."
The verb is "gathered," but the entire action block is the Complete Predicate!
The predicate starts right at the verb and marches all the way to the end mark!
Slide 3 of 4
Dissection Lab Drill
SQUAD DRILL
Where would you draw the slash / to divide the subject from the predicate?
1 "Our class pet hamster escaped from his wire cage last night."
2 "The bright yellow sun rose high above the California mountains."
Use a physical karate-chop motion in the air when we read the slash!
Slide 4 of 4
Sentence Anatomy Worksheet Day 4 Mission Worksheet
SENTENCE ANATOMY LAB
CASE ID: #04-104
CA CCSS L.4.1.f
Agent Name:
Date:
Mission Objectives:
Dissect sentences into complete subjects (the naming part) and complete predicates (the telling part). Use a slash mark (/) to split the sentence.
PART 1: The Slash Dissection (Draw a / to split them)
Draw a clear vertical line (/) directly between the complete subject and the complete predicate.
1. The sleepy little brown puppy barked loudly at the mail carrier.
2. A glowing spaceship landed quietly in the middle of our soccer field.
3. Several students in our fourth-grade class won the writing award.
PART 2: Underline & Dissect
Underline the Complete Subject once, and the Complete Predicate twice in each sentence.
1. The wise owl sat silently on the tree branch all night long.
2. The old oak wooden box in our attic contains secret letters.
PART 3: Sentence Engine Room (Build Your Own)
Build a complete sentence by supplying the missing engine component.
1. Complete Subject is provided. Write a Complete Predicate:
"The energetic group of four best friends..."
2. Complete Predicate is provided. Write a Complete Subject:
"...quickly solved the mysterious code on the computer screen."
SYNTAX SQUAD • GRADE 4 UNIT 1 MISSION: ANA-4 COMPLETED
Sentence Anatomy Exit Ticket Day 4 Exit Ticket (Top Copy)
CASE FILE: ANATOMY CHECK
#04-ET4A
Agent:
Date:
1. Draw a vertical slash mark (/) to separate the complete subject from the complete predicate:
"The ancient wooden door creaked open slowly in the wind."
2. Write the Complete Subject of the sentence above on the line below:
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 4 ANATOMY CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
--------------------- DETACH HERE FOR DUAL PACK PRINTING ---------------------
Day 4 Exit Ticket (Bottom Copy)
CASE FILE: ANATOMY CHECK
#04-ET4B
Agent:
Date:
1. Draw a vertical slash mark (/) to separate the complete subject from the complete predicate:
"The ancient wooden door creaked open slowly in the wind."
2. Write the Complete Subject of the sentence above on the line below:
SYNTAX SQUAD • DAY 4 ANATOMY CHECK TEACHER SCORING: ______ / 2 PTS
Syntax Showdown Slides SHOWDOWN ARENA CASE: DAY 5
SYNTAX SQUAD
THE CUMULATIVE CONTEST
SYNTAX SHOWDOWN
Mission: Prove your absolute mastery over sentence building, punctuation flippers, and anatomy dissection in our gamified championship review!
MISSION STATUS: SQUAD CHAMPS ON DECK
Slide 1 of 4
Round 1: Fragment Patrol
REVIEW ARENA
The Golden Ticket Checklist
Every complete sentence requires:
Subject (Who/What)Predicate (Does What)Complete Thought (Makes sense!)
Championship Question:
Is "Before the warm bell rang" complete or a fragment?
Why does having a subject and verb sometimes still leave a sentence broken?
Be ready to explain the missing link!
Slide 2 of 4
Round 2: Punctuation Matrix
REVIEW ARENA
.
Declarative
Tells a fact or story details.
?
Interrogative
Asks and seeks new clues.
. / !
Imperative
Gives direct orders to (You).
!
Exclamatory
Shows sudden high emotion.
Which sentence type has the hidden subject "You"?
Slide 3 of 4
Round 3: Dissection Duel
REVIEW ARENA
Crack this final sentence division as a squad:
"The enthusiastic Syntax Squad completed their weekly mission."
Complete Subject:
The enthusiastic Syntax Squad
Complete Predicate:
completed their weekly mission
You are 100% prepared for your Syntax Showdown assessment! Let's conquer it!
