Writing assignments have proven challenging for my son for a variety of reasons, but he has found using graphic organizers and breaking down the task into chunks helpful.
He has also found the exercise of stretching a sentence particularly helpful because it helps him expand his thoughts and ideas into more detailed sentences and longer paragraphs.
While we use this exercise primarily for writing, it can certainly be helpful for speech and talking as well.
So how does this work? Let's find out!
How to Stretch a Sentence
Basically, you take an idea or thought the child has and use the 5 Ws to help expand the sentence into something longer and more detailed. You are essentially prompting them to ask themselves the 5 questions and write some kind of detail that answers each.
For example, the child wants to write about their dog Charlie. We have the who, but let's touch on the other WH questions to expand it further.
- Who? My dog Charlie.
- Doing what? My dog Charlie ran towards a tree.
- When? Yesterday, my dog Charlie ran towards a tree.
- Where? Yesterday, at the park, my dog Charlie ran towards a tree.
- Why? Yesterday, at the park, my dog Charlie ran towards a tree because he wanted to chase a squirrel.
Download the Free Stretch a Sentence Poster & Graphic Organizers
This printable pack includes one stretch a sentence poster with an example. It also includes two stretch a sentence graphic organizer worksheets, one with lines and one without, that your child can fill in. To get your copy of these resources, click the link below.
>> Click here to download the free printable
Looking for More Graphic Organizers?
You'll find even more graphic organizers for reading and writing in the graphic organizers bundle pack.
Click here to get your copy of the graphic organizers bundle pack
