Independent and Dependent Clauses

N Gilsdorf 2018 - 2019

Grammar Lesson for Observation

Pre Observation Document

Grade/Subject:​ Grade 5, Grammar Proficiency Levels:​ Applying

Language Form: ​Discussion and writing Language Function:​ Describing, applying, creating

Essential Questions:
● What is an independent clause?
● What is a dependent clause?
● How do we write complex sentences?

ELD Standards:
Applying – Use content related vocabulary to increase understanding of complex sentences.

Content Objective:
English - 5ELA.1.1 Identify and correctly use prepositional phrases, appositives and​ independent and dependent clauses​;
use transitions and conjunctions to connect ideas.

Language Objectives:
● Students will use grammatically correct vocabulary to describe complex sentences.
● Students will be able to write complex sentences using independent and dependent clauses.

Vocabulary: ​Independent clauses, dependent clauses, comma conjunctions, subordinate conjunctions, relative pronouns,
appositives

Differentiation:
● Teacher models and has students follow creating a complex sentence
● Students practice writing silly complex sentences and share with the class
● Watch ​Khan Academy Clauses​ ​video

Student Engagement:
● Introduce vocabulary, engaging class in using prior knowledge to define independent and dependent clauses.
● Have students read sentences and indicate which part of the complex sentence is independent and dependent and
why (Examples are below)
● Students indicate the significance of the comma in a complex sentence
● Have students practice writing silly complex sentences

Practice:
● Students practice writing silly complex sentences and share with the class
● Student will engage with partners to read their sentences.

Check for Understanding:

● Teacher will review exit tickets of complex sentences
Integration through speaking and writing:
● Volunteer students will read their complex sentences and receive feedback

Demonstrate Proficiency:
● Student will edit spelling sentences to include complex sentences

Extension:
● Extend to appositives in next lesson
● Review comma uses in a mini lesson
● Students will be expected to edit paragraphs and essays to include complex sentences

Technology and resources:

Khan Academy Clauses
The Appositive
English for Everyone: Comma’s

Examples of independent and dependent clauses

Lesson Plan Resources

Teacher talk: Dependent and independent clauses will help you become a better writer, a stronger
writer and a descriptive writer.
Clause:​ A collection of phrases with a subject and a verb
Independent clause:​ a sentence ​(S + V = sentence)
I ate the pineapple I = noun phrase AND ate the pineapple = verb phrase or predicate
Dependent clause: (sentence fragment) ​(S.C. + S + V ≠ sentence) ​can’t be its own sentence,
although it includes a subject and a verb, it can start with a subordinating conjunction.
In informal speech we do use phrases that sounds like sentences, for example, “Because, it was
delicious!” This sounds like a sentences, but in formal writing, it is considered a dependent clause. It
is considered a dependent clause because it begins with ‘because’, a subordinating conjunction.

Commas are used in your sentences to separate dependent and independent clauses.
Comma Conjunctions: ​for independent clauses

And Or For Nor So But Yet

Subordinating Conjunction:​ use with dependent clauses

Because If While Although Unless

Relative Pronouns: ​can introduce a dependent clause

(Behaves like a pronoun and modifies or describes a noun)
● The driver ​who ran the stop sign​ was careless.
​ hose​ ​cat is annoying​.
● I have a friend w

Who Whose Which Whom That Whoever

Relative Adverb: ​can introduce a dependent clause

Where When Why

Comma Mini Lesson Extension

Commas can be used in a variety of ways

Ask students, “What are the ways you know to use comma?”

● To separate a list of three or more items (nouns, verbs, or adjective phrases)

● To separate independent and dependent clauses
● To separate two independent clauses
● To separate essential and non-essential words/phrases
● To separate a quotation from the rest of the sentence
● To separate an introductory element/word from the rest of the sentence
● To separate a name of a city from the country or state
● To separate the day of the week, the day of the month, and the year
Graphic Organizer 1
Independent Clause Conjunction Independent Clause

I want to buy a new jacket, but it is too expensive.

We can go to the zoo, or we can go to the movie.

They like chocolate, but they like vanilla better.

Graphic Organizer 2
Independent Clause comma Dependent Clause

I will buy you a toy if you are good.

She is not old enough to drive because she is only 12 years old.

I will be very happy when I get a new job.

Appositive Extension Example: ​The Appositive

An appositive is a ​noun​ or ​noun phrase​ that renames another noun right beside it. The
appositive can be a short or long combination of words. Look at these appositive examples, all
of which rename ​insect​:
The insect, ​a cockroach,​ is crawling across the kitchen table.
The insect, ​a large cockroach​, is crawling across the kitchen table.
The insect, ​a large cockroach with hairy legs​, is crawling across the kitchen table.
The insect, ​a large, hairy-legged cockroach that has spied my bowl of oatmeal​, is crawling
across the kitchen table.