Slide 4 of 4
Syntax Showdown Assessment OFFICIAL EXAM
SYNTAX SHOWDOWN ASSESSMENT
CODE: CUMULATIVE-01
CA CCSS L.4.1 & L.4.2
Agent Name:
Date:
PART A: Fragment Patrol / 5 points
Circle whether each group of words is a **Complete Sentence** or a **Fragment**.
1. The small playful puppy in the sunny yard.
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
2. Suddenly popped out of the dark underground burrow.
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
3. The wise fourth-grade teacher graded the quiz.
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
4. Running water through the old pipes.
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
5. Close the metal cage door quickly.
COMPLETE SENTENCE FRAGMENT
PART B: The Four Investigators / 4 points
Add the correct end punctuation (. or ? or !), then write whether it is a **Statement**, **Question**, **Command**, or **Exclamation**.
1. Why did the blue jay fly away so fast___
2. Wow, that is the tallest redwood tree I have ever seen___
3. Read the entire case file before answering___
4. The young investigator discovered a tiny footprint___
SYNTAX SQUAD • CUMULATIVE SHOWDOWN PAGE 1 OF 2
PART C & D • SKILLS DEMONSTRATION PAGE 2
PART C: Sentence Anatomy Lab / 4 points
Draw a vertical slash (/) between the complete subject and the complete predicate. Then underline the **Complete Subject** once.
1. The ancient golden crown sat silently in the museum display case.
2. A pack of fierce timber wolves howled loudly at the full moon.
3. My brilliant older brother repaired our broken laptop computer.
4. The hot yellow air balloon sailed high above the agricultural fields.
PART D: Proofreading & Writing Lab / 7 points
1. Proofreading Challenge (3 pts): Find and rewrite the paragraph below. Correct the two capitalization errors, one punctuation error, and one sentence fragment.
"our squad found the lost treasure. it was hidden under the roots of the tree? In a rusty tin box."
2. Creative Investigator Writing (4 pts): Write a 3-sentence investigator report about a mystery you solved. You MUST write:
Sentence 1: A Statement (Declarative) outlining the location or clue.Sentence 2: An Exclamation (Exclamatory) showing excitement.Sentence 3: A Command (Imperative) directing your squad what to do.
SYNTAX SQUAD • CUMULATIVE SHOWDOWN PAGE 2 OF 2
Syntax Squad Task Cards Active Rotation Stations
SYNTAX SQUAD CENTER ACTIVITY
PRINT & CUT CARDS
Print this sheet and cut along the dashed lines to create **4 massive center task cards**. Students rotate in small teams to complete each station's case study.
STATION A
FRAGMENT PATROL
Your squad has received a damaged report with **three** sentence cases. Determine which cases are active complete sentences and which are broken fragments.
1. Built a giant fortress of pinecones.
2. Wild geese flew south for the winter.
3. In the middle of the deep green woods.
MISSION: IDENTIFY FRAGMENTS & WRITE CORRECTIONS
STATION B
DIALOGUE MASTERS
Read these statements and questions. Copy them on your squad boards and add the missing end punctuation.
1. Is that giant creature friendly
2. The robot slowly opened her eyes
3. Did you hear that sudden noise
MISSION: TRANScribe & APPLY PUNCTUATION (. or ?)
STATION C
ANATOMY LAB
Divide the subjects from predicates. On your lab sheets, highlight the **naming part** (subject) in yellow and the **telling part** (predicate) in green.
1. The golden yellow sun melted the ice.
2. A fast steam train rushed down the track.
3. The smart, brave detective found a clue.
MISSION: DRAW A SLASH (/) & HIGHLIGHT CORES
STATION D
CREATIVE LAB
Your team is reporting an exciting observation! Select one prompt below and write a 3-sentence bulletin using specific styles.
Bulletins options:
• Prompt A: A friendly green alien lands on Earth.
• Prompt B: You discover a secret, ancient gold key.
MISSION: WRITE 1 STATEMENT, 1 EXCLAMATION & 1 COMMAND
CUT ALONG CENTRAL BLACK HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL MID-AXIS SYNTAX SQUAD CENTER GAME
